Carson Municipal Code Art. D Department Of Parks And Recreation

There is hereby created and established a Department of Parks and Recreation, which shall consist of such personnel as may be authorized by the City Council.

(Ord. 53 § 1)

The Department of Parks and Recreation shall be headed by a Director of Parks and Recreation who shall be appointed by the City Administrator with the approval of the City Council.

(Ord. 53 § 1)

The Director of Parks and Recreation shall be responsible to the City Administrator and shall perform the following duties:

(a) Be the administrative head of the Department of Parks and Recreation and shall have direct charge of all City personnel assigned to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

(b) Advise and assist the City Council and City Administrator on all matters relating to park and recreation activities and facilities.

(c) Supervise and evaluate the needs and resources of the City for recreational activities and facilities.

(d) Plan and supervise the development and maintenance of this City's parks.

(e) Be responsible for the administration and enforcement of all rules, regulations and policies of the City and the Department of Parks and Recreation relating to the parks and their facilities.

(f) Perform such other duties as the City Administrator may from time to time assign him.

(Ord. 53 § 1)

The Department of Parks and Recreation shall be divided under the Director of Parks and Recreation into the following divisions:

a. Division of Recreation. The Division of Recreation under the Assistant Director of Recreation shall perform specialized work in the supervision, planning and organizing of recreational programs and perform other related work as required.

b. Division of Maintenance. The Division of Maintenance under the Assistant Director of Maintenance shall perform specialized work in the planning and supervision of the development and maintenance of the City parks and perform other related work as required.

(Ord. 53 § 1)

The Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for the operations and maintenance of a total of sixteen (16) parks. Of this total, twelve (12) are full-service parks and four (4) are mini parks.

A. The names and locations of the twelve (12) full-service parks are as follows:

i. Anderson Park – 19101 South Wilmington Avenue, Carson, California 90746;

ii. Calas Park – 1000 East 220th Street, Carson, California 90745;

iii. Carriage Crest Park – 23800 South Figueroa Street, Carson, California 90745;

iv. Carson Park – 21411 South Orrick Avenue, Carson, California 90745;

v. Del Amo Park – 703 East Del Amo Boulevard, Carson, California 90745;

vi. Dolphin Park – 21205 Water Street, Carson, California 90745;

vii. Dominguez Park – 21330 Santa Fe Avenue, Carson, California 90810;

viii. Foisia Park – 23410 Catskill Avenue, Carson, California 90745;

ix. Hemingway Park – 700 East Gardena Avenue, Carson, California 90746;

x. Mills Park – 1340 East Dimondale Drive, Carson, California 90746;

xi. Stevenson Park – 17400 Lysander Drive, Carson, California 90746;

xii. Veterans Park – 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, California 90745.

B. The names and locations of the four (4) mini parks are as follows:

i. Friendship Mini Park – 21930 South Water Street, Carson, California 90745;

ii. Perry Street Mini Park – 215th and Perry Street, Carson, California 90745;

iii. Reflection Mini Park – 21208 Shearer Avenue, Carson, California 90746;

iv. Walnut Mini Park – 440 East Walnut Avenue, Carson, California 90746.

(Ord. 18-1827 § 1)

Article E.. Parks, Recreation And Cultural Arts Commission

There shall be, and there is hereby, established a commission to be known and designated as the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission. This Commission shall formulate, subject to Council direction, oversight, and approval, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Programs for the City of Carson.

