Chapter 2.25
FIRE DEPARTMENT CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD

Sections:

2.25.010  Creation.

2.25.020  Membership.

2.25.030  Officers, meetings, quorum and bylaws.

2.25.040  Authority—Powers and duties.

2.25.050  Initiation of policy recommendation.

2.25.010  Creation.

There is created a Centralia fire department citizen advisory board, hereinafter referred to as "board," to serve in an advisory capacity to the city council and the fire department fire chief, hereinafter referred to as "fire chief," in matters enumerated in this chapter. (Ord. 1841 § 1 (part), 1995).

2.25.020  Membership.

A. Criteria. The selection of board members will be made from individuals who have an interest in fire department activities and in the community, as may be evidenced by their training, experience, and/or actions, and who reside within the service area of the fire department. Representatives of the board should be selected from areas as evenly dispersed geographically as possible.

B. Composition. The board will consist of five people and preferably will include both male and female members. In addition to the five board members, one city council representative will serve for a two-year period and act as a nonvoting council liaison to the board.

C. Terms. The full term of office for the board members will be four years; provided, that for appointments to the initial board, the terms shall be staggered, with the terms expiring on December 31st as follows: one member in 1996, one member in 1997, one member in 1997 and 1998, and two members in 1999. Subsequent four-year terms of office shall begin on January 1st of the year in which the appointment is made and expire December 31st on the fourth year thereafter.

D. Appointment. Members of the board and the city council representative will be appointed by the mayor subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the city council. Board members will be selected without regard to political affiliations and will serve without compensation, except for reimbursement of actual expenditures duly authorized by the city council. Appointments to fill an unexpired term will be for the remainder of that term, after which the mayor and the council will consider a full term appointment. No person may serve on the board more than two consecutive four-year terms.

E. Removal. Members of the board may be removed by the mayor, with concurrence of the city council, for negligent performance of duties, conflict of interest, malfeasance in office, or other just cause, or for unexcused absence for more than three consecutive regular meetings. The decision of the city council will be final and there will be no appeal therefrom. Board members who are unable to attend regular meetings are expected to tender their resignations.

F. Vacancies. Vacancies created by cause other than expiration of term shall be filled for the remainder of their term in the same manner as otherwise provided in this section. (Ord. 1841 § 1 (part), 1995).

2.25.030  Officers, meetings, quorum and bylaws.

A. Officers. The board will, during the first board meeting in January, annually select from its members a chairperson to serve for a one-year period, or until a successor is elected. The chairperson will preside at all meetings, preserve order and decorum, enforce the rules and regulations of the board, sign all letters and documents as authorized by the board and as prescribed by law, and will otherwise perform the duties devolving upon a presiding officer. The board will also select a vice chairperson. The board will select a secretary who will assume charge of all records of the board and who will keep accurate and complete minutes of all meetings thereof. The secretary need not be a member of the board.

B. Meetings. The board will determine a regular meeting schedule (time, place and frequency), as necessary, but not less than once each month, unless the chairperson determines no meeting is necessary. Special board meetings may be held as often as deemed necessary by the board. All meetings will be open to the public. Accurate minutes will be kept of all meetings and shall be made available to the public. A copy thereof will be transmitted to the city manager.

C. Quorum. Three members of the board will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

D. Bylaws. The board will adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business, a copy of which will be kept on file in the city clerk’s office. (Ord. 1841 § 1 (part), 1995).

2.25.040  Authority—Powers and duties.

A. The board will have only such powers and authority as may be granted to it by the city council. The board shall have no final authority over the adoption of the policy nor the administration of the fire department.

B. The board will act at all times in an advisory capacity to the city council and the fire chief, and will have no director power. It will survey public opinion, prepare studies and reports as requested from time to time by the city council, the fire chief, or the general public.

C. The board will serve as a liaison between citizens, the fire department, and the city council. The board is subject to rules and regulations in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as prescribed by city ordinance and the board manual both of which may be from time to time amended by the city council. (Ord. 1841 § 1 (part), 1995).

2.25.050  Initiation of policy recommendation.

A. The community services committee of the city council or the city council will be the initiator of requests to study city policy regarding the fire department facilities and programs and the council committee will be responsible for coordinating that effort with the city’s goals and priorities. The council committee will from time to time, but at least annually, communicate its requests to the board.

B. Requests of the board to study and/or make recommendations on administrative policy will be initiated by the fire chief.

C. The board may from time to time initiate study and recommendations by first submitting the topics to the fire chief who will be responsible for coordinating with the community services committee of the council. When approval of the city council is received, the board will commence its work on the approved topics. (Ord. 1841 § 1 (part), 1995).