Chapter 2.44
CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS*
Sections:
2.44.010 Citizen advisory boards, commissions and committees created.
2.44.030 Appointments and confirmation process.
2.44.040 Membership, terms, vacancies and removal.
2.44.050 Student liaison members.
2.44.060 Residency requirements.
2.44.070 Election of officers.
2.44.080 Meetings, agendas, reports and attendance.
2.44.100 Nondiscrimination and compensation.
2.44.110 Staff and council support.
2.44.130 Fresh waterways advisory board specific requirements.
2.44.140 Library board of trustees specific requirements.
2.44.150 Lodging tax advisory committee specific requirements.
2.44.160 Municipal airport advisory committee specific requirements.
2.44.170 Planning commission specific requirements.
2.44.180 Parks board specific requirements.
2.44.190 Radio board specific requirements.
* Code reviser’s note: Ordinance 1138 added Sections 2.44.010 through 2.44.190 as 2.44.110 through 2.44.290. They have been editorially renumbered to reflect the code’s standard numbering style.
2.44.010 Citizen advisory boards, commissions and committees created.
There are established and created the following advisory boards, commissions and committees of the city:
A. Fresh waterways advisory board;
B. Library board of trustees;
C. Lodging tax advisory committee;
D. Municipal airport advisory board;
E. Parks board;
F. Planning commission;
G. Radio board.
(Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish uniform policies for all citizen advisory boards, committees, and commissions of the city of Ocean Shores, collectively referred to as “committees.” This chapter sets forth the requirements and procedures applicable to all such committees, provides a standardized template for the creation of future committees, and establishes a process for review to ensure organizational efficiency and minimize bureaucracy. Additionally, it ensures public access to all meetings of these committees.
It shall also be a statement of the council that all committees are creatures of the legislative body and shall not be deemed independent or autonomous to the legislative body.
A. Advisory committees do not have final authority over policy administration but serve in an advisory capacity. Committee members are expected to gain a thorough understanding of the unique issues facing their body, ensuring that their collective advice as a board is credible. This includes reviewing relevant literature, visiting pertinent sites and events, engaging with community members, and taking other appropriate actions.
Advisory committees exist for the primary purpose of gathering information and presenting options and recommendations to the Ocean Shores city council.
“To advise” means to offer an opinion, provide information, counsel, and make recommendations. Boards and commissions are not authorized to direct staff or assign tasks for staff to complete on their behalf. Instead, they may propose ideas for consideration, such as for community awareness, outreach, projects, education, workshops, fundraising, or special events, consistent with the overall work plan and without imposing excessive burdens on existing staff. Boards and commissions may request time frames for staff follow-up; however, those time frames are subject to staff availability and the city’s needs.
B. Members may express their views as individuals of the committee but may not present their personal opinions or recommendations as those of the committee, unless the committee has formally voted to designate them as a spokesperson on a specific topic.
C. Any community event planned by the committee, unless included in the approved work plan for the year, must be preapproved by the mayor or their designee. Likewise, any work product produced by the committee must receive approval from the mayor or their designee before being distributed to the community on behalf of the city or the committee, except for annual reports, agenda packets, or proposed work plans.
D. All committee members will take a formal oath of office given by the city clerk or their designee.
E. In order to retain their appointments, all appointed committee members must take the open public meeting training no later than ninety days after assuming their duties, and a refresher training no more than four years later. They must also provide proof of having taken the training to the city clerk within a month of having taken such training.
F. All committees are to follow Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and the latest edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order.”
G. All committees are to follow the Public Records Act (PRA) requirements, and ensure all agendas and minutes are filed with the city clerk or their designee.
H. Full-time or part-time city staff members are not permitted to serve as a voting member on any committee with exception to the lodging tax advisory committee.
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) provides specific requirements with respect to certain municipal boards and commissions, great lengths have been taken to ensure that this chapter complies with the RCW; however, where a conflict exists between this chapter and the RCW, the RCW prevails. (Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.030 Appointments and confirmation process.
Upon notice of a committee vacancy, the mayor or their designee will instruct the city clerk or their designee to post a notice of the vacancy on the city’s website, share it on the city’s social media platforms, and include the announcement in the agenda for the next council meeting. A minimum of thirty days shall be provided to citizens at large to apply for the position; provided, however, that an appointment can be made in less than thirty days if the mayor or their designee finds that an emergency exists, and the position must be filled immediately.
