Res 021-2015 2/17/2015Resolution No. 21-2015
Resolution repealing Resolution 175-98, adopted December 1, 1998,
in its entirety and substituting therefor the following resolution
establishing policies for appointments to the City Boards,
Commissions and Advisory Groups
WHEREAS, Resolution 175-98 was adopted in 1998 by the City Council to provide
greater opportunities for citizens to participate on City Boards, commissions and other advisory
groups; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to facilitate the administration of th e appointment
process; and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable to repeal Resolution No. 175-98 and adopt new rules and
regulations concerning appointments to City boards, commissions and advisory groups.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1. The following rules and regulations concerning City boards, commissions,
and advisory groups are hereby adopted:
I. Publicizing Vacancies and Openings
Vacancies and openings on City boards, commissions an d advisory groups will
normally be publicized through the news media and by other means for 30 to 60 days prior to
the time that a vacancy or opening must be filled. Along with apprising the general public of
such vacancies and openings, additional informa tion relative to the duties and responsibilities
of the affected board, commission or advisory group shall be provided.
II. Nominations
Persons wishing to seek appointment to a City board, commission or advisory group
may be so considered through:
1. Self -nomination
2. Recommendation by a local group or organization
3. Recommendation by the affected City Board, commission or advisory group or
any member of those bodies
4. Recommendation by the City Manager
5. Recommendation by the Mayor or any members of the City Coun cil
6. Nomination or recommendation by other means.
All nominations and recommendations shall be submitted on application forms provided
by the City and must be received within announced acceptance dates. Upon request,
assistance will be provided in completing application forms.
Nomination does not guarantee appointment. Appointment authority rests with the
Mayor and City Council as prescribed by resolution, ordinance or other applicable statue or
enactment.
III. Appointment
In making appointments to City boards, commissions, and advisory groups, the Mayor
and City Council shall:
1. Consider the interests, experience, knowledge, talents, abilities and other
qualities and qualifications of nominees for the vacancies or openings to be
filled; and
2. Attempt to make such appointments as will make the City’s boards,
commissions and advisory groups representative of all segments and elements
of the populace of the City of Wichita Falls; and
3. Make appointments without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex or natio nal
origin.
IV. Appointee Oath
Unless the ordinance, resolution or statute which created or governs a particular board,
commission or advisory group contains provisions to the contrary, the following shall apply.
At the first board, commission or advis ory group meeting attended subsequent to
acceptance of appointment, an oath to serve the public’s best interest shall be administered to
new appointees. The oath shall be administered by either the City Council liaison or City Staff
representative assigned to the respective board, commission or advisory group.
V. Attendance
Unless the ordinance, resolution or statute which created or governs a particular board,
commission or advisory group contains provisions to the contrary, the following shall apply.
Appointment to a City board, commission or advisory group carries with it the
responsibility and obligation to attend and participate in meetings. Those appointees who miss
three (3) consecutive meetings or who attend so infrequently as to indicate a lack of interest or
inability to serve on a particular board, commission or advisory group may be replaced by the
Mayor and City Council.
VI. Terms of Appointment
Unless waived by the Mayor and City Council, no appointee shall serve more than six
(6) consecutive years, including service as an alternate member, on a particular board,
commission or advisory group . Time of service by a member appointed to fill the remainder of
a vacant term or a partial term for a new board which is shorter than the standard ter m length
established for that board shall not be considered against the limitation of six (6) consecutive
years. These limits shall apply only where existing law or ordinance does not specify limits to
terms of service on City boards.
Each position on each particular board, commission or advisory group shall be
designated by place number to facilitate the administration of the appointment process, e.g.,
Place 1, Place 2, etc. Each incumbent shall serve until such time as a successor is appointed .
The intent of this policy is to afford greater opportunities for citizens to participate on City
boards, commissions and advisory groups and to periodically infuse those bodies with fresh
ideas and thinking. Consideration may be given to re -appointment of a former appointee (who
has already served six consecutive years) upon expiration of a period of time equal to one full
term on the pertinent board, commission or advisory group.
VII. Administrative Procedures
The City Manager is hereby authorized to prepare a nd implement such forms,
procedures and other instruments as are deemed necessary to carry out the policies set forth
herein.
SECTION 2. Resolution No. 175-98 dated on December 1, 1998, is hereby repealed.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 17th day of February, 2015.
________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
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City Clerk