Item 12. Draft Recommendation to Make Changes to Membership in Bylaws — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20240610-xxx (XXX is the agenda item number): Recommended Changes to Membership in Bylaws WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to ensuring that every voice within the city is heard and valued and that all residents have equitable representation in their local government; and WHEREAS, board members appointed by the City Council serve four-year terms, while board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court serve two-year terms, even though both City Council members and County Commissioners are elected for four-year terms; WHEREAS, the 7 Board positions that are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the City Council are all currently nominated by the mayor may not adequately represent the diverse needs and interests of all districts within the City of Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strongly encourages the Austin City Council to modify Section 2-1-170(A) in the City’s Code of Ordinances to increase ATCFPB membership to 17 members, and Section 2-1-170(A)(1) to read “The City Council shall consist of 11 members, nominated by each council member and the mayor and appointed by the city council.”; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the responsible party increase the terms for board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners court to 4 years to correspond to their elected terms. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)