Chapter 2.22
POLICE AUXILIARY COMMISSION
Sections:
2.22.020 Purpose and objectives.
2.22.030 Membership and term of office.
2.22.040 Officers – Selection.
2.22.010 Created – Defined.
The Cotati police auxiliary commission is created and established. The term “commission” shall refer to the Cotati police auxiliary commission. The police advisory commission is hereby dissolved. (Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987).
2.22.020 Purpose and objectives.
The general purpose of the commission is to implement and maintain community based safety programs as defined by the city council, city manager and the police department. (Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987).
2.22.030 Membership and term of office.
A. The commission shall consist of five members appointed by the mayor, subject to approval by a majority of the city council.
B. The term of each member shall be two years or until after his or her successor is appointed; provided, however, that of the members first appointed, two shall be for a term of one year and three shall be appointed for a term of two years.
C. All terms of office shall commence on January 1st of the year of appointment. Vacancies in the office of a member shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner in which regular appointments are otherwise made. (Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987).
2.22.040 Officers – Selection.
A. The chairperson of the commission shall be elected by a majority vote of commission members in February of each year. A vice-chairperson to serve in the absence of the chairperson shall likewise be elected.
B. The chairperson shall preside at all meetings and provide for periodic reports to the city council on all recommendations of the commission. (Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987).
2.22.060 Meetings.
A. The commission shall meet regularly no less than once every two months. Meetings shall be held at City Hall unless otherwise authorized by the city council. Special meetings of the commission may be called by the chairperson or three members of the commission.
B. A majority of appointed commissioners shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
C. The time and place of all meetings shall be posted in advance, and the meetings shall be open to the public according to state law. (Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987).
2.22.070 Removal from office.
Any of the commission members may be removed at any time, either by the mayor subject to the approval of the city council, or by majority vote of the city council. If a member of the commission does not attend three regular consecutive meetings or does not attend four regular meetings in any twelve-month period, unless excused by a majority vote of the commission, his or her membership shall automatically be terminated, and his or her successor shall be appointed by the mayor, with the approval of the city council, to serve the unexpired term. (Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 519 § 3, 1989: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987).
2.22.080 Powers and duties.
The powers and duties of the commission shall be as follows:
A. To act as a liaison between the community, the Cotati police department, and the city council;
B. To implement and maintain community based safety programs, such as neighborhood watch, bicycle safety and earthquake preparedness;
C. To have the chairperson or another commission member participate in the oral board interview process for the position of police officer;
D. To make recommendations relating to the implementation of programs and/or projects that affect public safety in the community. (Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987).
2.22.090 Staffing.
A. All departments of the city, through the office of the city manager, shall furnish necessary existing public information, data and records and provide technical assistance and advice as required, within reason, as an aid to the commission in the performance of designated duties.
B. The city manager shall provide or cause to be provided adequate staff, clerical help and maintain files and records for the commission. (Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 475 § 1(part), 1987).
2.22.120 Qualifications.
A. At all times, not more than one member of the commission can reside outside the city limits, in the sphere of influence area as shown on the general plan area.
B. Applicants for this commission will be required to submit to a criminal screening investigation conducted by the Cotati police department prior to appointment. The purpose of this investigation is to ensure that the applicant does not have a criminal history involving incidents involving moral turpitude or have been convicted of a felony. Periodic inquiries into the commission members’ criminal history may be made after appointment to ensure the public’s safety. (Ord. 638 § 1(part), 1995: Ord. 460 § 2, 1987).