Agenda Date: 10/14/2025
Subject:
Title
Review of boards & commissions focus and protocols
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Colleen L. Norton, City Clerk |
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Presentations: |
Colleen L. Norton, City Clerk |
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|
Mike Gent, Deputy City Manager |
PURPOSE:
At council’s 2025 retreat, Council asked that staff review the city’s various boards, commissions, and committees and report on annual workplans and progress for the year.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
The city currently has 11 council-appointed bodies.
*South Metro Housing Options (SMHO) and the Littleton Downtown Development Authority (LDDA), as autonomous boards, are not included here.
|
Name |
Primary Function and Longevity |
Purpose/Description |
Seats up for reappointment in 2026 |
|
Appeals & Adjustment Commission |
Quasi-Judicial / Ongoing |
Authorized to review building code issues and make decisions on matters concerning the suspension and revocation of licenses arising under the Uniform Building Code. |
2 |
|
Arts & Culture Board |
Advisory/Ongoing |
Provides policy advice to council on the issues of art, culture, and tourism; encourages and supports the growth and expansion of culture and arts in the community; and fosters a vibrant, collaborative, and creative Littleton where arts and culture are defining features of the community’s identity and unique character. |
4 |
|
Capital Improvement Sales Tax Board |
Advisory/Ongoing |
Provides input to city council on the use of revenues as a result of 2021 Ballot Issue 3A <https://www.littletonco.gov/Government/Departments/City-Clerk/Elections/2021-General-Election/2021-Ballot-Issue-3A>. 5 (appointed from existing B&C) |
|
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Charter Review Committee |
Advisory/Term-limited |
Convened by Council to comprehensively review the City’s Charter and recommend possible changes to be included on upcoming ballots. |
N/A |
|
Election Commission |
Advisory/Ongoing |
Required by the City’s Charter. (Board rarely meets) |
2 |
|
Environmental Stewardship Board |
Advisory/Ongoing |
Provides input to City Council and staff on natural environmental stewardship priorities for the community. |
3 |
|
Historical Preservation Commission |
Quasi-Judicial/Ongoing |
Recommends policies, rules and regulations relating to historic preservation. Recommends buildings and sites for landmark or other local historic designation status. |
2 |
|
Licensing Commission |
Quasi-Judicial/Ongoing |
Makes decisions on matters related to liquor licensing and marijuana establishments. |
1 |
|
Next Generation Advisory Board |
Advisory/Ongoing |
Supports the city’s vision statement with recommendations, suggestions, and feedback on matters of City policy that directly impact the attraction and retention of young residents and employees. |
4 |
|
Planning Commission |
Quasi-Judicial/Ongoing |
Responsible for reviewing and making recommendations on master plans, land annexations and initial zoning, flood plain designation, rezoning proposals and new subdivisions. |
2 |
|
Transportation & Mobility Board |
Advisory/Ongoing |
Provides insight to City Council on transportation, mobility, and multi-modal issues both in Littleton and the region. |
3 |
In February of 2025, 56 interviews were scheduled to fill 23 vacancies; 15 of the interviews were with members applying for reappointment to their current board.
As part of the protocols considered tonight, Council may wish to amend the application review and interview process to streamline the process, especially regarding reappointments. Our Charter only states that “all boards and commissions shall be appointed by the Council”, while our City Code, 2-2-3(B)(3) allows that “The City Council shall establish an applicant review and selection procedure for each of the boards and commissions and shall conduct all discussions in open session. The review process may vary from year to year and from board to board depending upon the needs and desires of the City Council.”
BACKGROUND:
In December of 2023, staff presented to council on potential consolidation and consistency of council appointed bodies, whereby naming conventions for like-focused bodies, number of members, and reporting by bodies to Council were streamlined to provide for more clarity.
Staff liaisons have worked with these bodies to provide updates via memo to Council on a somewhat regular basis while other boards are scheduled for annual joint-study sessions with Council. Each body has submitted Workplans for Council’s review.
Prior Actions or Discussions
2023 Council Retreat - council requested that staff conduct a review of all ABCs for consistency and potential consolidation opportunities.
December 5, 2023 - staff presented potential areas for improvement to board and commission consistency in areas including naming convention, number of members, bylaws and charters, etc.
February 6, 2024 - Passage of Ordinance 02-2024 amend the City Code related to Boards and Commissions.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests council’s consideration of the options above and provide direction on which, if any, changes they would like to direct at this time, and those it would like to consider further at a future meeting. Changes requiring an update to the city code will be brought back to council by ordinance with the first reading tentatively scheduled for January 16 and the second reading on February 6.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council may direct staff to prepare documents to adopt some or all of these considerations; or council may direct staff to gather additional information or conduct further research to be presented at a follow-up study session.