THE BOULDER BULLETIN

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Published on the first Monday of each month by Bob Yates, Boulder City Council

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Where the real work gets done
 By Bob Yates
 

    Far removed from the exhausting late-night City Council public hearings, from the Daily Camera headlines and editorials, from the ribbon-cuttings and the angry emails, the real policy work of the City of Boulder is performed behind the scenes by more than 100 dedicated residents, serving on 23 boards and commissions. Typically meeting monthly, they gather at the Library, at the West Senior Center, at Chautauqua, in the Municipal Building, and at other places around town.  While their meetings are always open to the public, and a few are now broadcasted on Channel 8, they tend to be sparsely attended, save for the rare times when a controversial issue is at stake. Yet, notwithstanding their relative obscurity, the City Council could not function without these essential boards and commissions.
 
    With most boards and commissions having five members serving staggered five-year terms, there is usually a vacancy on nearly every board when the respective terms end each March. This year, there are 23 vacancies to be filled across 19 boards and commissions next month. The list of openings and links to the respective appointment applications can be found here. The deadline for applying for appointment is Monday, February 13, at 5:00 pm. To apply, you must be a resident of the City of Boulder (there are a few exceptions), but not necessarily a citizen. You may apply for more than one board, although typically you can be appointed to just one. Every applicant will be granted an opportunity to participate in group interviews with City Council in mid-March, and the appointments will be made by the end of that month. While there is no monetary compensation for serving, board and commission members receive RTD EcoPasses and the city will often provide meals for meetings occurring in the evenings or over lunch hour.  With the exception of Planning Board, the time commitment is... Read More
  

 YES    On January 3, joined unanimous Council in codifying Boulder's long-standing position on immigration status and declaring Boulder a Sanctuary City.  Why I voted this way--> 

 YES    On January 3, in majority (7-2) to revise Boulder's co-operative housing law.  Why I voted this way--> 

 YES    On January 3, in minority (2-7) to review Planning Board's denial of creation of 50 units of work-force housing at 3303 Broadway.  Why I voted this way, and what's next--> 

 YES    On January 17, joined unanimous Council in improving Boulder's bear-resistant trash container laws, including lowering fines and granting enforcement discretion. Why I voted this way--> 

 YES    At January 21 annual Council retreat, joined my colleagues in urging the Mayor to enforce existing Council rules on the length of open public comment and the duration of Council meetings. Why I took this position--> 

 YES    At January 24 study session, supported land use changes to CU South property in furtherance of downstream flood mitigation. Why I took this position--> 

 YES    At January 31 study session, instructed city staff not to pursue head tax for 2017 ballot. Why I took this position--> 

Contact Bob