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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. City Council Meeting Minutes( Page 1 of 6 Pages 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 City Council Meeting Minutes/ Page 2 of 6 Pages 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 City Council Meeting Minutes/ Page 3 of 6 Pages 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 City Council Meeting Minutes/ Page 4 of 6 Pages 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, City Council Meeting Minutes/ Page 5 of 6 Pages 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 City Council Meeting Minutes/ Page 6 of 6 Pages