Westbrook, Maine Development News

City Council Reviews Ordinance Updates for Boards and Committees, Recommends Standardizations and Eliminations

The City Council reviewed proposed ordinance amendments to standardize language and clarify the purpose, membership, duties, and scope of authority for various city boards, commissions, and committees. The review aimed to ensure consistency, update outdated language, and improve operational efficiency. Several specific boards were discussed, including the Board of Assessment Review, Board of Trustees of Woodlawn Cemeteries, Fair Hearing Authority, and Library Advisory Board. Recommendations included standardizing term lengths to three years, removing ward-specific representation requirements, eliminating gendered language, and standardizing term end dates to June 30th. For the Board of Assessment Review, a reduction from seven to five members was recommended due to a lack of current members and to ensure better staffing. The Board of Trustees of Woodlawn Cemeteries is recommended for elimination due to duplicative duties and conflicts with existing city council and departmental authority. The Fair Hearing Authority's ordinance language was proposed for clarification, particularly regarding the number of officers and the appeals process, with a focus on aligning with state law. The Library Advisory Committee's ordinance language was noted as recently updated and requiring only minor clerical adjustments. The process for public comment and application for open seats was also detailed.