Chapter 2.74 — CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMISSION

There is in the county a consumer affairs commission, hereafter in this chapter referred to as the commission.

(Prior admin. code § 5-48.01)

It is the policy of the county to create an environment in which the highest standards of fair and honest market practices prevail and are enforced, and in which the consumer public is assured the fullest value in products and services. The purpose of the commission is to promote and protect the best interests of the consumer public, to encourage the highest standards in the business community and to develop a high level of consumer awareness.

(Prior admin. code § 5-48.02)

The commission shall consist of fifteen (15) members appointed by the board of supervisors. All appointees to this commission shall be residents of the county of Alameda unless such residency requirement is waived by a majority vote of the members of the board of supervisors. Members shall reflect the geographic, ethnic and income groupings within the county of Alameda, with special emphasis on those with consumer interest.

(Ord. 2007-24 § 1: prior admin. code § 5-48.03)

Commissioners shall serve for a term of two years, provided that of the initial appointees, seven shall be appointed for a one-year term and eight shall be appointed for a two-year term. No commissioner shall serve more than six successive terms or twelve (12) consecutive years. Vacancies shall be filled by the board of supervisors for the unexpired term.

(Ord. 2007-24 § 2: prior admin. code § 5-48.04)

The commission shall annually select one of its voting members to serve as chairperson, who shall preside at the meetings of the commission, and one of its voting members as vice-chairperson, who shall preside in the absence of the chairperson.

(Prior admin. code § 5-48.05)

The commission shall meet at least ten times a year. The commission shall encourage public attendance.

(Prior admin. code § 5-48.06)

A majority of the number of members appointed shall constitute a quorum.

(Prior admin. code § 5-48.07)

The staffing for the commission shall be provided by the office of commission administration along with liaison and coordination provided by the District Attorney consumer fraud division and the department of weights and measures.

(Prior admin. code § 5-48.09)

The duties and powers of the commission shall include the following:

A.

To assist and advise the board of supervisors in the development of consumer education and protection programs;

B.

To identify consumer problems;

C.

To encourage the development of, and adherence to, the highest standards of fair and honest market practices and to develop a high level of consumer awareness;

D.

To hold hearings concerning important consumer issues for the purposes of gathering information;

E.

To make recommendations for legislation;

F.

To develop recommendations to the board of supervisors for increasing the effectiveness of county government consumer protection programs.

(Prior admin. code § 5-48.10)