Tabled at the 9/5 Lone Tree City Council Meeting was approval of a policy statement regarding appointments to Commissions, Boards and Committees. It's scheduled for the September 16 meeting so people can actually read it if they want to. If not, my synopsis is offered below.
Apparently, rumors are flying about this document. Current volunteers on Committees, Boards and Commissions believe they may be terminated, or worse, term-limited. I'm not responsible for any rumors. Not about this, anyway.
Here's my take.
- Every CBC will have two alternates who are allowed to talk, do work and sit at the table if there are enough chairs. However, they can't vote until they have served for three months and a regular doesn't show up. Even if the real committee member shows up next time, the alternate still gets to vote if there was an official "continuance" of the topic. Four members make a quorum.
- No multiple seats. Pick your committee wisely.
- Openings will be advertised. YourHub.com was not mentioned as a resource, but I'll try to let you know anyway.
- Don't be disruptive, a lawbreaker or absent and you will have priority status for a second term. Not only are felonies mentioned as grounds for dismissal, but there's a morals clause, too. No "actions that adversely reflect upon the city or its appointees." So be sure to thank Staff frequently, just to be safe. No wild parties or chasing ice cream trucks, either.
- You'll be screened by two City Council members then appointed by the Mayor, if you make the grade.
- City Council can kick you off if they don't really like you. "Serves at the pleasure of City Council" is the official phrase, which I find vaguely suggestive. They will especially frown on absences. If you miss 15% of the time, impeachment proceedings start. If your mom is dying or something, they might make an exception. Staff will monitor you through an "attendance matrix." I suggest nicknaming the record NEO for "Non-Exempt Observations."
- All your meetings and communications are public record. See you there.
- Subcommittees must follow rules, too, so no sneaking around.
- If a Council member turns up at your meeting and talks, he can't vote on your presentation. (If he's on your side, tell him to keep his mouth shut.)
- A Lone Tree Staff member will do your agenda and minutes, but there's no guarantee they'll be posted on the website.
- Never forget your copy of
Robert's Rules of Order.
Keep in mind that if you don't continue to volunteer, we're going to have to pay someone, which will require more office space. After all, there is important work to be done. As Sharon Van Ramshorst said in her Council Comments, "Volunteers are valuable."