HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 01.26.2011 CC-SThe City Council of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met in Regular Session on the above date with Mayor
George Garver presiding.
City Council Subcommittee Meeting to Appoint Board & Commission Members
Mayor George Garver convened the City Council Subcommittee to appoint members to the Boards &
Commissions at 1:13 PM. Williamson Country staff reporter Scott was in attendance.
Garver noted the alphabetical listing of 78 applicants as a new tool for Council to keep track of individuals
being appointed to committees. He noted that some boards have unbalanced terms after reviewing the
board member database, and he called attention to the document identifying how to re -balance the boards
Garver informed Council of the two volume application set, differentiated by arts or infrastructure, due to
the increasing community interest and thus the complexity of the appointment process.
Garver asked Assistant City Secretary Rachel Saucier to introduce the differentiation between the
volumes, and she explained the organization of each book.
Garver began the discussion by reviewing last years process of looking at who's terms are ending, who
has reapplied, and what vacancies are available. He added that if no consensus is reached during the
first round of application review, Council can set the position aside to address later.
Garver opened appointment process with the Animal Shelter Advisory Board in Volume I. Garver asked
and Saucier responded by identifying the documents included for the Animal Shelter Advisory Board. She
noted the eligibility for board service, how appointments are made through the Code and Charter
instructions of a recommendation by the Mayor with approval of a majority of Council, the roster with
eligibility for reappointment, an attendance sheet with total number of absences and meetings throughout
the year, an applicant spreadsheet with three board choices and vacancies, and the individual applications
and resumes.
Sansing said that there are no excused absences as Council has previously discussed.
Sattler arrived at 1:20 P.M.
Garver noted that Council should give consideration to applicants first indicated preference. Saucier
noted the suggested appointments worksheet highlighting eligible members applying for a second term.
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Garver asked Council if Treuter and Simpson are acceptable candidates for reappointment. Eason
replied that both Treuter and Simpson are very good, committed members and should be reappointed.
Garver noted two additional seats remain to be filled. Eason commented on Albanese's activities through
Georgetown Animal Shelter include volunteer & fundraising efforts. Mayor commented that in previous
years, it has been desirable to have a Southwestern representative on the board. He noted
Hobgood-Oster's Southwestern experience and demonstrated work with the Shelter. Eason
recommended Hobgood-Oster. Mayor noted Horne has attended many Council meetings and has
experience with rescuing golden retrievers including rehabilitation and interviews adoptive families. Meigs
commented that the three recommended applicants appear to be quality candidates. Eason noted her
preference is for Hobgood-Oster and either Albanese or Horne because she does not know them.
Berryman noted that the experience of the shelter volunteer is important for a member sitting on the
board. Sansing added that inviting applicants to interview would provide Council an opportunity to to visit
with the candidates. Sattler agreed and suggested inviting Albanese and Horne to interview. Garver
indicated that staff recommended Hobgood-Oster and Albanese for service on the Animal Shelter Board.
Berryman and Eason agreed that the staff recommendation should be considered, and Meigs agreed to
accept staff recommendations. Ross added his acceptance of staff recommendations. Sattler
commented that Horne is very dedicated, and Garver identified vacancies on Planning and Zoning
Commission. Berryman concurred that Horne could be great on Planning and Zoning. Berryman and
Sattler confirmed that Horne has been active in Sun City, the Kiwanis group, and has done a great job.
Eason added that Horne's application also indicated that he would be pleased serving on Planning and
Zoning. Council confirmed that Treuter and Simpson would be reappointed to a second term. Garver
asked Council which terms are preferred for the new members and Council agreed Hobgood-Oster would
fill a two-year term, and Albanese would fill the one-year term with an opportunity for two additional two
year terms should she be interested in reapplying.
