This purpose of this meeting is to seek public comments and input on a  proposed resolution regarding SBGP Board Member nominations.

Background

Article 14, Subtitle 19, Section 19-6 of the Baltimore City Code delineates the nature of the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership Board of Directors, including the number of Board members, the general composition of the Board, the need for community representation, and the process by which members of the Board are nominated. § 19-6(D)(4) of that Subtitle reads as follows:

(4) ADDITIONAL MEMBERS.
(I) THE 12 MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WHO ARE NOT ELECTED OFFICIALS SHALL BE EX OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD UNTIL AT LEAST DECEMBER 31, 2018.
(II) AT ANY TIME ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2019, THE BOARD MAY REPLACE SOME OR ALL OF THE LDC BOARD MEMBERS AS PROVIDED IN THE AUTHORITY’S BYLAWS. IF IT DOES SO, THE 1ST REPLACEMENT SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE MAYOR (AS AN ADDITIONAL MAYORAL APPOINTEE) AND THE REST SHALL BE REPLACED THROUGH THE PROCEDURES PROVIDED IN THE BYLAWS.

The SBGP Board of Directors is considering a resolution to exercise its right under § 19-6(D)(4)(II) to select Board members without regard to whether they serve on the Local Development Council. Under the proposed resolution:

• Of the twelve additional Board positions that had previously been held for members of the Local Development Council, one would be appointed to the SBGP Board by the Mayor as an additional Mayoral appointee. The remaining 11 positions would not be appointed by any individual or office holder, but wouldinstead be nominated by the SBGP Governance and Nominating Committee and approved by a vote of the SBGP Board of Directors.
• Further, the 11 additional Board positions wouldbe appointed in accordance with Section 3 of the SPGP bylaws titled Community Representation.
• The Governance and Nominating Committee woulddevelop a formal process for identifying, reviewing, and nominating proposed members of the Board.
• In making this change, SBGP would reaffirm its commitment to complying with:
  • All legal requirements regarding the general composition of the Board,
  • All ethical obligations, including the avoidance of conflicts of interest,
  • The need for ensuring diverse community representation throughout the District, including gender and racial diversity, and
  • The continued appointment of Board members by those office holders who are vested with this power by statute.
• Nothing in the resolution would constitute a restriction against current or previous members of the Local Development Council or the SBGP Board of Directors applying for, being nominated for, being selected for, or serving as a Board member. Individuals could also elect to serve on both boards simultaneously, at their discretion.