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Public comment flags low committee reapplications and a newsletter error on dog rules
Summary
During public comment the CAC heard that 15 committee seats will be open this cycle, with eight incumbents reapplying and seven not reapplying; members also asked staff to correct an item in the city 'Champion' newsletter that suggested only Sunrise Park allows dogs despite city policy allowing dogs at most parks.
At the start of the meeting a resident and long-time volunteer, Paul Wilcox, told the Citizens Advisory Committee that the upcoming committee recruitment will leave seats unfilled unless outreach improves. "There were 15 available openings, not not counting alternates," Paul said, and he reported that "eight incumbents reapplied, seven incumbents did not apply or reapply," leaving two brand-new applicants and several expected vacancies.
Committee members discussed outreach approaches—expanded poster campaigns, outreach to local businesses that are allowed to serve on some committees, and working with local outlets such as the Gresham Outlook—to broaden the applicant pool. Staff confirmed the city recorder maintains a long-term spreadsheet of committee membership that can inform outreach and transparency.
Shortly after, members raised a separate but related concern about the city’s Champion newsletter. A passage in the newsletter read that "Sunrise Park is the only city park that allows dogs," and that the city receives numerous calls about unleashed dogs. Committee members said that statement conflicts with recent council decisions and updated park signage (members noted an off-leash area near Columbia Park/Imagination Station) and asked how newsletter submissions are fact-checked. Staff said Kelly Graham in the city’s administration collects submissions and that the usual remedy is to contact her to request a correction or a social-media notice.
Why it matters: The recruitment shortfall could limit committee capacity and diversity; members emphasized clearer application guidance and public transparency about selection criteria. The newsletter error illustrates a communications gap the committee said it wants staff to address so residents receive accurate, current information.
Next steps: Committee members recommended (1) checking the city recorder’s applicant history and publishing selection process guidance on the city website, (2) contacting Kelly Graham to request a correction and (3) increasing outreach to businesses and local media ahead of the selection committee meeting on May 19.