Garver introduced the Arts and Culture Advisory Board, and asked Saucier to brief Council on the details
of this board. Saucier indicated the direction for representation from the arts community including
Georgetown I.S.D. and Southwestern; however, she noted the difficulty in recruiting participants from
these backgrounds. She noted that there are quite a few coming off the board and four have applied for
second terms. Sattler commented that Baker, Bassi, Lange, and Proesel could be reappointed, and
Sansing commented that Bassi has missed five of twelve meetings and is disqualified. Berryman noted
that Bassi had a serious personal issue to attend to but is able to continue serving. Sansing reiterated that
she has missed five of twelve meetings, so she is not eligible to continue. Saucier informed Council that
staff initially recommended reappointing Bassi because she was a good member; however, her continued
absences called for their revised recommendation to deny reappointment. Council accepted staff
recommendations and explanation regarding attendance.
Ross recalled from last years appointment process that Chairmen should be keeping track of absences
and when someone fell below the 75% attendance mark, Council should be informed and a replacement
should be found for members unable to meet the attendance requirements. Sansing, Berryman, and
Eason agreed that attendance records must be updated and reviewed throughout the year. Garver noted
that each board has a secretary, and Eason noted that the staff liaison should be responsible for informing
Council of attendance problems.
Garver commented that Baker, Lange, and Proesel could be reappointed, and Saucier confirmed staff
recommendations in favor of reappointment. Berryman evaluated the first choice applicants for the Art
Board. Sattler and Berryman recommended Betty Jukes due to her involvement in the arts community.
Berryman and Ross agreed that Jukes has the experience and connections as well as a great background
in the arts community in addition to her fundraising experience. Garver accepted Jukes as a choice for
one vacancy. Meigs mentioned Levesque's experience with art galleries as a former museum curator.
Berryman and Sattler also commented that Levesque has the right experience for this board. Garver
shared the staff recommendations of Still with connections to Southwestern and Levesque. Berryman
noted the Levesque curator experience would be very helpful for the city since she has the background
and has made a living in the arts. Ross clarified that Jukes and Levesque would round out the Arts Board.
Saucier confirmed that the Arts Board appointments consist of Baker, Lange, Proesel, Jukes with a
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two-year term, and Levesque with a one-year term.
Garver asked Saucier to introduce the Library Advisory Board with three vacancies and restrictions.
Saucier noted that Sensabaugh has reapplied. Eason noted Courtin has four absences from nine
meetings, and Ross indicated that Courtin must be removed due to absences. Meigs and Berryman
noted SensabaughIs perfect attendance. Garver informed Council needs to fill two seats. Ross
commented that he knows Harkey. Garver asked and Berryman responded about her preference for
Harkey and Karp due to their experience. Ross asked and Council agreed that Karp and Harkey be
appointed to two-year terms based on the vacancies.
Garver introduced the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board, and Saucier identified the restrictions on
position for the Board with two available seats. Saucier noted that Gipson is applying for a second term,
and Benold is eligible to serve because she completed her last term in February 2010. Eason asked
about the eligibility of Vessel's position as a local attraction representative. Garver and Berryman
accepted the appointment of Gipson. Garver noted that Benold placed the Convention and Visitors
Bureau Board as her first and only choice and no other candidates listed this board as their first choice.
Council agreed that Benold is the best candidate.
Garver opened the conversation for the Main Street Advisory Board, and Saucier introduced the unique
features of the board including four vacancies with one member applying for a second term. Berryman
asked, if there are no objections, Council reappoint Jimenez. Ross noted Truxillo put Main Street as her
first choice and has worked hard on the block -walking with the winery initiative. Berryman noted Urban
put Main Street as her first choice. Garver accepted the reappointment of Jimenez. Sattler
recommended Coburn, and Berryman agreed. Berryman suggested Truxillo and Urban, and Council
agreed. Ross noted his hope that the new appointments will create stability on the board.
The Economic Development Advisory Board was introduced by Saucier as having three vacancies with
three reapplying members. Berryman noted their good attendance, and suggested reappointing the
members. Eason and Council agreed.
Berryman suggested reappointing Marler to the Georgetown Economic Development Corporation for his
second term. Eason inquired about Mader's presence on both boards, and Berryman responded that law
requires a representative serve on both boards. Meigs confirmed the reappointment of Kurtz, Bryan, and
Marler. Sansing inquired about James Scott Rankin, and Council noted his experience as a builder.
Berryman noted his development experience.
