Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Alexandra P. Davis
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO DIRECT County Attorney’s Office to draft an Ordinance amending provisions related to terms and removal of members of County Advisory boards, Other Boards, and the Tourist Development Council when a new commissioner is appointed or elected. (Commissioner Davis)
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Why Action is Necessary
Direction by the Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) is required for the County Attorney’s Office to draft an Ordinance amending the Broward County Code of Ordinances (“Code”).
What Action Accomplishes
Provides the required direction to the County Attorney’s Office.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Chapter 1-233 of the Code provides that the term of a member of a County Advisory Board or Other Board (as defined in the Code) appointed for a fixed term expires on the last day of that term, and the appointee may be removed only for cause. Similarly, members of the Tourist Development Council (“TDC”) may be removed or replaced only for cause or upon the expiration of their term.
As a result, if an outgoing commissioner nominates or appoints a member near the end of their term, a newly appointed or elected commissioner may be unable to make an appointment to that board for several years, often until the end of the commissioner’s term.
Chapter 1-233 of the Code also provides that where a board member serves without a fixed term, the member is automatically removed six months after a new appointing commissioner takes office. This automatic removal often creates numerous vacancies on County boards while a new commissioner evaluates potential nominees.
This item seeks to direct the County Attorney’s Office to draft an Ordinance amending Chapter 1-233, governing County Advisory Boards and Other Boards, and Chapter 31½, governing the Tourist Development Council, to (i) allow newly elected or appointed commissioners to replace their district’s designated nominee on boards with fixed terms; (ii) align the terms of TDC members with the term of the nominating commissioner; and (iii) provide that newly appointed or elected Commissioners should reappoint or replace sitting board members no later than six-months after taking office; but, if a sitting board member is not reappointed, their term will end on the earlier of: (a) one year after the new appointing commissioner takes office or (b) the date a replacement is appointed.
Source of Additional Information
Yashoda Lochan, County Commission Chief of Staff, 954-357-7007
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
To be determined by the Office of Management and Budget upon presentation of a draft Ordinance.