(Ord. 69-65 § 1; Ord. 12-1506 § 1)

The Parks and Recreation Commission shall consist of nine (9) members, and three (3) alternate members who shall be called upon, when necessary, in the order of their appointments as Alternate 1, 2 or 3, to substitute for any absent commissioner, each of whom shall be and remain a resident of the City of Carson. All members shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of a majority of the entire City Council present, including the Mayor. The tenure of any member of the Commission and any Alternate shall be terminable at will, and without cause, by removal on the motion of any member of the Council, duly seconded, and with the approval of a majority of the entire City Council present, including the Mayor. Subject to the provisions of this Section, the tenure of Commission members appointed on or after April 1, 1997, shall expire at midnight on the last day of the calendar month in which the next general municipal election after the member's appointment is held for seats on the Carson City Council. Each Commission member shall continue to serve until a successor has been appointed by the Mayor with the approval of a majority of the entire City Council present, including the Mayor, and has qualified unless the City Council declares the position to be vacant. Should any vacancy exist on the Commission, an appointment shall be made by the Mayor with the approval of a majority of the entire City Council present, including the Mayor. All appointments shall be made in an open meeting of the City Council.

(Ord. 13-1523 § 1; Ord. 13-1520 § 1; Ord. 13-1516 § 1; Ord. 12-1506 § 2; Ord. 12-1495 § 1; Ord. 04-1330 § 3; Ord. 04-1325 § 3; Ord. 98-1132 § 2; Ord. 97-1113 § 1; Ord. 93-1010 § 2; Ord. 94-1041 § 1; Ord. 92-983 § 2; Ord. 84-694 § 2; Ord. 74-307 § 2; Ord. 72-227 § 1; Ord. 69-65 § 1; Ord. 72-215 § 1)

If a member of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission is absent from three (3) successive regular meetings without being excused by the Commission, or is absent for any reason for more than six (6) regular meetings in any twelve (12) month period, the office of such member shall be vacated and the Chair shall immediately notify the City Manager, who shall notify the City Council that said office is vacant. Upon such notification, a successor for the remainder of the term of such member shall be appointed by the appointing authority for the member whose position is vacated.

(Ord. 12-1506 § 3; Ord. 97-1113 § 1; Ord. 92-983 § 2; Ord. 69-65 § 1; Ord. 84-694 § 2)

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission shall elect a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and a Secretary from among its members, for a term of one (1) year, at its first regular meeting in July of each year. The Commission may also appoint such other officers as may be necessary or convenient for the administration of its business, at the same time and for like terms. Said officers shall enter in the duties of their office at the first regular meeting in July of each year. The Commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the transaction of its business, and shall keep a record of all its minutes, resolutions, actions, findings and determinations, all of which shall be filed with the City Clerk and the City. The Director of Community Services shall appoint a City employee to serve as staff advisor to the Commission.

(Ord. 12-1506 § 4; Ord. 69-65 § 1; Ord. 74-307 § 5)

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission shall hold at least one (1) regular meeting in each month at such time and place as designated in the rules and regulations of the Commission. The Commission shall further determine and provide in its rules and regulations the manner in which special meetings may be held and the notice to be given of such meetings. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.

(Ord. 69-65 § 1; Ord. 12-1506 § 5)

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission will be a functioning arm of the City structure, as all other appointed commissions, and will be the responsibility of and staffed by the Community Services Department.

The functions of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission shall be to advise and recommend to the City Council and City staff on all matters relating to parks, recreation, and cultural arts and shall also:

1. Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to parks, public recreation and cultural arts, and to cooperate with other governmental agencies and civic groups in the advancement of sound park and recreation planning and programming.

2. Formulate general policies on recreation services and cultural art activities for approval by the City Council.

3. Advise with the Recreation and Cultural Arts staff on the development of recreation areas, facilities, programs, cultural art presentations, and improved recreational services.

4. Recommend the adoption of standards on organization, areas and facilities, programs, cultural art presentations and financial support.

5. Make periodic inventories of recreation services and cultural arts activities that exist, or may be needed, and interpret the needs of the public to the City Council.

6. Interpret the policies and functions of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission to the public.

7. Advise the Director of Community Services in the preparation of the annual budget of the Department and a long-range recreation capital improvement program before it is presented to the City Council.