Applications for committee membership shall be made available on the city website and at the city clerk’s office. The submission of an application does not entitle the applicant to an interview with the committee.
The mayor has several options for appointing members to committees or for replacing a member when a vacancy occurs. Any of these methods may be used at the discretion of the committee chair and mayor or their designee, as vacancies occur.
A. Appointment by Interview. The committee and mayor or designee may review the applications for a vacancy and request interviews with the applicants in order to confirm qualifications and suitability for a specific appointment. The interview panel will be composed of one committee member, one city staff member, and the mayor or their designee. The panel will make a recommendation to the mayor, who will appoint the most qualified person, with council approval. This is the city’s preferred method for selecting candidates.
B. Appointment by Application Review. The committee and mayor or their designee may review the applications for a vacancy and make an appointment from the available applicants.
C. Review and Recommendation by Others. The committee and mayor or their designee may request that another board or committee review applications and/or interview candidates and make a recommendation to the board for appointment.
Unless otherwise provided, the mayor or their designee shall appoint all committee members in this chapter; provided, that those appointments shall be subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the city council. (Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.040 Membership, terms, vacancies and removal.
A. Membership and Terms. Unless otherwise provided, all committees will consist of seven members. All newly appointed members would serve a term of two years. Terms shall expire on the second day of February. At the end of their term, members are welcome to reapply for continued service.
B. Vacancies. Should a vacancy occur in the middle of a term for any reason, written notice of the vacancy must be provided to the committee chair, mayor and city clerk. The mayor may appoint a replacement member to complete the remainder of the term. The midterm vacancy should be advertised and filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
If less than one year remains for the term of the vacant position, the mayor may appoint the replacement to fill the remaining time left on the term or to appoint the replacement to fill both the remaining time left on the term and also the entirety of the next full term.
C. Removal. Except where the law provides for specific removal requirements, all committee members shall serve at the pleasure of the city council and may be removed by a majority vote of the city council.
(Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.050 Student liaison members.
Each committee has the opportunity to collaborate with North Beach High School to select a student liaison for appointment. Each student liaison shall only serve a one-year term and shall be limited to two terms only. (Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.060 Residency requirements.
Residency within the city is a requirement for eligibility for committee membership. However, a person who no longer maintains legal residence in the city may, at the discretion of the city council, complete the term for which they were appointed.
The mayor or their designee may appoint a nonresident if special expertise is needed or if there are no qualified applicants from city residents. Unless otherwise specified, no committee may have a majority of nonresident members. (Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.070 Election of officer.
Unless otherwise provided, each committee shall elect a chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary from its numbers at the first regularly scheduled meeting in February.
The chairperson shall act as the presiding officer over the meeting. It shall be the responsibility of the chairperson to coordinate with the mayor or their designee to manage the agenda, and to coordinate with the mayor or their designee with respect to attendance of members, vacancies and other items of concern.
The chairperson may move, second, and debate from the chair, subject only to such limitations of debate as are imposed on all members, and shall not be deprived of any of the rights and privileges of a member of the board or commission by reason of their acting as the presiding officer.
For the purposes of this chapter, any duties or responsibilities designated to the chairperson shall be transferred to the vice chairperson in their absence. In the event that both the chairperson and vice chairperson are absent from a meeting, the members of any committee may elect a chairperson pro tem from their number who shall be empowered to carry out said duties and responsibilities for that meeting.
The secretary will keep minutes of all proceedings of all meetings of the committee and provide them to the city clerk’s office. (Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.080 Meetings, agendas, reports and attendance.
A. Meetings. All meetings of committees shall be properly noticed and open to the public in accordance with the Washington State Open Public Meetings Act (Chapter 42.30 RCW). All actions taken by a committee, including minutes of all meetings, shall be filed with the city clerk’s office and are subject to review by the public in accordance with the Washington State Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW).
B. Quorum. A majority of the committee’s membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any action taken by a majority of those present when those present constitute a quorum, at any regular or special meeting of the committee shall be deemed and taken as the action of the committee.
