The City of Williamsport has agreed to change the previous lifetime appointment of members to the Way’s Garden Commission to what is similar to other commissions and boards.

The garden, a gift from J. Roman Way, a philanthropist in 1913 who wanted the garden to be preserved with future generations in mind, was a millionaire who lived across the street from the garden at what is now the Taber Museum. A commission oversees the garden, which can be accessed via West Fourth Street, with a main entrance at Maynard Street.

The commission was the only of its kind that had a lifetime appointment of members, said Council Vice President Eric Beiter.

“Other commissions such as the Brandon Park and Shade Tree Commission are structured differently,” he said. “This ordinance structures them as these other city commissions.”

Further giving explanation was city Solicitor Nicholas Grimes, who worked on this update.

This commission has five members and the mayor as an ex-officio member, Grimes said. Under this change, there would be staggered appointments through 2031.

The mayor also is who needs to make the change to who is appointed to the terms in their new arrangement.