ITEM TITLE*
title
Consider Modifying the Advisory Board Membership Policy regarding interviewing semi-autonomous board applicants.
presenter
RESPONSIBLE STAFF, TITLE, DEPARTMENT*
Brenton Hodge, Assistant Town Clerk, Town Clerk Office
STAFF RECOMMENDATION*
That the Council discontinue the interview process for semi-autonomous board applicants.
body
ACTION/DECISION POINTS*
Council must approve the resolution to amend the Advisory Board Membership policy to remove the interview committee step from the appointment process.
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT*
Typically, advisory boards review member applications and may meet or interview applicants prior to making a recommendation for Council appointments.
In 2014 and 2019, the council approved an interview process for the four semi-autonomous boards (Board of Adjustment, Community Design Commission, Historic District Commission, and Planning Commission). The timing for this process has proven difficult, and Council Members proposed eliminating this requirement. This resolution allows the Council to take that action.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution
A RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION TO MODIFY THE ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERSHIP POLICY REGARDING INTERVIEWING SEMI-AUTONOMOUS BOARD APPLICANTS (2025-06-11/R-9)
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2014 <http://chapelhill.granicus.com/MinutesViewer.php?view_id=21&clip_id=2049&doc_id=abaf092e-faa1-1031-b922-6bad25aefadb> the council decided to interview applicants for the Planning Commission, and Community Design Commission prior to making appointments; and
WHEREAS, on October 30 2019, the council added the Board of Adjustment and Historic District Commission to the applicant interview process; and
WHEREAS, the Council wants to discontinue that process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council amend the Standing Advisory Board Membership Policy to remove paragraph 5 from the “Appointment Process” subsection, as follows:
One of two Council subcommittees will interview the applicants to the Board of Adjustment, Community Design Commission, Historic District Commission and the Planning Commissions prior to appointments being made to those boards. Using a Council approved rubric <https://www.townofchapelhill.org/home/showpublisheddocument/52582/638028912631800000> to identify the candidates that best meet the Council’s interests for that board, the subcommittees will recommend applicants for full Council appointment. In addition to the rubric, the subcommittees will provide minutes of their meetings reflecting the interviews and recommendations.
This the 11th day of June, 2025.
end