HomeMy WebLinkAbout04. Delete-Combine Committees
AGENDA MEMO
DATE:
March 9, 2010
TO:
Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk
SUBJECT:DELETING AND COMBINING CERTAIN BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council delete the Cable TV Citizens Advisory Committee and direct staff to prepare an
Ordinance deleting the Health & Environmental Sanitation Committee, Traffic Committee, and Water
Board and creating a new Public Services Committee.
DISCUSSION:
The Cable TV Citizens Advisory Committee was formed by Council action in 1980. They meet on an
“as needed” basis, have not met in several years, and currently have three of five appointments
vacant. Since deregulation of the Cable TV industry, the City has lost most of its regulatory authority
regarding Cable TV franchises. There no longer seems to be a need for this Committee.
TheHealth and Environmental Sanitation Committee was created by City Council action in 1957 with
a purpose to: “deal with issues related to the promotion of a more beautiful, healthy and safe
environment for the citizens of Downey”. Of the 10 appointed positions, 4 are currently vacant. They
only meet four times a year and those meetings are frequently cancelled due to a lack of agenda
items. This Committee would be better served by its duties being incorporated into a more active
Committee.
TheTraffic Committee was created by Ordinance No. 62 in 1957 with a purpose to: “make
recommendations on all matters that require Council approval to the safe and proper regulation of
traffic …”. Since creation, many traffic related regulations, such as the setting of speed limits, must
comply with specific State laws. This Committee meets monthly, but frequently cancels meetings due
to a lack of agenda items. This Committee would also be better served by its duties being
incorporated into a more active Committee.
TheWater Board was created by Ordinance No. 241 in 1964. Its purpose includes: “make
recommendations concerning personnel, budget, contracting, purchasing, rate structure, expansion of
existing water service, and acquisition of additional water facilities”. Since creation in 1964, several of
their duties are no longer applicable and are pre-exempted by other regulatory authorities. They meet
every other month, with meetings also cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.
By deleting these 3 related committees and creating a new Public Services Committee, matters will be
addressed more timely, and there will be increased efficiency of the Committee in making
recommendations to the City Council. When the Ordinance is brought back for introduction, the
specific duties can be addressed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There will be cost savings by the reduction of staff time devoted to the existing four Boards and
Committees.
Att: Roster of Boards, Committees and Commissions
CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA