Chapter 2.89
ECONOMIC VITALITY COMMISSION
Sections:
2.89.010 Creation of Economic Vitality Commission – Objective.
2.89.020 Membership.
2.89.030 Meetings – Rules.
2.89.040 Staff support.
2.89.050 Duties and responsibilities.
2.89.010 Creation of Economic Vitality Commission – Objective.
Effective May 1, 2012, there is hereby created an Economic Vitality Commission. The objective of the Economic Vitality Commission (EVC) is to make available to the Mayor and the City Council additional expertise necessary to enhance and facilitate economic development within the City and to act as a catalyst between the City Council, developers, residents and the business community to expand and improve the economic climate of Issaquah within the context of the City’s commitment to social and environmental objectives. (Ord. 2645 § 1, 2012).
2.89.020 Membership.
A. Qualifications. The selection of EVC Commissioners shall consist of representatives from various professional disciplines including City planning, economic recruitment, property development, real estate, law, finance, retail, restaurants, tourism, business or individuals who have an interest in economic development as evidenced by training, experience, or actions.
B. Number of Members – Terms. The EVC shall consist of 9 regular members, each of whom shall be appointed for a term of 4 years. At least 5 of the 9 regular members shall be City residents or employed by a business residing in Issaquah. Terms shall expire the first day of May of each appropriate year. Initial terms shall be staggered as follows:
One position expiring May 1, 2013.
Two positions expiring May 1, 2014.
Three positions expiring May 1, 2015.
Three positions expiring May 1, 2016.
After expiration of the initial terms, subsequent appointees shall serve a regular 4-year term.
C. Alternate Members. Up to 3 alternate members shall be appointed to serve in the absence of regular members. At least 2 of the 3 alternates shall be City residents or employed by businesses residing in Issaquah. Alternates shall be selected by using the same qualifications specified under subsection A of this section. Alternate members shall serve for terms of 2 years. Initial terms shall be staggered as follows:
One position expiring May 1, 2013.
Two positions expiring May 1, 2014.
After expiration of the initial terms, subsequent appointees shall serve a 2-year term.
D. Appointment. Members of the EVC shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council. Members shall be selected without respect to political affiliations and shall serve without compensation.
E. Removal. Members of the EVC may be removed by the Mayor, for neglect of duty, conflict of interest, malfeasance in office, or other just cause, or for unexcused absence from more than 3 consecutive regular meetings.
F. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring other than through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the unexpired terms in the same manner as appointments in subsection D of this section. (Ord. 2645 § 1, 2012).
2.89.030 Meetings – Rules.
A. The EVC shall organize and elect from its members a Chair, who shall preside at all meetings of the Commission, and a Vice-Chair who shall perform duties of the Chair when Chair is absent.
B. A majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and a majority vote of those present shall be necessary to carry any proposition.
C. The Commission shall determine a regular meeting schedule (time, place and frequency), as necessary, but shall meet no less frequently than once every 2 months. All meetings shall be open to the public and noticed accordingly.
D. The Commission shall adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary for the conduct of its business, and shall keep a written record of its proceedings which shall be a public record. (Ord. 2645 § 1, 2012).
2.89.040 Staff support.
The Mayor shall appoint staff support as may be needed to support the Commission. (Ord. 2645 § 1, 2012).
2.89.050 Duties and responsibilities.
A. Duties of the Commission shall include the following:
1. Assess existing economic development policies for the purpose of recommending appropriate modifications necessary to achieve the economic goals adopted by the City Council;
2. Formulate and evaluate new economic development strategies and policies for the purpose of assuring achievement of the economic development goals adopted by the City Council;
3. Make recommendations on economic development programs and priorities to the Mayor and City Council;
4. Present a quarterly report to the City Council at its Committee of the Whole meetings and provide a written report to the Mayor and Council every January, May, and September on the ongoing projects under review by the Commission;
5. Carry out other duties as may be prescribed by City ordinance, or as directed by the Mayor.
B. In addition to the above, the Commission shall have the following authority:
1. Provide input to the Mayor and City Council regarding inadequacies in the City’s Building Code or Land Use Code which may hinder economic development.
2. Review, upon request by the Mayor and/or the City Council, developments proposed within the City.
3. Review, upon request by the Mayor and/or the City Council, the merits of planned economic proposals within the City.
4. Make recommendations on economic development programs and priorities. (Ord. 2645 § 1, 2012).