8. Encourage programs for the cultural enrichment of the City.

9. Coordinate and strengthen existing organizations in the cultural arts field.

10. Propose methods to encourage private initiative in the arts and culture.

11. Advise and consult with other groups and individuals of the community, and coordinate with the State and Federal cultural commissions in obtaining the benefits of this knowledge, experience and resource in the fields of culture and the arts.

12. Formulate programs and methods to encourage creative activities to the highest standards, as well as to encourage increased public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the cultural art forms and activities.

13. Review and make recommendations upon all works of art to be acquired by the City, either by purchase, gift or otherwise, and the location thereof.

14. Review and make recommendations with respect to the removal, relocation or alteration of any existing works of art in the possession of the City.

(Ord. 21-2106 § 3; Ord. 69-65 § 1; Ord. 12-1506 § 6)

Each member and alternate member of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission shall receive compensation at the rate of $35.00 for each meeting of the Commission attended by such member, not to exceed a total compensation of $70.00 in any one (1) month. Such compensation shall be paid on the first demand register of the month. The Secretary of the Commission shall submit to the Finance Officer at the end of each calendar month a statement showing the number of meetings of the Commission attended by each member during such month. No additional compensation shall be paid for expenses incurred by the members of the Commission in the performance of their duties, except that the City Council may, from time to time, authorize in advance expenditures for attendance at seminars, institutes or other meetings which the City Council finds beneficial to the Commissioners in the performance of their duties, and in the best interest of the City. Claims for such expenditures shall be filed with the Finance Officer and shall be subject to audit and approval by the City Council.

(Ord. 13-1520 § 2; Ord. 12-1506 § 7; Ord. 06-1368 § 2; Ord. 69-65 § 1; Ord. 73-268 § 1)

Article F.. Environmental Commission

There is hereby established an Environmental Commission. Said Environmental Commission may be known and referred to as the "Carson Environmental Commission" or as the "Environmental Commission."

(Ord. 70-128 § 1)

The Environmental Commission shall consist of nine (9) members, and three (3) alternate members who shall be called upon, when necessary, in the order of their appointments as Alternate 1, 2 or 3, to substitute for any absent commissioner, each of whom shall be and remain a resident of the City of Carson. All members shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of a majority of the entire City Council present, including the Mayor. The tenure of any member of the Commission and any Alternate shall be terminable at will, and without cause, by removal on the motion of any member of the Council, duly seconded, and with the approval of a majority of the entire City Council present, including the Mayor. Subject to the provisions of this Section, the tenure of Commission members appointed on or after April 1, 1997, shall expire at midnight on the last day of the calendar month in which the next general municipal election after the member's appointment is held for seats on the Carson City Council. Each Commission member shall continue to serve until a successor has been appointed by the Mayor with the approval of a majority of the entire City Council present, including the Mayor, and has qualified unless the City Council declares the position to be vacant. Should any vacancy exist on the Commission, an appointment shall be made by the Mayor with the approval of a majority of the entire City Council present, including the Mayor. All appointments shall be made in an open meeting of the City Council.

(Ord. 13-1523 § 1; Ord. 13-1519 § 1; Ord. 04-1330 § 4; Ord. 97-1113 § 1; Ord. 04-1325 § 4; Ord. 84-694 § 3; Ord. 80-542 § 2; Ord. 74-307 § 3; Ord. 72-207 § 1; Ord. 71-128 § 1; Ord. 71-153 § 1)

At least one (1) regular meeting of the Environmental Commission shall be held every month. Said meeting shall be held at the hour of 6:30 p.m. in the Carson City Hall, on the first Wednesday or on the next succeeding day which is not a holiday. Regular meetings may be adjourned by public announcement to a specific date, and any such adjourned meeting shall be deemed a regular meeting. All meetings shall be open to the public.