C. Unless otherwise provided, all committees shall meet no less than twice per calendar year or at any time that the chairperson, majority of members thereof, or the city council shall decide; provided, that any such meeting shall be properly noticed in accordance with other provisions in this chapter.
D. Agendas. Committee chairs are required to submit their agenda topics, presenters, supporting documentation, minutes for approval, and other materials to the city clerk’s office at least one week before the scheduled meeting. The city clerk’s office will then compile the agenda, send out meeting invitations, and ensure that the agenda is posted on the city website, as well as at the post office, library, convention center, police department, fire department, and utility billing office.
E. Minutes. All committees, except for standing committees, must record action minutes at each meeting. These minutes should be submitted to the city clerk’s office before the next meeting to be included in the agenda.
F. Reports. In the appropriate place on the council agenda, any reports from committees shall be made by the chairperson or an alternate designated by the chairperson. Oral reports shall be sufficient; however, upon approval from the mayor pro tempore, written reports may be furnished. Reports shall be made at least once per calendar year.
G. Budget. The following committees are responsible for presenting a budget to the council that outlines their financial status for the year, including all funds received from various sources, all expenditures and their purposes, as well as any other relevant statistics and information. The budget should also include expected expenditures for the upcoming year and any suggestions deemed to be of public interest.
1. Library board of trustees;
2. Municipal airport advisory board;
3. Parks board;
4. Radio board.
H. Attendance. Attendance will be taken at all committee meetings. No member of a committee may be absent and unexcused from any three consecutive meetings. Three consecutive unexcused absences may result in the removal from the committee. The chairperson of the committee will report unexcused absences to the mayor or their designee.
(Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.090 Creation of bylaws.
Committees established by the city shall have the authority to create their own bylaws to govern their operations and procedures. However, any such bylaws must be submitted to the mayor and city council for review and approval before they can take effect. No committee may operate under bylaws that have not been formally approved by both the mayor and city council.
Additionally, the bylaws of each committee shall be reviewed every other year, during even-numbered years, for compliance with applicable city codes, and state laws and regulations. Any necessary amendments to keep the bylaws up to date must be submitted for approval by the mayor and city council. (Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.100 Nondiscrimination and compensation.
No person shall be ineligible as a member of a committee by reason of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, physical disability, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law.
All committee members shall serve without compensation. (Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.110 Staff and council support.
The mayor or their designee shall appoint a city employee and councilmember to serve as a staff liaison and council liaison for each committee as necessary. (Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.120 Social media policy.
Committee members may maintain and use personal websites, blogs, social media platforms, and other online forums. However, as representatives of the city of Ocean Shores, they must ensure that any content posted does not violate the city’s bylaws, policies, directives, rules, or regulations. The city’s reputation as a professional organization is essential to earning and maintaining the respect of its constituents. The city recognizes that committee members may choose to express and share personal views on social media, but such expression should not interfere or compromise the operations of the city. While the city recognizes that its committee members have a First Amendment right to free speech, this right is not absolute and applies only to matters of public concern. Therefore, committee members should be mindful of the comments they post, especially those related to the city and its official business.
All use of social media is subject to the following conditions:
A. Committee members are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the city’s policies and standards of conduct.
B. Committee members must not reveal any confidential or privileged information about the city, its constituents, or its contractors. They must be particularly careful to avoid unintentional release of confidential information.
C. Committee members must not harass, bully, threaten, defame, slander or engage in other intimidating conduct. All interactions should be respectful and professional.
D. Committee members should refrain from posting comments or content which is profane, obscene or vulgar.
E. Committee members should ensure that all the information and news posted is honest and accurate. If an error is made, they must correct it quickly. Committee members should refrain from posting any information or rumors they know to be false about the city, its employees, constituents, officials, suppliers, vendors, contractors or any other entities or individuals.
F. Committee members should only express their personal opinions and must not present themselves as a spokesperson for the city or their committee unless designated to do so. If a committee member’s content involves the city, they should clearly state that they are a committee member and that their views are personal and do not represent those of the city, its employees, officials, suppliers, vendors, or any other representatives. Committee members who publish blogs or other online posts about their role with the city should make it clear that they are not speaking on behalf of the city. Furthermore, expressing personal opinions does not absolve committee members of their responsibilities. They must still take appropriate actions when necessary, which may include but not be limited to, taking action themselves or reporting an issue to a supervisor.
