Chapter 2.20
BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES CREATED BY COUNCIL – GENERAL

Sections:

2.20.010    Purpose.

2.20.020    Qualifications.

2.20.030    Temporary committees.

2.20.040    Appropriations.

2.20.050    Appointments – Terms.

2.20.060    Vacancies.

2.20.070    Officers.

2.20.080    Meetings – Rules and regulations – Quorum.

2.20.090    Compensation.

2.20.100    Conflict of interest.

2.20.010 Purpose.

The city council is authorized to establish boards, commissions and committees. These boards, committees and commissions shall be organized and governed by this section of the municipal code, unless otherwise stated in the ordinance establishing said board, committee or commission. (Ord. 2006-663 § 2).

2.20.020 Qualifications.

Membership on such bodies shall be representative of the entire community insofar as possible, and members on such boards, commissions and committees shall be willing to serve as a civic responsibility and without compensation. No member of any board or commission shall hold any paid office or employment in the city government, unless, by resolution, such membership is specifically authorized or required. Appointments of qualified non-city residents shall require a four-fifths vote of the council for confirmation. In order to be eligible for appointment to any board or commission, a person shall be a qualified registered elector of the city of Fortuna, or be the owner of a business located within the city limits. However, in no event shall less than a majority of any board or commission be made up of qualified registered electors of the city. (Ord. 2006-663 § 2).

2.20.030 Temporary committees.

The mayor and the city manager, with the approval of the council, may appoint from time to time such temporary committees as are deemed advisable to render counsel and advice to the council and the city manager on any designated matters or subjects within the jurisdiction of the council and the city manager. Membership on such committees shall not be limited by the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 2006-663 § 2).

2.20.040 Appropriations.

The council shall include in the annual budget such appropriations of funds as in its opinion shall be sufficient for the efficient and proper functioning of such boards, commissions and committees. (Ord. 2006-663 § 2).

2.20.050 Appointments – Terms.

A. The members of each such board or commission shall be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the council. The members thereof shall serve for a designated term and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified.

B. The terms of the commissioners shall be staggered in order to provide continued continuity to the board. No more than one-half plus one of the board members’ terms may expire in a given year. (Ord. 2006-663 § 2).

2.20.060 Vacancies.

A. If a member of a board, commission, or committee fails to file a financial disclosure form, if required by the city’s conflict of interest code, in the manner and at the time required by law, or violates FMC 2.20.100, Conflict of interest, that office shall become vacant and so declared by the council.

B. Any vacancies in any board, commission, or committee, from whatever cause arising, shall be filled by appointment by the mayor with the approval of the council. When a vacancy occurs, any appointment to fill such vacancy shall be for the unexpired term.

C. If a member of a board, commission, or committee absents himself from 25 percent of the scheduled meetings, or three consecutive regular meetings of such board, commission, or committee, unless by permission of such board or commission expressed in its official minutes, or ceases to be a qualified elector of the city, his office shall become vacant and shall be so declared by the council.

D. Any member of a board, commission, or committee may be removed with or without cause by the mayor with approval of the city council.

E. Applications for all scheduled and unscheduled appointments shall be solicited as determined by the city manager. (Ord. 2006-663 § 2).

2.20.070 Officers.

A. At the first regular meeting in January of every year, each of such boards, commissions and committees shall organize by electing a chairperson and vice-chairperson from its membership to serve at the pleasure of such board or commission. In the absence or disability of the chairperson and vice-chairperson, each such board or commission may designate a temporary chairperson.

B. The city manager shall designate a staff member(s) who shall provide for the recording of minutes for each such board or commission, keep a record of its proceedings and transactions, provide staff assistance, and act as principal staff advisor. (Ord. 2006-663 § 2).

2.20.080 Meetings – Rules and regulations – Quorum.

A. Meetings. Each such board or commission shall hold regularly scheduled meetings at a time to be designated by the board or commission and such special meetings as such board or commission may require. Insofar as possible, all meetings of such boards, commissions and committees shall be held either in the council chambers or in the conference room of the City Hall. All meetings shall be open to the public, and shall comply with the public meeting provisions of the Brown Act.

B. Rules, Regulations, and Records. Each board or commission may prescribe its own rules and regulations for the transaction of its business, which rules and regulations shall be subject to the approval of the city council, and shall be kept on file in the office of the city clerk where they shall be available for public inspection. Each board or commission shall keep a written record of its meetings, resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations, copies of which shall be kept on file in the office of the city clerk.

C. Quorum. A majority of the members of every such board or commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the affirmative or negative vote of a majority of the entire membership shall be necessary for the final transaction of any business. (Ord. 2006-663 § 2).

2.20.090 Compensation.

Unless otherwise provided for, the members of boards, commissions, and committees shall serve without compensation for their services as such but may receive reimbursement for necessary traveling and other expenses incurred on official duty when such expenditures have been authorized by the council. (Ord. 2006-663 § 2).

2.20.100 Conflict of interest.

No member of a board, commission, or committee shall be or become directly or indirectly financially interested in or with the performance of any contract, work, or business, or in the sale of any article, the expense, price or consideration of which is payable from the city treasury or treasury of the redevelopment agency if such contract, work, business, or sale falls within the advisory duties delegated to the board, commission, or committee upon which such member is serving; and provided further, that no member shall be deemed to be financially interested, within the meaning of the foregoing provisions, if such interest is not a prohibited interest under, and disclosure is made in accordance with, the provisions of California Government Code, or under the provisions of the Political Reform Act of 1974. (Ord. 2006-663 § 2).