Saucier introduced the General Government and Finance Subcommittee as an expanded, continuing
committee that now is open to two citizens -at -large. Saucier noted that Ross, Eason, and Meigs are
currently serving. She continued that the By -Laws are being reviewed by the Legal department and will be
coming to Council for review in a few months. Garver noted that two members need to be selected.
Sattler noted that this was the last open board in Fought's list. Eason noted Nelia Schrum, and voiced her
vote for Schrum and Stanley. Meigs mentioned that Pondrom is an excellent candidate. Sattler indicated
his vote for Fought and Brainard. Meigs commented that this committee's inclusion of citizens is intended
to get new people in the pipeline. Sattler and Berryman agreed. Sansing indicated preference for Fought,
Pondrom, or Schrum. Sansing shared his preference that council members not participate on the boards
and commissions. Ross disagreed and indicated his preference for someone with technical skills who will
challenge assumptions on this committee. Ross reviewed Fought's credentials, and Garver noted he
recently finished the Citizen's Academy. Sansing noted Fought has a good mind but no specific financial
background. Sattler, Berryman, and Ross agreed that Fought would be a great candidate. Meigs
identified Pondrom as a candidate with his extensive experience in city and county government. Ross
reviewed Pondrom's resume and educational background. Meigs noted Stanley's great experience and
resume. Ross indicated his preference for accounting and finance experience. Sansing noted his
preference for Fought and Pondrom. Berryman noted her preference for candidates with financial
background which limits the choice to Pondrom and Brainard. Meigs and Eason noted that financial
backgrounds are not mandatory for considering a candidate. She continued that the Subcommittee is
both general government and financial. Council considered Schrum as a candidate. Eason and Meigs
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said it sends the wrong message to the community by putting a former council member on this board at
this time. Eason noted Schrum and Pondrom as qualified candidates who will challenge assumptions.
Ross noted his review of the applicants is in terms of hiring for a job with a need for qualifications and
willingness to ask the right questions. Berryman suggested choosing Fought and Pondrom due to their
background. Ross agreed to appointing Fought. Berryman likes Schrum's credentials but thinks she's
more PR oriented, and Eason suggested finding another place for Schrum on another board. Eason,
Meigs, and Sansing support Pondrom and Fought. Ross stated his support for Fought. Sattler indicated
Fought and either Pondrom or Schrum as his preferred candidates. Garver clarified that Fought and
Pondrom are the selected candidates, and Council noted consensus to place Schrum on another
assignment.
Garver introduced the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Sansing called attention to Pollard's three
absences out of seven and indicated she should not be reappointed. Saucier noted staff comments on
attendance for the Parks board, and Ross indicated his understanding of attendance as cut and dry.
Ross, Sansing, and Eason concluded that you either make the meeting or not. Sattler knows John
Hesser.
Sansing and Sattler noted a Hesser family connection to parks department. Eason asked and Saucier
responded regarding staff recommendations on attendance. Sansing inquired about leadership on the
Parks board in light of the upcoming projects. Sattler recommended John Hesser based on his efficient
work in Sun City on the horticulture patch and the efficient use of money to create a great space. Garver
agreed with the excellent work Hesser did in Sun City. Sansing agreed to appoint Hesser. Berryman and
Sattler agreed that Houck be reappointed. Garver noted Warisi's dedication to the City. Meigs noted
Warisi leadership in the Ranger program. Sattler noted Warisi's experience as an engineer and his
extensive volunteer experience. Eason inquired about assertive members to work on fundraising and
grant writing, and Sattler responded that Hesser has done great work fundraising. Garver and Sansing
noted Jim Hailey's experience and passion for the parks department and bird watching. Sansing asked
and Council confirmed that the parks appointments will include Hailey, Hesser, Warisi, and the
reappointment of Houck.
Council transitioned to the second volume containing the infrastructure boards, and Garver opened the
discussion on the Airport Advisory Board. Berryman inquired into the attendance of Buchanan and Perry,
and Council confirmed that their attendance was not sufficient to continue service. Ross inquired as to the
validity of the attendance reports, and Saucier informed Council that she reviews attendance records with
staff liaisons prior to the final report. Berryman and Sansing indicated preference for Buz Landry. Garver
introduced Morgan and Williams as reapplying, and Saucier indicated staff recommendations supporting
their reappointment. Saucier confirmed that Buchanan and Perry are removed due to attendance.
