[EQAB-list] "Effective citizen advisory committees can resolve problems"

[Ellen Smith]

An article in the September issue of "Tennessee Town & City" has some
recommendations on local government advisory boards that may be of
interest to EQAB members, particularly as you complete the
sustainability report. See
http://www.tml1.org/pdf/up/2009_sept_21,_2009.pdf - Page 9

In particular, I noted the following:

"Making the recommendations to the governing board

"In most instances, it will be best that the committee submit written
recommendations to the governing board. Oral reports may suffice for
minor issues, but misunderstandings can be avoided if the committee
issues a written final report to the board.

"It is important that each recommendation included in the report be
voted upon by the committee members and that the report reflect the
outcome of such voting. Reporting the outcome of these votes will enable
the governing board to better evaluate the committee’s recommendations.
A 4 to 3 vote in favor of a recommendation may not be as impressive as
one recorded as 7 to 0. When the advisory committee is sharply divided
on any recommendation, it may be advisable to allow a minority report to
be submitted. This is a written statement expressing the views of those
not voting with the winning side. This sort of report can place the
committee’s recommendation to the governing board in a useful
perspective.

"In addition to submitting a written report, the governing board should
insist upon a presentation of the committee’s recommendations at a
public meeting. This is best done after the written report has been
delivered to the governing board and its members have had time to read
it. After the governing board is familiar with the committee’s
recommendations, committee members should be invited to meet with the
governing board to discuss the committee’s findings."

You will also appreciate the following advice to local governments:

"Finally, the committee members should be thanked — both publicly and
with a personal note — for assisting the city. This is an important
detail, especially if the city plans to ask other citizens for similar
help in the future."

Ellen Smith