City of Alexandria, Virginia
MEMORANDUM
DATE: DECEMBER 2, 2015
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend and Reordain Section 12-2-1 to Reduce the Membership of the Alexandria Community Services Board from Sixteen Members to Twelve Members.
BODY
ISSUE: Membership of the Community Service Board (CSB).
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance (attached) which will (1) reduce CSB membership from 16 to 12 members, (2) eliminate the requirement that the CSB have a licensed physician member, and (3) increase the proportion of CSB members identified as consumers or family members from one-third to one-half of the proposed 12 member CSB on the first reading on Tuesday, December 8, and set it for a public hearing, second reading and final passage on Saturday, December 12.
DISCUSSION: The Community Services Board (CSB) voted to change the composition of the Board to increase its efficiency, accountability and productivity. The proposed changes include:
(1) Reducing the CSB membership from 16 to 12;
(2) Eliminating the requirement for a CSB member to be a licensed physician; and
(3) Increasing from one third to one half the appointments to the Board identified as consumers or family members of consumers.
The smaller size of the board is proposed in order to increase the committed engagement of CSB members and will increase the accountability of CSB members. Elimination of the physician seat is proposed due to the difficulty of keeping the seat filled. The increase in consumer and family members on the Board will provide a stronger voice from those who need and benefit from the services of the Board.
FISCAL IMPACT: There would be no fiscal impact associated with this ordinance change.
ATTACHMENT: Proposed Ordinance
STAFF:
Kate Garvey, Director, Department of Community and Human Services
Suzanne Chis, Deputy Director, DCHS & Executive Director, Alexandria Community Services Board
George McAndrews, City Attorney