City Draws Line on Arts-Panel Meeting Absences

LA PALMA — Four absences in a year and you’re out.

That’s the new rule for members of the Cultural & Beautification Committee, a change made by the City Council in response to complaints that excessive absenteeism was hampering the panel’s effectiveness.

The committee advises the council and sponsors most of La Palma’s major civic activities.

In a report to the council, committee officials wrote, “When a member does not attend on a regular basis and does not serve on any subcommittees, that member leaves a void to be covered by other committee members.”

The letter from the panel’s officers recommended that the council take a stand on absences.

The council’s new rule states that, “if a committee member is absent from four regular meetings in a calendar year, their seat will be declared vacant.”

The council also created an auxiliary to the committee. Members who can no longer serve full time may step aside and join the auxiliary. Other volunteers in the community also may sign up.