City’s Boards and Commissions Under the Microscope

For the past several months, Lakewood City Council has taken a close look at the city’s boards and commissions.

The idea is to see which ones are working… and which ones aren’t.

Council president Brian Powers said council is examining the boards and commissions to see how they’re working; how they can be improved; and whether they’re still needed at all.

Among those on the chopping block are the dealers license and appeals board (related to local gun regulation) and the fair employment wage board, which hosted its last meeting in 2007. 

Both of those are no longer in operation, and no longer needed.

On Monday, council’s ad hoc committee looked at the Lakewood Animal Safety and Welfare Committee, formed in 2005.

Council members agreed that the committee is active and plays an important role in the community.

“I am satisfied that this committee is working,” said Powers. “They are very engaged. We’re trying to make sure that people who are active remain active.”

City council also recently reviewed the recently formed Tree Task Force — a board the mayor recently created, and it’s not likely going anywhere. Council is also looking at the Youth Commission, Community Relations Advisory Commission and the Keep Lakewood Beautiful board.

“I am afraid there is a presumption as to whether we need these around,” said Ward 2 councilman Tom Bullock at a recent meeting. “I certainly applaud the effort to clean up the code… But I don’t know that I start the conversation that there’s something is broken and needs fixing.”

Powers reiterated that the idea is to see whether there are opportunities to improve the boards and commissions.

“We should clarify what we mean by an advisory board,” said Powers, adding that he believes the role of the boards and commissions is to suggest policy and legislation to council, as well as being liaisons to council. “I’d prefer that the issue they’re working on comes through the docket — whether it’s changing the law or administering funds.” 

“I love citizen involvement. I wish more citizens would get involved.” 

Council is expected to continue is review at upcoming meetings.

“It’s not a thumbs up, or thumbs down,” said Ward 3 councilman Shawn Juris. “We want to make sure we’re making the most-effective use (of boards and commissions).”