Administration - Cathy Sorensen, City Clerk
Title
2023 Board and Commission Mayoral Appointments
Executive Summary
Council is asked to appoint the 2023 board and commission members.
Background
The Council reviewed 14 applications for various vacancies and conducted 8 interviews for the Planning Commission vacancies specifically. In addition, Council consensus during a recent workshop was to reappoint all members of the Natural Resources Conservation Board and Park Advisory Board for one year while consideration of merging the two boards continues. After much consideration, the Mayor will announce appointments for the following vacancies, after which the full Council, by motion, will confirm:
Natural Resources Conservation Board
Dottie McKinley 3/24 At Large
Kristen Genet 3/24 At Large
Sarah Filipi 3/24 At Large
Mary Jo Truchon 3/24 Ward 3
VACANCY 3/24 Ward 2 (formerly Chair Perkins)
Applicants: Douglas Gramstad, Feyeso Ombe, Nick Phelps, Ken Anderson - remaining applicants offered appointment as adjunct members
Park Advisory Board
Hellen Keraka 3/24 Ward 1
VACANCY 3/24 Ward 3 - formerly Commissioner Reyerson
VACANCY 3/24 Ward 3 - formerly Commissioner Walsdorf
Applicants: Amanda Neubert, Amanda Van Buren, Feyeso Ombe - remaining applicants offered appointment as adjunct members
Planning Commission
VACANCY 3/26 Ward 2 - currently Commissioner Gorzycki
VACANCY 3/26 Ward 3 - currently Commissioner Olson
Applicants: Bradley Smith, Feyeso Ombe, Gebi Tufaa, Ken Anderson, Michelle Rice, Mike Brandt
Traffic Commission
VACANCY 3/26 Ward 1 - currently vacant
VACANCY 3/26 Ward 2 - currently vacant
VACANCY 3/26 Ward 3 - currently vacant
Applicants: Feyeso Ombe, Mike Brandt
Charter Commission
8 vacancies
Applicant: Ken Anderson
Fire Board
Appointments pending new application period/interviews
The structure of the City’s boards and commissions was originally outlined in city code or by resolution, including number of members, terms, ward representation, etc. In 2020 Council removed the board/commission structure from code and established a council policy instead to allow for flexibility in the future. The appointment process itself has varied since the 1990s and is based on the current council’s direction. Some councils wished to interview all applicants, including incumbents, some wished to interview only new applicants, while some did not elect to interview at all. Staff believes flexibility is important in order to meet the current council’s wishes. If a more structured appointment process is desired staff can certainly outline that in more detail in an amended council policy prior to the next appointment cycle.
Strategic Plan Relationship
As advisory bodies, board and commission members relate to all facets of the city’s strategic plan as their work is an integral part to decision-making by the city council.
Board/Commission Review
N/A
Financial Impact
Financial impacts include a small stipend for meeting attendance by members and staff time as liaisons supporting each board or commission.
Public Outreach/Input
Advertisement for board/commission positions was published in the official newspaper and City newsletter and posted on the city’s website and all social media channels. Based on Council input staff will review additional avenues for advertising positions going forward.
Staff Recommendation
Mayor to announce board/commission appointments for 2023-2024, after which council, by motion, should confirm. The city extends its thanks to all board and commission members, past and present, for their service to the residents of Blaine.
Attachment List
None