Former commissioners condemn report seeking widespread elimination of city boards and commissions
COLUMBIA, 12/19/11 (Beat Byte) -- A report from senior Columbia city staffers that recommends eliminating over a dozen citizen boards and commissions has some former and current commission members crying foul, including over the proposal's holiday timing and shaky details.Set for City Council presentation tonight, just six days before Christmas, the 6-page report cites a July 9, 2009 City Council meeting that, according to city records, never occurred. It also says City Council members directed senior staffers to prepare the recommendations in April, May, and July 2010. But agendas from public meetings during those months show no indication of the issue.On the chopping block, either now or in the near future: GetAbout Columbia, the Downtown Leadership Council (DLC), the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission (BPC), the Internet Citizens Advisory Group, the Storm Water Advisory Commission, the Substance Abuse Advisory Commission, the Energy and Environment Commission, the Water and Light Advisory Board, and the Boards of Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Examiners.