G. Committee members are prohibited from using social media to engage in any activity or conduct that violates federal, state, or local law.
H. Committee members are prohibited from using social media to engage in any activity that constitutes a conflict of interest.
I. Committee members are generally not authorized to provide employee references and are prohibited from using any review or recommendation features or systems on a social media site to post reviews or other comments about employees.
J. Committee members must be mindful that residents, property owners, and others appearing before committees come from diverse backgrounds. Any public comments made in any forum that include racial slurs or express bigotry toward any group based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or any other legally protected classification will be considered conduct unbecoming of a city committee member and shall constitute good cause for removal.
K. To maintain decorum, prevent disruption and ensure the orderly conduct of proceedings, committee members must refrain from posting to social media during meetings.
L. In addition to the general provisions outlined above, committee members are strongly encouraged to consider the impact of their statements before making them. The city is committed to maintaining professionalism in its operations and processes. Posts that suggest preferential or unfavorable treatment toward any individual or group can reflect poorly on the city. Furthermore, such comments could expose the city to liability and legal costs. All members are strongly encouraged to carefully evaluate their comments before posting them.
M. The city encourages anyone who uses social media in violation of this policy to be honest and admit the error as soon as it occurs. While errors cannot always be erased, prompt notification can greatly assist the city in addressing and resolving the issue.
If any committee member becomes aware of a violation of this policy, they should report the violation to the mayor or their designee as soon as possible. The city prohibits retaliatory action against individuals for reporting a potential violation of this policy or for cooperating in an investigation.
Violations of this policy may constitute good cause for removal of appointment. A failure to enforce this policy does not constitute a subsequent waiver of any violation of this policy. This policy shall be read and interpreted in conjunction with all other city policies and procedures. (Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.130 Fresh waterways advisory board specific requirements.
A. Meetings. The fresh waterways advisory board shall meet on the first Monday each month at two p.m.
B. Duties and Responsibilities. The fresh waterways advisory board shall advise the mayor, city council and city staff as appropriate, regarding the administration and maintenance of the city’s fresh waterways. The board shall work with the assistance and in cooperation with the public works and police departments.
(Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.140 Library board of trustees specific requirements.
A. Membership. The library board of trustees will be composed of five members, selected through the approval process outlined in Section 2.44.030 for appointments and confirmation.
B. Meetings. The library board of trustees will meet at three p.m. on the second Wednesday of every other month, during even-numbered months.
C. Duties and Responsibilities. The library board of trustees shall support the library and the library director, and promote the activities and programs offered at the library.
(Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.150 Lodging tax advisory committee specific requirements.
A. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Created. A lodging tax advisory committee is hereby established and created by the city council. The purpose of the lodging tax advisory committee (LTAC) is to perform the functions and duties as required under RCW 67.28.1817.
B. Membership.
1. The lodging tax advisory committee shall consist of five members appointed by the city council as follows:
a. Two members who are representatives of businesses required to collect tax under Chapter 67.28 RCW;
b. Two members who are persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received under Chapter 67.28 RCW; and
c. One member of the city council who shall serve as chair of the LTAC.
2. Persons who are eligible for appointment under subsection (B)(1)(a) of this section are not eligible for appointment under subsection (B)(1)(b) of this section and vice versa.
3. The number of persons appointed as representatives of businesses required to collect tax under Chapter 67.28 RCW shall be equal to the number of members appointed as persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received under Chapter 67.28 RCW and vice versa.
4. The city council may consider recommendations for appointment to the LTAC from organizations representing businesses required to collect tax under Chapter 67.28 RCW, organizations involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received under Chapter 67.28 RCW, and local agencies involved in tourism promotion.
5. Lodging tax advisory committee members may not serve on any other committees that receive LTAC funding.
6. Lodging tax advisory committee members appointed under subsections (B)(1)(a) and (B)(1)(b) of this section shall only serve two concurrent terms outlined in Section 2.44.040.
a. Exception. The limit on concurrent terms does not apply to the seat occupied by the Ocean Shores convention center general manager or their designee.
C. Meetings. The lodging tax advisory committee shall have at least two annual meetings. One in April and one in October.
