Boards & Commissions Committee – June 11, 2024

Boards & Commissions Committee Meeting Recap – June 11, 2024

On June 11, 2024, the Boards & Commissions Committee convened a remote meeting, accessible to the public via the city's Virtual Engagement Hub. Led by Vice Mayor and Committee Chair, the meeting focused primarily on appointments and reappointments to various city advisory boards and commissions, ensuring these vital groups have the necessary members to advise on key community issues. No public comments were received during the meeting.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on filling vacancies and reappointing current members across a wide range of boards. The committee approved reappointments for several individuals, including Michael Lussick and Matthew Latom to the Buncombe County TDA, Krista Sinkovic and John Pierce to the Community Entertainment Facilities Commission, Kenneth Armstrong, Joseph Chesler, and Elise Marger to the Multimodal Transportation Commission, and Jay Saunders and Dr. Bruce Eichelheimer for the Noise Advisory Board. New appointments were also made, with Nate Uzynski joining the Audit Committee and Travis Brooks (Duke Energy) and William Joe Moore III recommended for the Board of Electrical Examiners. John Michael Henson and Clifford Holt were also recommended to join the Historic Resources Commission, while Jake Smith and Trevor William Schmidt filled vacancies on the Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Notably, Councilwoman Mosley took a moment to acknowledge and thank Babette Mays for her extensive service as chair of the Neighborhood Advisory Committee.

Beyond appointments, the committee engaged in a brief discussion regarding the qualifications for roles on specialized boards like the Audit Committee, acknowledging the value of considering residents outside the city limits when seeking expertise. A key decision was made to reopen the application process for the Planning & Zoning Commission, citing concerns about deadlines and a desire to attract a broader pool of candidates. Finally, the committee approved a presentation from Stephanie Monson-Dahl regarding a "Summer Leadership Summit" planned for the Planning and Urban Design Department’s boards and commissions, designed to enhance their effectiveness. This summit will take place on July 30th at 11 a.m., and the committee requested a report back on its outcomes and findings following the event.

The committee also voted to cancel their scheduled meeting for July 9th and approved the minutes from their previous meeting on April 9, 2024. All of the board and commission recommendations approved during this meeting will now be presented to the Full City Council for final approval. Residents interested in serving on a board or commission should be aware that the application process will reopen for the Planning & Zoning Commission, and further opportunities may arise as vacancies occur. This ongoing process ensures that our city’s advisory boards remain representative and well-equipped to provide valuable input on the issues impacting our community.