Alternative Committee Structure

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Jimmy Flannigan
Posts: 85
Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2017 8:44 am

Alternative Committee Structure

Post by Jimmy Flannigan »

For discussion during work session today, an alternative to Item 34, Exhibit A:

Concepts to aide in the initiation of amendments to City Code relating to council committees and task forces:

Standing Committees:
• Use the Council Strategic Outcomes to create six standing committees:
1. Economic Opportunity and Affordability
2. Mobility
3. Safety
4. Health
5. Cultural and Learning Opportunities
6. Trustworthy Government
• Trustworthy Government will serve as the charter-required Audit & Finance Committee
• Austin Energy would become a meeting during a recessed Regular City Council Meeting, similar to the Austin Housing Finance Corporation

Standing Committee Purpose:
• Discussion around long-term issues and opportunities related to its strategic outcome
• Determining and monitoring indicators related to its strategic outcome
• Review existing and future strategic plans relevant to its strategic outcome
• Synthesize public input taken at relevant commission meetings

Standing Committee Composition:
• Standing Council Committee appointments would be nominated by the Mayor and approved by the Council just as Boards and Commissions appointments are nominated by a single council member and approved by the whole council.
• Each committee would include four members from the City Council
• Each Council Member would serve on at least two committees
• Each committee would select their own chair and vice-chair position
• Committees would include members from City Boards and Commissions that align with the primary strategic outcome. Each Commission would self-select it’s appointee to the committee (except where City Charter prohibits such members)

Standing Committee Meetings:
• Committees would meet bi-monthly and only in the intervening weeks between formal council meetings (would require moving to bi-weekly council meetings). Other briefings and meetings (budget work sessions, department reviews) could also occur in those intervening weeks
• No committee discussion would be permitted on currently posted Council agenda items.
• No public testimony would be taken at committee meetings
• No action would be taken at committees, including no recommendations to the full Council.

Task Forces:
• A temporary task force may be created by resolution through a vote of the City Council.
• A task force will have a limited purpose, connected to at least one strategic outcome, and will include a set duration.
Jimmy Flannigan
Council Member, District 6