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Council rejects ad-hoc appointment to Environmental Policy and Innovation Commission after members cite process concerns
Summary
Mayor Pro Tem moved to have staff draft a resolution appointing Nate Harris to a vacant EPIC seat; several council members objected that this bypassed the boards-and-commissions interview process. The motion failed 2–6 with one excused absence.
During administrative council business Mayor Pro Tem Noble moved that staff draft a resolution to appoint Nate Harris to one of the vacant seats on the Environmental Policy and Innovation Commission (EPIC). Noble said he reviewed the interview memo and believed a seat remained available and that naming Mr. Harris would follow council policy.
Multiple council members objected, saying the motion undermined established council policies (CP 2 and CP 3) and the fairness and transparency of the boards-and-commissions interview process. Council member Trujillo said the move "undermines that process" and stated she would vote no. Council member Guardiola and others echoed concerns about consistency and fairness; Guardiola said, "Consistency, fairness, transparency, that's what builds trust in our community." Council member Dukes urged assuming positive intent but also voted no.
Mayor Pro Tem Noble said he was not acting from personal friendship and that the interview memo indicated an open seat; he argued the motion was consistent with council materials. The motion to direct staff to prepare a resolution naming Nate Harris failed on a roll-call vote, 2–6 (one excused).