Sansing reiterated the mandatory 75% attendance at meetings. Berryman noted possible choices of
Fruge, due to his military service, and Simpson. Sansing called attention to Ritter' and McLean's resume
and experience. Garver asked Council and Meigs indicated preference for Fruge with his Fort Hood
connections or Ritter due to his experience. Sansing, Ross, and Berryman indicated preference for Ritter.
Sattler confirmed the reappointed Morgan and Williams and new appointees Landry and Ritter.
Berryman introduced the Building Standards Commission. Saucier informed Council of Krause's recent
appointment to fill a vacancy, good attendance, and positive staff recommendation.
Ross inquired and Eason responded that Building Standards reviews condemnation and safety issues.
Sansing added that the commission meets as needed, and they were very active with building codes.
Eason noted the Georgetown Transportation Advisory Board, and Saucier indicated the requirements for
this board include a Planning and Zoning member. She suggested moving to Planning and Zoning
appointments prior to the Transportation Advisory Board. Sansing asked about the by-laws, council
membership, and specifically the fulfillment of Transportation Enhancement Corporation liaison seat on
the Advisory Board. Sansing noted that a Corporation liaison will need to be appointed in May to the
Advisory Board since he will not longer be serving as a Council member. Council discussed council
membership on the Advisory Board.
Garver asked Council to move to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Saucier introduced the four
vacant seats on the primary board and identified the three commissioner -in -training seats. Garver and
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Sansing indicated that Brashear shall be the Chairman of Planning and Zoning. Saucier asked about Pell
being moved up from the commissioner -in -training seat. Garver asked and Berryman noted John Horne's
participation in the Citizen's Academy. Eason agreed that Horne could be appointed. Council commented
on Paul's experience in other municipal commissions. Garver indicated Paul, Horne, Brashear, and Pell
as appointees. Berryman and Sattler agreed that Horne be placed as a voting member. Ross verified
that Montgomery would be reappointed, and Garver noted the remaining appointees. Berryman noted
Lindsey's request for commissioner -in -training and his volunteer activities in the community. Eason and
Berryman agreed Rankin could also serve as a commissioner -in -training. Eason noted that Lindsey and
Paul asked to serve as commissioners -in -training. Sansing clarified that the membership shall include
reappointing Montgomery, moving Brashear to the Chairmanship, moving Pell up, adding Horne, Paul,
Lindsey, and Rankin as commissioners -in -training. Council clarified that Brashear will be Chair on
Planning and Zoning, and he can drop off the Zoning Board of Adjustment to not overburden him.
Council began discussion regarding the Georgetown Transportation Advisory Board. Sansing noted that
Brashear could fill that seat as the liaison from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Ross asked and
Sansing discussed Brashear appointing an alternate to the Advisory Board. Saucier read the by-laws and
restrictions on positions for the Transportation Advisory Board. Garver and Sansing discussed the intent
of dual membership on commissions is to have a knowledgeable members serving in both capacity's, but
Code requirements seek to limit multiple memberships of individual members.
Council discussed the attendance policy in relation to council members and citizen members. Eason
noted that council is a limited number of individuals serving on a large number of committees. Eason and
Sansing made the argument that the committees are intended for citizen input in the political process, and
it could be considered to limit council membership on committees if not required by law. Berryman
indicated that the elected representative status of council members is important for boards dealing with
finances and planning. Garver added that council members deserve recognition for their busy schedules
and the large number of responsibilities attended to as city officials. Eason noted that the citizens
applying for the boards are volunteers and are indicating they will make the board service a priority. She
added that in the past, attendance policies were instituted because of serious problems with absences
and the inability of boards to reach a quorum. Eason continued and Berryman agreed that Council
implemented term limits and attendance requirements to enable the boards to carry out business. Meigs
argued and Ross agreed that board meetings should be held after regular office hours to enable all
members to attend. Berryman agreed that new after hours meetings could better address attendance.
Ross indicated that meeting times should be addressed by their board members to ensure appropriate
attendance. Garver added that council members are the only ones accountable to the electorate and their
presence on the dias gives validity when Council votes due to the essential perspective of the elected,
representative members.
