Chapter 2.76
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION

Sections:

2.76.010    Created.

2.76.020    Membership.

2.76.030    Organization and meetings.

2.76.040    Duties and responsibilities.

2.76.010 Created.

There is hereby created a sustainability commission, consisting of seven members, to provide guidance and direction in meeting the sustainability goals of the City by advising the City council on such matters. (Ord. O2023-561 § 1 (Att. A))

2.76.020 Membership.

(1) Number of Members.

(a) The sustainability commission shall consist of seven members.

(b) The terms for all positions on the commission shall be staggered as shown in subsection (5) of this section.

(c) Following the completion of each new term established by subsection (1)(b) of this section, the term for each position shall thereafter be four years and shall commence on February 1, 20XX.

(2) Appointment.

(a) Members of the sustainability commission shall be selected from residents living within the City limits. Exceptions to this requirement may be made, by vote of the City council, in instances where an appointee is involved in providing sustainability services to the Sammamish community.

(b) Sustainability commission members shall be selected without respect to political affiliation and shall serve without compensation.

(c) Sustainability commission members shall be subject to confirmation by the City council.

(d) To the extent practicable, appointments shall reflect a balance of sustainability topics in the community.

(3) Removal. Members of the sustainability commission may be removed by a majority vote of the entire City council for neglect of duty, 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 shall be final and there shall be no appeal.

(4) Vacancies. Vacancies, occurring other than through the expiration of term, shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as for appointments as provided by this chapter.

(5) Term. Commission voting members shall be selected for staggered terms as follows, and for four-year terms thereafter:

(Ord. O2023-561 § 1 (Att. A))

2.76.030 Organization and meetings.

The sustainability commission shall elect a chair and vice chair each year from among its members. Officers shall hold office until January 31st of the year following that which they are elected or until their successors are elected. The City manager shall appoint appropriate staff to assist the sustainability commission in the preparation of such reports and records as are necessary for the proper operation of the commission. The sustainability commission shall adopt and be governed by its own bylaws. (Ord. O2023-561 § 1 (Att. A))

2.76.040 Duties and responsibilities.

The sustainability commission is authorized to pursue projects related to implementing the adopted Climate Action Plan, the Climate Elements of the Comprehensive Plan, the Urban Forest Management Plan, and other recommendations for how the City of Sammamish can reach its sustainability goals. The sustainability commission shall make reports and recommendations to the City council concerning sustainability issues including but not limited to:

(1) Development and assessment of sustainability initiatives in the City.

(2) Determination of priorities of sustainability work plan items within the City.

(3) Review of City actions that may affect the availability and quality of environmental services in the City.

(4) Identification and proposed resolution of areas of conflict between different City and community priorities related to implementation of climate actions.

(5) Coordination with other agencies and organizations to pursue the goal of regional cooperation in the planning, funding, and delivery of sustainability initiatives.

(6) Recommendations on community education and outreach activities designed to maximize community engagement and awareness of climate related issues and challenges.

(7) Recommendations on emerging issues and concerns related to sustainability.

(8) Coordination of an annual Arbor Day event.

(9) Increasing community outreach and education on urban forest stewardship projects.

(10) Help to achieve and maintain Tree City USA status and growth award. (Ord. O2023-561 § 1 (Att. A))