Chapter 2.34
UNIFORM POLICIES FOR CITIZEN COMMISSIONS
Sections:
2.34.030 Residency requirements.
2.34.060 Selection of council contact.
2.34.080 Assignment of staff liaison.
2.34.090 Conflict of interest.
2.34.120 Rules and regulations.
2.34.140 Semi-annual reports to the council.
2.34.150 Review and reauthorization.
2.34.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish uniform policies for city commissions and a process for review to ensure that the structure is efficient and accessible to citizens.
All commissions are created by the city council (council), as the legislative body, and are not independent or autonomous to the council.
A. All commissions of the city of Langley shall be created by an ordinance of the council and shall contain a statement of purpose, specific membership composition requirements, exceptions to the residency requirements and meeting frequency.
B. The responsibilities of citizen commissions in the city of Langley shall be in two areas:
1. Advice. These commissions shall advise the council and the mayor on items related to their purpose and on such specific items as requested by the council or mayor.
2. Delegated Action. These commissions may be authorized by city ordinance, and in some cases also pursuant to state statute, to conduct specific city business and/or may undertake specific actions as delegated to them by the council or the mayor in their respective roles. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.020 Application.
This chapter shall apply to all citizen commissions created and/or regulated by the city. The council may, by ordinance, exempt specific standing commissions from provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.030 Residency requirements.
The majority of all commission members must live within the city limits. If a commission member moves out of the area and impacts the majority balance, that member is no longer eligible to serve. Exceptions to these requirements must be included in the commission ordinance passed by the council. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.040 Appointment.
The members of all commissions will be appointed by the mayor and approved by the council. The mayor will provide and publicize an open application process for vacant positions. Members shall be selected without respect to political affiliation and shall serve without compensation. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.050 Term length.
The term length for all commission members shall be three years. The mayor will determine the terms of the initial appointments to ensure staggered terms so that no more than one-third of the members’ terms expire each year. If a position becomes vacant mid-term, an appointment will be made to fill the rest of the term. Members in good standing may be reappointed at the discretion of the mayor and with the approval of the council. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.060 Selection of council contact.
The council may approve a council member contact for each commission. The council contact will serve as a communication link between the commission and the council. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.070 Selection of chair.
The mayor will appoint a chair for each commission from the members, after consultation with the members of the commission and the council. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.080 Assignment of staff liaison.
The mayor will assign a staff person to each commission to provide technical expertise and staff support. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.090 Conflict of interest.
If any member has a conflict of interest or an appearance of fairness issue with a matter before the commission, the member shall not participate in the deliberations and the decision-making process with respect to the matter. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.100 Member removal.
Removal of a member shall be recommended by the mayor with approval of the council. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.110 Open meetings.
All meetings of commissions are subject to the Open Public Meetings Act (Chapter 42.30 RCW) where a majority (a quorum) meets and discusses city business. For all regular commission meetings, the agenda, including date, time and location, will be made available to the public by 4:30 p.m. Friday, the week before the meeting. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.120 Rules and regulations.
The city shall establish general rules and regulations for the conduct of these commissions, including the requirement that all meetings have minutes taken, a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and a majority of those present shall be necessary to carry any motion. In addition, each commission may adopt such additional rules and regulations as are necessary for the conduct of its business, subject to the approval by the council. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.130 Work plan.
Each commission shall develop a written work plan based on the council’s annual plan, policy development assignments and priorities identified by the commission and approved by the council. The plan shall be submitted for approval on or before the council’s last meeting in December each year. The work plan shall outline the key goals and timeline, the meeting schedule and member terms expiring for the coming year. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.140 Semi-annual reports to the council.
Each commission shall report to the council as scheduled two times each year. The report shall summarize the activities and accomplishments for the previous six months and include any general recommendations and reports as appropriate. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)
2.34.150 Review and reauthorization.
Every odd numbered year, unless prohibited by state statute, the council shall discuss and reauthorize commissions of the city, as it deems appropriate.
A. A reauthorization resolution shall state the current purpose and need for the commission and may include termination of or revision in the purpose and need changes from the original ordinance.
B. The council may determine that a commission is no longer needed and may choose to not reauthorize the commission. An ordinance repealing the original authorizing ordinance shall be placed on the council agenda for formal action.
C. For the purpose of implementing this chapter, the review schedule should be every two years beginning in 2009 and then on each successive odd-numbered year. (Ord. 1093, 2022; Ord. 1013 § 1, 2015; Ord. 900, 2008)