Chapter 2.22
PUBLIC SPACES COMMISSION

Sections:

2.22.010    Purpose.

2.22.020    Created.

2.22.030    Membership.

2.22.040    Compensation.

2.22.050    Meetings.

2.22.060    Staff support.

2.22.070    Duties and responsibilities.

2.22.080    Public art.

2.22.090    Limitations.

2.22.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish an advisory body to provide guidance and direction on the creation of well rounded public spaces by advising the City Council and staff on matters relating to parks, recreation, trees, art, and City rights-of-way while promoting the responsible management of these public resources in a manner consistent with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan; community urban forestry plan; parks, recreation, and open space plan; the City’s Tree Code; and public infrastructure standards and specifications. (Ord. 675 § 17, 2018)

2.22.020 Created.

There is hereby created a Public Spaces Commission for the City of Woodinville, Washington. (Ord. 675 § 17, 2018)

2.22.030 Membership.

(1) Term of Office. The Public Spaces Commission shall consist of seven members, each of who shall be appointed for a term of three years. Any member whose term is expiring or has expired may be reappointed for a subsequent three-year term with no break in service required; provided, that each seat must be subject to an open application, appointment and Council confirmation process prior to each subsequent term after the first two full terms. If a vacancy occurs during the term of any member, his/her successor shall be appointed to serve for the unexpired portion of the term.

(2) Appointment and Qualifications. Members of the Public Spaces Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council. Members of the Public Spaces Commission must reside within the City limits of the City of Woodinville.

(3) Ex-Officio Appointment. With the consent of the majority of the Public Spaces Commission, the chairperson may appoint up to four nonvoting members to the Commission with expertise or interest in a subject matter area relevant to the current work of the Commission. Ex-officio members of the Public Spaces Commission need not meet residency requirements. The duration of such appointments will be established by the Commission at the time the appointments are made.

(4) Removal. Members of the Public Spaces Commission may be removed by the 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 therefrom.

(5) 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 in this chapter. (Ord. 684 § 1, 2019; Ord. 680 § 1, 2019; Ord. 675 § 17, 2018)

2.22.040 Compensation.

Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation but with the appreciation of the City Council. (Ord. 675 § 17, 2018)

2.22.050 Meetings.

(1) The Public Spaces Commission shall elect from among its members a chair who shall preside at all meetings and a vice chair who shall preside in the absence of the chair. The chairperson and vice chairperson shall be elected annually at the first meeting of the year.

(2) A majority of the appointed and confirmed Public Spaces Commission members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and a majority vote of those present shall be necessary to carry any motion.

(3) The Public Spaces Commission shall adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary for the conduct of its business.

(4) The Public Spaces Commission shall provide for a regular meeting schedule, including time, place and frequency of meetings as necessary. The Commission may, from time to time, provide for special meetings in accordance with Chapter 42.30 RCW. All meetings shall be open to the public, in accordance with Chapter 42.30 RCW, the Open Public Meetings Act. (Ord. 675 § 17, 2018)

2.22.060 Staff support.

City staff shall provide technical and clerical support for the Commission. (Ord. 675 § 17, 2018)

2.22.070 Duties and responsibilities.

The Public Spaces Commission shall act in a policy advisory capacity to the City Council, as directed by the City Council. In performance of its duties and responsibilities, the Public Spaces Commission may be called upon to provide recommendations on matters including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Parks and Open Spaces Related Matters. Comprehensive park planning; the acquisition of land and/or other facilities for parks and recreational facilities; development, design and operation of parks and recreation programming and facilities; facility use fees and procedures; park, play field and facility design; capital improvement planning; concessions; contracts, interlocal agreements, and lease agreements regarding parks and recreation activities.

(2) Tree Related Matters. City of Woodinville Urban Forestry Plan; tree protection regulations and landscaping requirements; education materials in support of the urban forestry plan and tree protection regulations and standards; tree inventory and tree canopy assessment studies; heritage tree program; and Arbor Day events.

(3) Art Related Matters. Donated and loaned art; strategies for promotion of public art; promotion of public/private partnerships for the benefit of public art pieces; and incorporation of art into the design of public facilities.

(4) Right-of-Way Related Matters. Those matters occurring in City-owned rights-of-way which affect the creation of well rounded public spaces for the community.

(5) All additional matters as may, from time to time, be referred to the Public Spaces Commission by the City Council or the City Manager. (Ord. 675 § 17, 2018)

2.22.080 Public art.

When considering matters pertaining to public art pursuant to WMC 2.22.070(3), the Public Spaces Commission shall be guided by the following considerations:

(1) Art projects will be responsive to the community by reflecting and respecting local values and character, and providing a source of pride for generations of residents.

(2) Art projects will reflect the scope, scale, and character of the site.

(3) Art projects will be assessed for durability, resistance to vandalism, and public safety.

(4) Consideration of long-term maintenance shall be a consideration in any decision regarding acquisition, donation, or display of public art.

(5) Art projects will promote a multicultural and diverse experience for all residents.

(6) Whenever possible, art projects will be incorporated into the design of the facility. (Ord. 675 § 17, 2018)

2.22.090 Limitations.

The Public Spaces Commission shall have no duties or responsibilities related to the following activities:

(1) Advocacy on behalf of the City or the Commission without expressed Council authorization;

(2) Supervision of staff, administrative operations, or maintenance; and

(3) Regional issues not specifically assigned to the Commission by the City Council. (Ord. 675 § 17, 2018)