COLUSA, CA (MPG) – A proposal to suspend the Colusa Parks, Recreation and Tree Commission stalled March 17 after it emerged that an existing ordinance governing the commission had not been reviewed by staff or several council members before the item reached the dais.
Ordinance No. 500, adopted in 2014, outlines the commission’s structure, duties and authority, including its advisory role on parks, trees and recreation funding, projects and maintenance.
Despite that, the March 17 staff report stated the commission’s role had become unclear and recommended suspension while the city reviews “relevant ordinances, codes, and commission policies.”
The staff report did not state that no ordinance exists, but it also did not reference Ordinance 500 or summarize its provisions, even as it recommended suspending the commission for lack of clarity.
During the meeting, City Manager Jesse Cain told the council the commission lacked formal guidance.
“There’s really no ordinances, there’s no guidance,” Cain said.
Commission members quickly challenged that statement.
PRT Commission Chair Elizabeth Yerxa told the council the ordinance exists and clearly defines the commission’s responsibilities.
“Ordinance 500 exists, which spells out all of our duties,” Yerxa said. “This is all laid out… it’s very clear as I read this.”
Other commissioners echoed that position, citing years of work tied directly to those duties, including tree planting efforts, park improvements and project recommendations to the city.
The discussion showed key information about the commission’s governing ordinance had not been reviewed before the item came forward.
Several council members acknowledged they had not reviewed the ordinance prior to considering suspension.
Councilmember Denise Conrado said she had not reviewed the ordinance.
“I have never read it, and I am the liaison,” Conrado said.
Councilmember Dave Markss said he needed time to review the ordinance.
“I’ve never seen Ordinance 500,” Markss said. “I’ve got to take time to digest it… I just can’t read it right here and say we’ll know how to proceed.”
Even Greg Ponciano, who voted on the ordinance in 2014, said he was not familiar with its contents.
“I know I voted on it, and I couldn’t tell you what was in it today,” Ponciano said.
The lack of awareness raised questions about due diligence as the council considered dissolving or restructuring a long-standing advisory body.
Commissioners also pointed to a lack of direction from the council over time, not a lack of structure.
Leslie Poland, a 14-year commissioner, said the group has operated without clear guidance from the council despite having defined responsibilities.
“In my 14 years on this commission, we’ve received no direction from city council on what we should be accomplishing,” Poland said.
Councilmember Daniel Vaca acknowledged that gap, stating the responsibility for clarity lies with the council.
“We have to straighten things out,” Vaca said. “There are things that have been overlooked for a long time, and we’re just starting to do it now.”
Ultimately, the council did not move forward with the suspension.
Ponciano made a motion to table the item until council members could review the ordinance and other relevant documents.
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable, either way, making an uninformed decision,” Ponciano said.
The council agreed, leaving the commission in place for now.