Chapter 2.33
UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Sections:

2.33.010    Created – Membership, appointment, compensation and term.

2.33.025    Vacancies – Removal.

2.33.030    Organization.

2.33.040    Powers and duties.

2.33.060    Meetings, officers, records and quorum.

2.33.070    Expenditures and staff assistance.

2.33.010 Created – Membership, appointment, compensation and term.

A. There is created a utility advisory committee for the city, hereinafter referred to as “the committee.” The committee shall consist of seven voting members, and the appointments and confirmations of those members shall be governed by Chapter 2.01 BIMC. The members shall not be officers or employees of the city and shall be residents of the city. The members shall not be appointed to another city committee, board or commission, except for specialized committees or task forces of limited duration. Additionally, at least one member of the city council shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the committee.

B. The members of the committee shall serve without compensation and shall be appointed for three-year terms which begin on July 1st and end on June 30th three years later.

C. A member may be reappointed, and shall hold office until his or her successor has been appointed and has qualified.

D. No member shall serve more than three consecutive terms unless the city council determines that special expertise is required, or there are no other qualified applicants. (Ord. 2021-16 § 6, 2021; Ord. 2019-01 § 11, 2019; Ord. 2014-11 § 1, 2014: Ord. 2010-27 § 1, 2010: Ord. 99-11 § 1, 1999)

2.33.025 Vacancies – Removal.

In the event of a vacancy, the mayor, subject to confirmation of the city council, shall make an appointment to fill the unexpired portion of the term of the vacated position in accordance with the city’s appointment cycle. The removal and resignation of members shall be governed by Chapter 2.01 BIMC. (Ord. 2019-01 § 12, 2019: Ord. 2014-11 § 2, 2014: Ord. 2010-27 § 1, 2010: Ord. 99-11 § 1, 1999)

2.33.030 Organization.

The committee shall adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to accomplish the duties prescribed in BIMC 2.33.040, and consistent with other provisions of this chapter, including without limitation BIMC 2.33.060. These rules and regulations shall be placed on file with the city clerk. (Ord. 2014-11 § 3, 2014: Ord. 2010-27 § 1, 2010: Ord. 99-11 § 1, 1999)

2.33.040 Powers and duties.

The committee shall act in an advisory capacity to the city council with respect to issues relevant to the operation and management policies of the city’s water, sanitary sewer, and other utilities. The committee shall not supplant administrative advice on policy issues to the city council but shall be in addition to staff advice. The committee shall not interfere with the administrative staff functions involving day to day operation of the city utilities. All city utility-related policies shall be reviewed by the committee prior to consideration by city council. In its advisory capacity, the committee shall:

A. Consult with the city manager to develop an annual workplan for approval by the city council;

B. Consult with and make recommendations to the city council regarding such utility-related policy matters as the city council or the committee deems appropriate;

C. Give advisory recommendations to the city council on matters relating to the city’s water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater utility policies;

D. Consult with and make recommendations to the city council regarding utility rates, rate structures and other charges made to water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater utility customers;

E. Consult with and make recommendations to the city council relative to the planning for and financing of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utility capital facilities;

F. Keep the city council regularly informed of activities of the committee in a timely manner;

G. Report annually to the city council prior to the start of the budget process. (Ord. 2014-11 § 4, 2014: Ord. 2010-27 § 1, 2010: Ord. 99-11 § 1, 1999)

2.33.060 Meetings, officers, records and quorum.

The committee shall annually elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson. Demotion of the chairperson or vice-chairperson shall be governed by Chapter 2.01 BIMC. The committee shall hold regular meetings at least once during each quarter year. Meetings shall be open to the public and held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act (Chapter 42.30 RCW). For meetings consisting of a majority of the then serving voting members of the committee, the committee shall provide public notice of the meeting and shall keep a record of its meeting minutes, resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations. The meeting minutes shall be posted on the city’s web site. A majority of the voting members then serving on the committee shall constitute a quorum. (Ord. 2019-01 § 13, 2019: Ord. 2014-11 § 5, 2014: Ord. 2010-27 § 1, 2010: Ord. 99-11 § 1, 1999)

2.33.070 Expenditures and staff assistance.

A. The expenditures of the committee, exclusive of donations, shall be limited to appropriations made by the city council.

B. Department director or executive city staff, as assigned by the city manager, shall provide assistance to the committee. Except for purposes of inquiry, the committee and its members shall deal with employees of the city only through the city manager or administrative staff assigned by the city manager for that purpose.

C. The city shall provide city email accounts to committee members and related training on the use of email accounts, including personal computer privacy expectations while serving on the committee. (Ord. 2014-11 § 6, 2014: Ord. 2010-27 § 1, 2010: Ord. 99-11 § 1, 1999)