TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
PREPARED BY: Roseann Otis, Administrative Assistant - Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT:
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Reorganization - Election of Officers
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Elect a chair and vice chair to oversee the formal proceedings of the Parks and Recreation Commission for the period March 2026 through February 2027.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On May 1, 2018, the City Council provided direction to staff to return at a future meeting and they directed staff to keep two unscheduled vacancies open until the Annual Recruitment in the fall for January terms (Vote: 4-0).1
On May 15, 2018, the City Council introduced Ordinances to add Alternate Commissioners, amended the Commission terms to four years, and adopted Resolution No. 18-3905 that revised Policy No. 100-07 for appointment of Commissioners/Committee (Vote: 4-0).2
On March 6, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Commission elected Paul Parker as Chair (Vote: 5-0).3
On March 6, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Commission elected Robin Gilliland as Vice-Chair (Vote: 5-0).4
BACKGROUND
The Parks and Recreation Commission serves as a vital link between the community and local government, playing an essential role in fostering public engagement, reviewing programs, and shaping policies that enhance the quality of life for Murrieta residents. As stewards of the City’s recreational resources and advocates for community well-being, the Commission ensures that decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the community. In alignment with its commitment to effective governance, the Commission conducts an annual reorganization to select its leadership, furthering its ability to serve the public with dedication and purpose.
Murrieta Municipal Code Section 2.40.050 states that “The Parks and Recreation Commission shall elect a chair and vice-chair from among its members at its first regular meeting in February of each year.” In this case, the first regularly scheduled meeting following February is March 5, 2026. The officers elected at that meeting will hold office from March 2026 until the first regular meeting in or after February 2027. The chair supervises the affairs of the Parks and Recreation Commission and presides at its meetings. The vice-chair serves as acting chair when the chair is absent and, during such times, assumes the powers and duties of the chair.
Procedure
The chair (or, in the absence of the chair, the vice-chair) shall open the floor to receive nominations for chair. Once all nominations have been received, the full Commission will formally elect the chair by motion and vote for each nominee (if more than one) in the order nominated. The candidate receiving a majority vote of the entire Commission shall be declared elected.
The vice-chair shall be elected by the Commission from among its appointed members in the same manner and for the same term as the chair.
Murrieta Municipal Code Section 2.32.030(B) states that, “To provide opportunity for professional growth for all board and commission members, the tenure of board/commission chairs is limited to two years.” This section limits the tenure of chairs of all boards and commissions to two consecutive years, with the option for the body to make a finding of exceptional circumstances to extend service for an additional year. This provision applies specifically to the role of chair and does not restrict service in other officer positions. Service as vice-chair does not count toward the two-year chair limit, and the code does not establish term limits for the vice-chair role. As a result, the Commission may elect any eligible member to serve as chair or vice-chair during the annual reorganization.
The current chair has served in the capacity of chair for one year and is eligible for re-election. The vice-chair seat has been vacated due to the member relocating outside the Murrieta city limits. As there is no service limitation for the vice-chair role, all current board members are eligible for nomination.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
1. Murrieta Municipal Code 2.40 - Parks and Recreation Commission
2. Murrieta Municipal Code 2.32 - Boards and Commissions Generally
Voting
1 Ayes: Gibbs, Long, Seyarto, Ingram; Absent: Lane
2 Ayes: Lane, Long, Seyarto, Ingram; Absent: Gibbs
3 Ayes: Collopy, Gilliland, Hunneman, Fernandez, Parker
4 Ayes: Collopy, Gilliland, Hunneman, Fernandez, Parker