Commission rethinks city's advisory boards

Leaders agree to change some rules governing the boards. Created in 1950, many haven't reorganized since.

By JENNIFER FARRELL, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published December 17, 2002

CLEARWATER -- In a three-hour meeting Monday, city commissioners took steps to revamp the advisory boards set up to lend them guidance on topics ranging from community relations to the environment.

Taking a cue from sagging numbers and sometimes frustrated memberships, commissioners agreed to tweak certain requirements governing the boards.

"It can be very frustrating to feel like you're not heard," said Vice Mayor Whitney Gray, who went on to assure board members the commission values their advice.

"I want to hear from you," Gray said. "You're like my minitown hall meeting."

Many of the boards were created in 1950 and haven't been reorganized since then, said City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau. Over the years, the boards' missions have occasionally drifted, leaving some members to question their relevance.

"We sometimes feel perhaps we're just wasting staff time," Beautification Committee chairwoman Sally Foote told commissioners Monday. "We need a bigger role, or we don't need to be here."

To address such concerns, the city is planning to step up orientation for advisory board members, providing training in parliamentary procedure and Government-in-the-Sunshine legislation.

Commissioner Frank Hibbard suggested shrinking terms of membership from four years to three, making the commitment less demanding. Commissioners also agreed to allow board members ejected by term limits to reapply after one year, rather than making them wait a full term.

Any board with more than five members will also review whether reducing its numbers would make sense. And the commission also asked its staff to find ways to boost youth participation.

Ordinances require designating members between the ages of 17 and 22, but Goudeau said the city hasn't been able to attract and keep young people on its advisory boards.

Squabbles at the Airport Authority recently prompted commissioners to rename the group the Airpark Advisory Board, which is meant to remind members their role is to counsel, not give direction.

On the other hand, commissioners agreed Monday to expand the role of the Beautification Committee, which Gray labeled "particularly underused."

Instead of working chiefly with the Parks and Recreation Department, the committee should have input on a variety of issues including litter control, beautification grants and streetscaping projects, said Commissioner Bill Jonson.

-- Jennifer Farrell can be reached at 445-4160 or farrell@sptimes.com ">farrell@sptimes.com .

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