Council reviews boards and commissions application timeline; members request improved applicant outreach and opt-in communications

The Coppell City Council discussed the city's boards and commissions application and appointment process in a work session Aug. 12 and provided direction to staff on outreach, interview scheduling and eligibility requirements.

City staff outlined the application timeline: the application period opened Aug. 11 and closes Sept. 8; interviews will be held in late September and early October; appointments are scheduled for Nov. 11 and orientation on Nov. 16. Staff said background checks will occur after council selects appointees and that youth advisor positions are available on three boards (grades starting from seventh grade are eligible). The staff presentation noted the use of existing volunteer-management software and expanded marketing and outreach to reach more applicants.

Council members raised process and equity questions. Several members asked staff to improve applicant communications so candidates do not miss interview invitations: options discussed included clearer email confirmations, adding the city contact to recipients' address books, using text notifications where possible, and making outreach phone calls for selected interviewees. Council Member Biju and others noted that a resident requirement in the city charter that appointees be eligible voters effectively excludes some noncitizen residents; staff said changing that requirement would require a charter amendment and follow-up about the process.

Council asked staff to return with details about whether text messaging or read-receipts could be used, to publish interview rosters where appropriate, and to coordinate interview assignments with Mayor Mays. Staff said they will begin interviews one week earlier than last year to accommodate scheduling conflicts and will provide council with interview lists for prescreening.