A new agenda item has been added for tonight's meeting. That is setting a policy that people who want to be on boards have to fill out an "interest" form. There were objections to the word "application" at the worksession last Thursday.
While it is not the most pressing matter for the city, it is an interesting issue.
For a few years people have had to fill out one of these forms. The setting of a policy was brought up by commissioner Dotty Smith.
She, and Mell Kuhn both used the forms when they were mayor. Last year Mayor Jay Warren used them some. Current Mayor Patrick McDonald does not use them much and doesn't like the idea.
These boards range from things like beautification board, building trades board to even the zoning and board of appeals. The city has had difficulty at times getting people to serve, and have also had difficulty when there were people who just wanted to be on a board and it was hard to oust them even though they would not show up for meetings.
There are two sides to this. One is that "having to" fill out an application does create some consternation ... and could discourage people. It is a volunteer post with no pay and no glory, so having to "qualify" in some way is kind of a turnoff.
On the other hand, filling out forms is a way for the city to build up a list of people who might be willing to serve at a later date, and to determine just who is interested. This would be a way for people to let the city know they are interested in getting involve, and could open it up to more people.
Another aspect is that the Mayor gets to make the appointments. One of the few perks of the job. The commission has to approve - or not - the appointment - but it is the mayor that holds the key. I guess there are two or more sides to that as well.
Meeting is at 7 p.m. today.
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