Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Freeport council names liaisons to boards and commissions; split vote on historical commission
Summary
The council approved a slate of liaison appointments to city boards and commissions and voted 3–2 on a contested Historical Commission/Main Street appointment; several other liaison nominations passed by voice vote.
The Freeport City Council appointed members to serve as liaisons to city boards and commissions and resolved several related nomination procedures.
Staff noted turnover on the council required fresh liaison assignments under the city code. Council conducted motions and voice votes to assign representatives: Planning & Zoning (previously Councilman Matamortis) and others were addressed in sequence; nominations for Economic Development Corporation, Board of Adjustments and Parks & Recreation were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
A contested nomination for the Historical Commission and Main Street board generated more debate. A motion to appoint Mr. McDonald to that position carried 3–2 after discussion about incumbency and ward representation. One councilor said the nominee's ward connection made him "a good asset there," while another councilor noted long service by the incumbent and urged sensitivity to vested experience.
Council also discussed procedural details for appointing volunteers to boards and whether nominees must appear in person when being considered. Several council members criticized a recent rule that required nominees to attend meetings in person; one member called the idea of forcing volunteers to miss vacation ‘‘ludicrous’’ and urged removing that requirement. Others said in-person presentations help inform votes.
Next steps: staff will incorporate the council’s direction about nominee attendance and appointment procedures into draft revisions of the relevant resolution for future consideration.
