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Council debates adding subject‑matter expert seats to Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission
Summary
Mayor Pro Tem McCluskey asked the council to amend commission rules to allow up to two subject‑matter experts (potentially non‑residents) to add fundraising and cultural planning expertise; councilmembers debated voting status, resident preference and the need for a job description and returned direction to staff to draft options.
The council discussed a proposal from Mayor Pro Tem McCluskey to amend University Place policy to allow up to two subject‑matter expert seats on the Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission, potentially filled by non‑residents with demonstrated arts, fundraising or cultural planning expertise.
McCluskey said multiple cities and national arts advisors recommend including outside experts early to help build strategic direction, implement a five‑year cultural plan and support fundraising and grant strategies. She suggested one seat could be a culturalist and another someone experienced with nonprofit fundraising and major event production.
Councilmembers raised several concerns: some urged recruiting University Place residents first and treating external experts as non‑voting advisors or ad hoc technical advisors; others warned against overly specific seat descriptions that might limit applicant pools. Councilmember Figueroa proposed that if outside experts are appointed they should be non‑voting; Mayor Fleming said if the council appoints a commissioner to do the work of the city commission they should have a vote regardless of residence.
Council asked staff and the Mayor Pro Tem to return with a clearer job description, options for voting vs. non‑voting status, and a draft amendment for future consideration. The item was not voted on that night; the council agreed to return the matter for a later vote.
