Subject
Introduction of an Ordinance to amend Chapter 4 of the Rockville City Code entitled, Arts and Cultural Affairs," Article II, "Cultural Arts Commission," Section 4-17, "Members," so as to modify the length of term of appointment for members of the Cultural Arts Commission
Recommendation
Introduce the ordinance.
Change in Law or Policy
The ordinance would change the term of future appointments or reappointments to the Cultural Arts Commission from two years to three years.
Discussion
In the fall of 2008, the Mayor and Council formed a workgroup to look at various issues related to the City's Boards and Commissions. The group, chaired by Councilmember Marcuccio, consisted of thirteen residents of Rockville. Ten of the members of the workgroup were either current or past members of one of the City's Boards or Commissions.
The workgroup met on December 10, 2008 and January 21 and February 23, 2009 to develop a list of recommendations. The recommendations were presented to the Mayor and Council at a worksession on May 18, 2009, at which time direction was given to proceed to implement the recommendations.
One of the recommendations was to modify the lengths of terms of several of the Boards and Commissions, primarily for purposes of consistency. In particular, it was recommended that those groups with two-year terms, including the Cultural Arts Commission, be changed to three year terms.
Mayor and Council History
This is the first time this item has been brought before the Mayor and Council.
Public Notification and Engagement
The workgroup that recommended the changes consisted of thirteen members. Most of the members were either current or former members of one of the City's Boards and Commissions. There were also some community members. All meetings were open to the public. Articles about the work of the group appeared in Rockville Reports and the Gazette.
Boards and Commissions Review
After the recommendations were presented to the Mayor and Council on May 18, 2009 and direction was given to proceed, the City Clerk notified the staff liaisons of each of the Boards and Commissions as to the nature of the forthcoming changes. Each liaison was asked to inform the chairpersons and members of their group. The City Clerk also met with the staff liaisons on June 24 to review the changes.
Next Steps
Assuming that the ordinance is introduced on September 21, adoption of the ordinance would take place on October 12. Any appointments or reappointments taking place after October 12 would reflect the provisions in the ordinance.
Attachments
Ordinance
Department Head:
Claire Funkhouser, City Clerk/Treasurer
Approved on: 09/11/2009
Assistant City Manager:
Jenny Kimball, Assistant City Manager
Approved on: 09/11/2009
City Manager:
Scott Ullery, City Manager
Approved on: 09/11/2009
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