(Ord. 94-1029; Ord. 77-416 § 1; Ord. 70-128)

The Environmental Commission shall have the power and duty, except as otherwise provided by law, to:

(a) Undertake investigation and studies, and to hold hearings concerning the pollution of the City's environment, and to make recommendations to the City Council of reasonable and practical means of creating and maintaining a desirable, healthy environment in and throughout the City of Carson. Said investigations and studies may be made by committees created by the Commission, chaired by a member of the Commission and comprised of Commission members, citizens of the City of Carson and any other individuals having experience or expertise which would be helpful in the accomplishment of the committee's purposes.

(b) Consult and advise with public officials and agencies on the local, State and Federal level, with members of the industrial, civic, educational and professional communities, either individually or in concert, towards the goal of accomplishment and execution of the environmental plans, programs and policies approved by the City Council.

(c) Endeavor to promote public interest in and understanding of the problems of environmental pollution and remedies therefor.

(d) Recommend to the City Council the adoption of standards or guidelines relating to permitted levels of noise, air pollution and water pollution.

(e) Act as the City Underground Utilities Advisory Committee.

(f) Coordinate enforcement by, and cooperative efforts between, other concerned governmental agencies, private firms and organizations and the several departments of the City.

(g) Review proposed legislation, Federal, State and local, which may have a bearing upon environmental factors affecting the City, and make recommendation to the City Council as to any position or action to be taken with respect thereto.

(h) Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council, the City Manager and their designees in matters related to the beautification of the City of Carson.

(i) Review and provide advice and recommendations concerning beautification of the City of Carson and recommend to the full City Council enhancements to the aesthetics of the City of Carson and ways to enhance the beauty of the City of Carson for Carson residents.

(Ord. 21-2103 § 3; Ord. 70-128 § 1; Ord. 72-207 § 2)

The Environmental Commission shall cause proper records to be kept of all its official acts and proceedings, and shall make reports to the City Council as provided for by the City Council.

(Ord. 70-128 § 1)

The Environmental Commission shall elect a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman and a Secretary from among its members, for a term of one (1) year, at its first regular meeting in July of each year. The Commission may also appoint such other officers as may be necessary for the administration of its business, at the same time and for like terms. Said officers shall enter in the duties of their office at the first regular meeting in July of each year. The Commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the transaction of its business and shall keep a record of all its minutes, resolutions, actions, findings, and determinations. Minutes, resolutions and official records shall be filed with the City Clerk and the City Administrator.

(Ord. 70-128 § 1; Ord. 74-307 § 6)

Each member and alternate member of the Environmental Commission shall receive compensation at the rate of $35.00 for each meeting of the Environmental Commission attended by such member, not to exceed a total compensation of $70.00 in any one (1) month. Such compensation shall be paid on the first register of the month. No additional compensation shall be paid for expenses incurred by the members of the Commission in the performance of their duties, except that the City Council may, from time to time, authorize in advance expenditures for attendance at seminars, institutes or other meetings which the City Council may find to be beneficial to the Commissioners in the performance of their duties, and in the best interests of the City. Claims for such expenses shall be filed with the Finance Officer and shall be subject to audit and approval by the City Council.

(Ord. 13-1519 § 1; Ord. 06-1368 § 3; Ord. 70-128 § 1; Ord. 73-268 § 1)

If a member of the Environmental Commission is absent from three (3) successive regular meetings without being excused by the Commission, or is absent for any reason for more than six (6) regular meetings in any twelve (12) month period, the office of such member shall be vacated and the chair shall immediately notify the City Manager, who shall notify the City Council that said office is vacant. Upon such notification, a successor for the remainder of the term of such member shall be appointed by the appointing authority for the member whose position is vacated.

(Ord. 97-1113 § 1; Ord. 84-694 § 3; Ord. 92-983 § 2)

Each member of the Environmental Commission shall be and remain a resident of the City of Carson, and shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the member's appointment. Each member shall be a person having interest, experience or ability in community beautification.

