TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
PREPARED BY: Roseann Otis, Office Assistant II - Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT:
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Reorganization - Election of Officers
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RECOMMENDATION
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Elect a chair and vice chair to oversee the formal proceedings of the Parks and Recreation Commission for the period March 2025 through February 2026.
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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 7, 2024, the Parks and Recreation Commission elected Chris Collopy as Chair (Vote: 3-0-1). 3
On March 7, 2024, the Parks and Recreation Commission elected Paul Parker as Vice-Chair (Vote: 3-0-1). 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.
The Murrieta Municipal Code 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 6, 2025. The officers shall hold office from March 2025 up to the first regular meeting in or after February 2026. The chair shall supervise the affairs of the Parks and Recreation Commission and preside at the meetings. The vice-chair shall serve as acting chair in times when the chair is absent, and at such time, shall have the powers and duties as the chair.
Procedure
The chair (or in the absence of the chair, the vice-chair) shall open the floor to receive all 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 position 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 2.32.030 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.” The current chair has served in the capacity of either vice-chair or chair during his current term and is not eligible for re-election. The vice-chair has served in such a capacity for one year in his previous term. Having been reappointed in December 2024 by City Council to serve a second and final four-year term, he is eligible to serve again as either vice-chair or chair if nominated. Commissioners Fernandez, Gilliland, and Hunneman are eligible to serve as either vice-chair or chair.
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: Hunneman, Parker, Wood; Abstain: Collopy; Absent: Akers
4 Ayes: Collopy, Hunneman, Wood; Abstain: Parker; Absent: Akers