HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 3452
CITY OF PALO ALTO OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
January 22, 2013
The Honorable City Council
Palo Alto, California
Library Advisory Commission Viability Report
In July 2012 Library Advisory Commissioner Noel Bakhtian resigned from the
Commission. The City Clerk Staff recruited, beginning in July, and no
applications were received. Staff recruited again beginning in September
and one application was received.
On October 22, 2012 Council directed Staff to postpone additional
recruitments and report back to the Council regarding the viability of the
Library Advisory Commission.
Excerpt of 10/22/12 discussion regarding the Library Advisory Commission:
MOTION: Council Member Shepherd moved, seconded by Vice
Mayor Scharff to direct Staff to recruit for additional applications
for the Library Advisory Commission.
Council Member Klein said it seemed there was a succession of
people resigning prior to the end of their term dates and there
were fewer applicants for openings. He requested information
regarding the viability of the Commission.
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT
OF THE MAKER AND SECONDER before starting the
recruitment, to request Staff to advise Council on the viability of
the Library Advisory Commission given the reduction in
applicants, and the number of resignations prior to the
completion of their terms.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
On December 3, 2012 the Library Advisory Commission submitted an
informational report concluding that the Library Advisory Commission is
viable. A copy of that report is attached.
Later in December during a discussion regarding Boards and Commissions
recruitment, the Policy and Services Committee asked the City Clerk for a
status on the recruitment. The Committee also indicated the full Council
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should discuss the viability of the Library Advisory Commission. The City
Clerk agreed to return to the full City Council with a report.
The vacancy created by Commissioner Bakhtian’s resignation is still open.
Additionally, three terms are set to end on January 31, 2013. The Municipal
Code allows for commissioners to serve past their term end dates until a
replacement is named. However, if the commissioners are unable to
continue serving, the Library Advisory Commission could have only three out
of seven seats filled as of February 1, 2012.
Staff is requesting the City Council provide direction. Some potential options
for direction include:
Council could direct that the Library Advisory Commission will remain
in its current form. Recruitment for the four vacancies should begin
immediately.
Council could direct that the number of commissioners on Library
Advisory Commission should be reduced. The Municipal Code indicates
that the Commission is composed of seven members who shall be
appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the City Council. The
complete Municipal Code section pertaining to the Library Advisory
Commission is attached. According to the City Attorney’s Office (as
noted on the 12/3/12 informational report) there is no set process for
initiating a change in the number of commissioners. Council may take
action to adopt an ordinance to change the number of commissioners
if desired. Staff could then begin recruitment for the appropriate
number of Commissioners once the ordinance is passed.
ATTACHMENTS:
Informational Report from LAC (PDF)
Municipal Code (PDF)
Department Head: Donna Grider, City Clerk
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