(Ord. 21-2103 § 4)

Article G.. Human Relations Commission

The City Council recognizes and finds:

That in an increasingly complex society it is necessary for local government to be concerned with the problems and needs of individuals and groups within that society if the Constitutional principles of democracy, freedom and equality of opportunity are to be achieved, preserved and protected;

That the rights of individuals, regardless of religious affiliation, national origin, political belief, economic status, cultural background, race, color, age or sex are identical under law, and should be equal in practice in our society and community;

That the people of a community are that community's greatest resource.

That it is therefore in the best interest of the community not only to protect and insure the legal rights of individuals and groups, but also to seek to provide opportunity for the full realization of the hopes, aspirations, abilities and ambitions of individuals of all religions, races, national origins, political beliefs, economic or social status, cultural background, ages or sex, thereby encouraging and developing the human resources of the community to their highest potential value, thereby improving the quality of our society and the richness of life.

(Ord. 89-883 § 1; Ord. 87-812 § 1; Ord. 74-294)

In order to work toward the fulfillment of the goals and objectives embodied in the foregoing statement of policy, the Human Relations Commission is hereby established.

(Ord. 89-883 § 1; Ord. 87-812 § 1; Ord. 74-294)

The Human Relations Commission shall consist of 11 members, including seven general members, two youth members, and two members with a focus on disability-related matters, and three alternate members who shall be called upon, when necessary, in the order of their appointments as Alternate 1, 2 or 3, to substitute for any absent commissioner, each of whom shall be a resident of the City of Carson. The members shall be appointed as follows.

(a) General Members. Except as otherwise provided in Charter Section 602, all general members shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of a majority of the entire City Council present, including the Mayor. Subject to the provisions of this Section 2762, the tenure of the first general members appointed after the effective date hereof shall expire April 30, 1994. Thereafter, all general members shall be appointed biennially for two year terms expiring at midnight on April 30th of each regular municipal election year (each even-numbered year).

(b) Youth Members.[1] Except as otherwise provided in Charter Section 602, the two youth members shall be appointed by the Mayor, based upon the recommendation of the general members, and subject to approval by the entire City Council present, including the Mayor. Each youth member shall serve for a one year term or until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. All terms of office shall commence on July 1st of each year and expire on June 30th of the successive year. Thereafter, one or both of the youth commissioners may be appointed for one additional year, for a maximum tenure of two years. The two youth members shall meet all of the following qualifications:

(1) Youth members shall be between the ages of 16 and 21 and enrolled in school at the time of appointment;

(2) Youth members shall have maintained at least a 2.0 grade point average in the previous school year; and

(3) Youth members shall have an interest in human relations issues and concerns.

[1]

Editor's Note: Procedures for the filling of vacancies for youth members may be found in Ordinance No. 93-1010, Section 4, which has not been codified herein.

(c) Members with a Focus on Disability-Related Matters. Except as otherwise provided in Charter Section 602, the two members with a focus on disability-related matters shall be appointed by the Mayor, based upon the recommendation of the general members, and subject to approval by the entire City Council present, including the Mayor. Subject to the provisions of this Section 2762, the tenure of the first members with a focus on disability-related matters appointed pursuant to the ordinance that enacted this subsection shall expire April 30, 2026. Thereafter, all members with a focus on disability-related matters shall be appointed biennially for two year terms expiring at midnight on April 30th of each regular municipal election year (each even-numbered year). Notwithstanding these members’ focus on disability-related matters which is anticipated to naturally result from the qualification requirements stated below, these members shall participate in all proceedings of the Commission, subject to compliance with applicable law. The two members with a focus on disability-related matters shall meet all of the following qualifications:

(1) Have an interest in disability-related human relations issues and concerns;

(2) Have professional experience, educational qualifications, or other demonstrated expertise or knowledge related to rights, advocacy, access, services, policies, or issues of concern for persons with disabilities.

