The Programs & Services Committee met on Wednesday, May 20. See the report and meeting video.
Approved
- Appointment of Marc Welch as Commissioner of Parks and Recreation — 7-0. Chief Community Service Officer John Rice praised Welch’s work in previous roles within the department, particularly his development of the Urban Forestry division as the city’s Tree Warden. COO Josh Morse praised Welch’s interpersonal and management skills. Welch said he was honored to lead the department and looks forward to supporting the continued delivery of athletic fields, recreation programs, tree care, and landscape maintenance.
- Review of City Council Rules: Article I, Section 6 “Committee Reports” — Approved as Amended 7-0. This change clarifies that the 180-day requirement to schedule and report on referred items applies only to docket items originating from the City Council or the Mayor. The amended version also allows docket items to be withdrawn by written request from all docketers filed with the City Clerk.
- Review of City Council Rules: Article XII, Section 2 “Composition and Appointment” — 7-0. This change addresses the composition of the Financial Audit Advisory Committee, specifying that the Finance Committee Chair may designate only the Vice Chair (not any other committee member) to serve in the Chair’s place on the Audit Advisory Committee.
- Review of City Council Rules: Article V, Section 5 “Responsibilities at Meetings” — 4-3 (Councilors Baker, Oliver, and Farrell Opposed). This change would rotate the roll call order from meeting to meeting so that the councilor who votes first at one meeting votes last at the next. Supporters argued it would increase fairness and reduce the influence of early voters; opponents said the current alphabetical order is easier to track and the change was unnecessary.
Present: Councilors Krintzman (Chair), Malakie, Oliver, Farrell, Charm, Bixby, and Baker.
Absent: Councilor Micley.
City staff: Marc Welch, Acting Commissioner of Parks & Rec; John Rice, Chief Community Service Officer; Josh Morse, Chief Operating Officer; Miles Starkey, Committee Clerk.