D. Annual Review and Removal of Members. As required by state law, the city council shall review the membership of the LTAC annually prior to November and make changes as appropriate both in regard to the number of appointments and the members appointed. This review shall occur by the last day of the month of November of each year. Members of the LTAC shall serve at the pleasure of the city council and may be removed at any time, without cause, at their discretion.
E. Proposals to Be Reviewed. At least forty-five days before final action or passage, the city shall submit the following proposals to the LTAC for review and comment: the imposition of a tax under Chapter 67.28 RCW; an increase in the rate of a tax imposed under Chapter 67.28 RCW; a repeal of an exemption from a tax imposed under Chapter 67.28 RCW; or a change in the use of revenue received under Chapter 67.28 RCW.
F. Duties and Responsibilities.
1. The LTAC shall promptly review all proposals as described in subsection (E) of this section, submitted for review and comment through generally applicable public comment procedures. These comments shall include the following analysis: the extent to which the proposal will accommodate activities for tourists or increase tourism; and the extent to which the proposal will affect the long-term stability of the city’s fund created under RCW 67.28.1815. Final legislative authority over these proposals shall remain with the elected city council. Review, comments, or any recommendations presented by the LTAC are advisory only and shall not bind the city council.
2. Failure of the LTAC to submit comments before final action on or passage of the proposal by city council shall not prevent the city from acting on the proposal under RCW 67.28.1817(2).
3. The city may, but is not required to, submit an amended proposal to the LTAC for review.
(Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.160 Municipal airport advisory committee specific requirements.
A. Membership. The municipal airport advisory committee shall consist of five members, a minimum of three members of the committee shall be citizens who are knowledgeable in airport and aviation matters. The municipal airport advisory committee members shall serve an indefinite term.
B. Meetings. The municipal airport advisory committee shall meet at least once per calendar quarter.
C. Duties and Responsibilities. The municipal airport advisory committee is responsible for guiding and overseeing the Ocean Shores municipal airport, ensuring it remains a safe, convenient, and welcoming facility for individuals traveling to and from Ocean Shores by air.
The municipal airport advisory committee shall:
1. Maintain continuous communication with the city’s airport liaison/manager regarding airport maintenance needs.
2. Review and make recommendations on airport improvements and modifications.
3. Recruit volunteers to serve the needs of the airport and its visitors.
4. Market the airport to chartered and scheduled air carriers to serve Ocean Shores and the North Beach.
5. Promote the use of the airport as a valuable asset of the city and its citizens.
6. Advise the city on grant opportunities and establish programs of benefit to the airport.
(Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.170 Planning commission specific requirements.
A. Governing Law. The planning commission is created pursuant to Chapter 35A.63 RCW.
B. Membership. The planning commission consists of seven members. The term limits for the seven members is four years. Planning commission members may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. After a one-year break in service, they are eligible to reapply.
1. Planning commission members may not serve on any other committee, except ad hoc committees.
C. Meetings. The planning commission shall meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at two p.m.
D. Duties and Responsibilities. The responsibility of the planning commission shall be to consider all amendments, modifications, or alterations to the city’s comprehensive plan, conduct hearings as specified by law, hear, review, and recommend proposed annexations, and perform other planning functions as required by the city council and state law. The planning commission shall exercise all powers and perform duties specified by RCW Title 35A, as amended, and any other duties or authority granted by subsequent state laws, with the performance of such duties and exercise of such authority being subject to all limitations outlined in such legislative enactments.
(Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.180 Parks board specific requirements.
A. Meetings. The parks board shall meet on the second Wednesday of every month at one p.m.
B. Duties and Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the parks board to make recommendations to the city council and the mayor, or their designee, on matters relative to the development, operation and use of the parks and recreational facilities of the city, and the planning, designing and implementation of city park facilities and recreational services and activities.
(Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)
2.44.190 Radio board specific requirements.
A. Membership. The radio board shall consist of five members who shall be selected through the approval process outlined in Section 2.44.030 for appointments and confirmation.
B. Meetings. The radio board shall meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at ten thirty a.m.
C. Duties and Responsibilities. The management and operation of the city radio station shall be vested in the radio board, with whatever volunteer assistance is available. The mayor or their designee shall assist the radio board as necessary and shall act as the liaison between the radio board and city government.
(Ord. 1138 § 1, 2025)