Chapter 2.95
SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD

Sections:

2.95.010    Sustainability advisory board.

2.95.020    Composition – Appointments – Terms.

2.95.030    Purpose of the sustainability advisory board.

2.95.040    Duties of the sustainability advisory board.

    Cross References: Boards, commissions and committees, TMC 2.05.010 et seq.; health and sanitation, TMC Title 8; environment, TMC Title 17; zoning code, TMC Title 18, Division 4.

2.95.010 Sustainability advisory board.

There is hereby established the sustainability advisory board, hereinafter referred to as the “board.” The board shall serve as an advisory board to the council, and shall involve volunteers and community members. The board shall prepare and approve minutes of its meetings, and forward the same to the city council. The board shall adopt bylaws as deemed appropriate, provided such bylaws are not inconsistent with this chapter. (Ord. 19165 § 1, 9-23-08. Code 1995 § 66-25.)

2.95.020 Composition – Appointments – Terms.

(a) Membership Generally. The sustainability advisory board shall consist of nine members.

(b) Terms. Of the members of the board first appointed, four members shall serve one-year terms, and five members shall serve two-year terms. The mayor with the consent of the city council shall determine the terms of each appointed member. Persons appointed to the board may be reappointed for one additional two-year term. No person shall be permitted to serve more than two full consecutive terms as a board member. A period of at least two years shall lapse prior to a former member being eligible for reappointment. After the initial appointment of the board, all members shall serve two-year terms unless appointed to fill out an unexpired term.

(c) Qualifications of Members. At least five of the nine board members shall be currently licensed, have a degree in, be engaged in, or have substantial past experience in the fields of environmental assessment, waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation and/or natural resource conservation or a similar field relating to the environment or conservation.

(d) Compensation, Removal. Members appointed to the board shall serve without compensation. Members may be removed without cause by a vote of two-thirds majority of the council. Members may be removed for cause by a majority vote of the council. Removal for cause shall include but not be limited to the following reasons: failure to attend four board meetings in one calendar year or failure to attend three consecutive board meetings in one calendar year. In the case of death, incapacity, resignation or disqualification of any member of the board, the mayor, with consent of the city council, shall appoint another person to serve for the unexpired term of the deceased, incapacitated, resigned or disqualified member in accordance with TMC 2.05.010.

(e) Ex Officio Nonvoting Members. In addition to the nine voting board members, there shall be two ex officio nonvoting members which shall be the city attorney and the public works director or their designees. (Ord. 19165 § 2, 9-23-08. Code 1995 § 66-26.)

    Cross References: City council – mayor, Chapter 2.15 TMC; city attorney, TMC 2.25.120; department of public works, TMC 2.25.170.

2.95.030 Purpose of the sustainability advisory board.

The mission of the board is to promote environmental assessment and advocate for policies which support sustainability specifically including but not limited to environmental assessment, waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation and natural resource conservation in the city of Topeka and to enhance the quality of life by improving the city’s efforts in these areas. (Ord. 19165 § 3, 9-23-08. Code 1995 § 66-27.)

2.95.040 Duties of the sustainability advisory board.

The board shall advise the city staff and elected officials in the following ways:

(a) Monitor and review present environmental assessment, waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation, and natural resource conservation efforts of the city.

(b) Assist the city staff and elected officials to develop and establish goals and priorities for future environmental assessment, waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation, and natural resource conservation efforts.

(c) Advise the city staff and elected officials on practical methods and programs to reach their goals for future environmental assessment, waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation, and natural resource conservation efforts.

(d) Serve as an information resource for the city staff and elected officials. Receive reports on environmental assessment, waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation, and natural resource conservation from staff of all affected city departments.

(e) Maintain regular communication with the city staff and elected officials regarding board activities and recommendations. (Ord. 19165 § 4, 9-23-08. Code 1995 § 66-28.)