Chapter 2.11
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Sections:
2.11.060 Quorum – Rules of procedure.
2.11.100 Duties of the committee.
2.11.010 Created.
The Snoqualmie lodging tax advisory committee (LTAC) is hereby established and created. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).
2.11.020 Purpose.
The purpose of the LTAC is to perform the functions of a lodging tax advisory committee under RCW 67.28.1817 and serve in an advisory capacity to the city council. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).
2.11.030 Membership.
The lodging tax advisory committee shall consist of at least five members. The committee membership shall be in accordance with RCW 67.28.1817 and include (A) at least two members who are representatives of businesses required to collect tax; and (B) at least two members who are persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received from the hotel-motel tax; and (C) one member who shall be an elected official who shall serve as chair of the committee. Persons eligible for appointment as representatives of businesses required to collect taxes shall not also be eligible for appointment as persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received from the hotel-motel tax. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).
2.11.040 Appointment.
The members of the lodging tax advisory committee shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the city council. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).
2.11.050 Terms of membership.
The term of membership shall be an annual basis through December 31st; provided, that a member’s term shall not expire until the appointment of a new member is effective. The mayor shall review the membership of the LTAC annually and make changes as appropriate. Each year organizations representing businesses required to collect the lodging tax, organizations involved in activities authorized to be funded by lodging tax revenue, and local agencies involved in tourism promotion may submit recommendations for membership to the LTAC. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).
2.11.060 Quorum – Rules of procedure.
A majority of the membership of the LTAC shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any action taken by a majority of the members present, when those present constitute a quorum, at any meeting of the LTAC shall be deemed to be the action of the committee. The LTAC is authorized to adopt rules of procedure for the conduct of its business. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).
2.11.070 Voting.
Each voting member is entitled to one vote. All matters establishing policies, recommendations or decisions shall be decided by a majority vote of the voting members present. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).
2.11.080 Compensation.
The members of the LTAC shall receive no compensation and are not eligible for reimbursement of expenses incidental to service on the LTAC. The LTAC may request specific support necessary to carry out its responsibilities by a request made, in advance, to the city administrator. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).
2.11.090 Meetings.
The LTAC shall hold such meetings as may be deemed to be necessary for the completion of its responsibilities. Meetings are subject to the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).
2.11.100 Duties of the committee.
Any proposed imposition of a hotel-motel tax, any proposed increase in the rate of the hotel-motel tax, any proposed repeal of an exemption from the tax, and any proposed change in the use of revenue received from the hotel-motel tax shall be submitted to the committee for review and comment, at least 45 days before final action on or passage of the proposal by the council. The committee may hold public hearings and solicit public comments. The committee shall submit to the council comments on any proposal in a timely manner through generally applicable public comment procedures. The committee’s comments shall include an analysis of the extent to which the proposal will accommodate activities for tourists or increased tourism, and the extent to which the proposal will affect the long-term stability of the fund established for receipt of revenue from the hotel-motel tax. Failure of the LTAC to submit comments before final action on or passage of the proposal shall not prevent the city council from acting on the proposal. It shall not be necessary under this section for the city council to submit an amended proposal to the LTAC. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).
2.11.110 Removal.
A member of the LTAC may be removed during their term by the mayor only for sufficient cause. Sufficient cause means:
A. Absence for two consecutive meetings without prior excuse from the chair;
B. Violation of the public trust or malfeasance. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).
2.11.120 Legal compliance.
The members of the LTAC will fully comply with all federal and state laws and local ordinances. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).
2.11.130 Severability.
If any section, clause or phrase of this chapter should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter. (Ord. 948 § 2, 2004).