Editor,
On Feb. 10 the city will be hosting a training session for new and existing members of the city committees. These committees were originally established so that interested citizens could be involved in advising the City Council on community issues, such as housing, environmental protection, parking and historic resources. Having been involved in these committees as a member, advisor and observer, I believe that although training is essential, there are some significant changes necessary to re-energize them and help them achieve their original purpose.
An additional benefit of robust committees would be to attract more of our younger citizens. The current system, in my opinion, discourages their participation due to inefficiencies. The result is that some of those who do volunteer become disenchanted with the system and stop participating.
The following are some suggestions that I believe would help:
- Committee membership should be limited to no more than seven members. A larger number is by its very nature inefficient and cumbersome. If there are not enough applicants, then the committee should be reduced to five members.
- Applicants should be told to expect to work at least 10 hours per month on their committee.
- Committees should meet twice a month since it is difficult to stay on task meeting once a month.
- The City Council should assign specific, achievable, short term projects to each committee. A six to 12 month project will keep the members interested and give a sense of accomplishment upon completion.
- The city staff liaison should guide the committees’ actions by working with the committee chair to ensure that work is on schedule.
- The City Council member assigned as the committee liaison should attend at least four meetings per year to remind the members of their importance to the city.
- Students should be encouraged to participate by offering community work credits for committee participation.
Norm Grossman, Laguna Beach