Council opened the discussion on the Georgetown Transportation Enhancement Corporation, and two
eligible applicants submitted applications for second terms. Council confirmed the reappointment of Kelly
and Painter to the Corporation.
Berryman identified the availability on the Utility System Advisory Board. Sattler and Sansing noted that
Nett should remain on the Board. Saucier noted staff recommendations, and Ross identified attendance
issues of Quinn. Meigs and Berryman noted Quinn's excellent experience and service but acknowledged
his busy business schedule caused too many absences. Sansing suggested and Berryman
acknowledged that Lindsey should be removed from the Planning and Zoning commissioner -in -training
seat and added to the Utility Advisory Board. Meigs, Ross, and Eason accepted the recommendation of
Lindsey for the Utility System. Council confirmed that Nett, Lindsey, and Yaeger will be the appointees for
the Utility System Advisory Board. Sattler and Berryman noted that Quinn has excellent expertise and
they regret the loss of his service. Meigs suggested that Quinn could serve at a later date when his
schedule permits.
Garver introduced the Housing Advisory Board, and Saucier identified the vacancies on the board. She
continued that there is an absence of a Habitat of Humanity applicant, and Garver asked for Saucier to
contact the Habitat organization for a recommendation. Ross identified and Council confirmed that Todd,
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Pergl, and Woodard would be the appointees to the Housing Advisory Board.
Garver opened the discussion on the Historic and Architectural Review Commission. Saucier
noted that there are three new seats for commissioners -in -training. She continued that Firth and
Rapp are reapplying. Berryman noted Blankenship as a candidate. Council discussed the
applicants that have already been appointed to other committees. Ross and Meigs indicated
preference for Blankenship. Council discussed the advantages of having commissioners -in -
training, and Ross noted in his early service that voting would sometimes be necessary due to
absences of members preventing quorum. Council agreed that it is important to have
knowledgeable citizens in training to fill the ranks of the boards when needed. Garver and
Sansing noted that it is important to fill voting membership seats prior to training seats. Sattler
inquired about Schrum to serve on the Historic and Architectural Review Commission. Garver
asked that Saucier contact Schrum to see if she would be available to serve on this committee.
Berryman noted that this Commission has specialized restrictions on position. Berryman
requested an update on membership requirements identifying the specialized experience needed
on the board. Sansing noted that this commission was created out of the Historic Overlay, but he
thinks the by-laws are suggestions. Berryman suggested and Garver acknowledged that there
will be follow-up on this commission after speaking with Schrum and reviewing the details of
membership.
Ross identified the remaining applicants eligible for appointment to a board. Garver moved to the
Zoning Board of Adjustment. Sansing asked about the deadline and Saucier responded that
there were last minute vacancies, so recruiting continued past the original deadline. Ross
reviewed Pope's application, and Garver suggested Council review the unappointed applicants to
fill remaining vacancies. Sansing suggested Council reappoint Crawford to continue service on
the board, and Garver suggested reappointing Crawford. Council noted that Brashear is serving
on Planning and Zoning but there could be an alternative liaison to sit on the Zoning Board of
Adjustment. Eason and Berryman noted the need for independent thinking and fairness on this
board. Sattler suggested Bickle based on his legal experience.
Garver noted that Friday afternoon at 1:00 P.M., Council will meet again to review the
recommended appointments. He continued that Council should review suggestions made, review
the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and review a list of the committee chairs to be appointed.
Eason asked about the Historic and Architectural Review Commission commissioner -in -training
seats, and Ross suggested we continue advertising for volunteers. Sattler suggested we review
the remaining applicants to possibly fill the vacancies. Eason asked if Paul could serve on
Historic and Architectural Review Commission, but she wants to determine the eligibility
requirements for the commission. Berryman suggested contacting Stanley for the Zoning Board
of Adjustment. Council requested contacting Stanley, Bickle, and Crawford for the Zoning Board
of Adjustment.
Garver adjourned the meeting at 3:50 P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 03:50 PM.
Attest:
0
Mayor Teorge Garver Assistant City Secretary Rachel Saucier
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