(d) Termination, Vacancies, Voting. The tenure of any member of the Commission and any Alternate shall be terminable at will, and without cause, by removal upon recommendation/nomination for removal by the Mayor and a vote of a majority of the membership of the City Council pursuant to Charter Section 605. Subject to the provisions of this Section, the tenure of Commission members appointed on or after April 1, 1997, shall expire at midnight on the last day of the calendar month in which the next general municipal election after the member's appointment is held for seats on the Carson City Council. Each Commission member shall continue to serve until a successor has been appointed by the appointing power and has qualified unless the City Council declares the position to be vacant. Should any vacancy exist on the Commission, except as otherwise provided in Charter Sections 602 and 605, an appointment shall be made by the Mayor with the approval of a majority of the entire City Council present, including the Mayor. All appointments shall be made in an open meeting of the City Council. Action taken by the Commission shall only be valid if a majority of the general members present, and in no event less than three general members, have voted for it.

(Ord. 74-294; Ord. 75-330 § 1; Ord. 81-562 § 1; Ord. 81-581 § 1; Ord. 84-694 § 4; Ord. 87-812 § 1; Ord. 89-883 § 1; Ord. 92-983 § 1; Ord. 93-1010 § 3; Ord. 94-1041 § 2; Ord. 97-1113 § 1; Ord. 04-1325 § 5; Ord. 04-1330 § 5; Ord. 07-1384 § 1; Ord. 13-1520 § 1; Ord. 13-1523 § 1; Ord. 25-2516, 9/16/2025)

The Human Relations Commission shall elect a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and a Secretary from among its members, for terms of one (1) year, at its first regular meeting in July of each year. The Commission may also appoint such other officers as may be necessary or convenient for the administration of its business, at the same time and for like terms. Said officers shall enter in the duties of their office at the first regular meeting in July of each year. The Commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the transaction of its business and shall keep a record of all its minutes, resolutions, actions, findings and determinations, all of which shall be filed with the City Clerk. Minutes, resolutions, and recommendations shall be filed with the City Clerk and the City Administrator.

(Ord. 89-883 § 1; Ord. 87-812 § 1; Ord. 74-294)

The Human Relations Commission shall hold at least one regular meeting in each month at such time and date as designated in the rules and regulations of the Commission. Six members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. The Commission may hold its meetings in the Council Chambers or in such other suitable place as the Commission may designate. All meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public.

(Ord. 74-294; Ord. 81-562 § 1; Ord. 81-581 § 1; Ord. 87-812 § 1; Ord. 89-883 § 1; Ord. 25-2516, 9/16/2025)

If a member of the Human Relations Commission is absent from three (3) successive regular meetings without being excused by the Commission, or is absent for any reason for more than six (6) regular meetings in any twelve (12) month period, the office of such member shall be vacated and the Chair shall immediately notify the City Manager, who shall notify the City Council that said office is vacant. Upon such notification, a successor for the remainder of the term of such member shall be appointed by the appointing authority for the member whose position is vacated.

(Ord. 74-294; Ord. 84-694 § 4; Ord. 87-812 § 1; Ord. 89-883 § 1; Ord. 92-983 § 2; Ord. 97-1113 § 1)

The Carson Human Relations Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) To advise and consult with the City Council, City Administrator, and the commissions, boards and officers of the City on all matters involving discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, culture, economic status, disability, age or sex;

(b) To recommend such corrective or legislative action as may be appropriate to effectuate the policy of the City Council which is declared in this Part;

(c) To invite and enlist the cooperation of racial, religious and ethnic groups, youth and senior citizen organizations, community organizations, fraternal and benevolent societies, veterans organizations, professional and technical organizations and other groups in the City of Carson in carrying on its work;

(d) To foster communication, mutual respect and understanding among all racial, religious and other groups in the community;

(e) To make such studies in any area of human relationship in the community as in the judgment of the Commission will aid in effectuating its general purpose;

(f) To cooperate with the City, County, State and Federal agencies whenever it deems such action appropriate in effectuating the policy of this Part;

(g) To initiate, conduct or recommend such educational programs as, in the judgment of the Commission, will increase good will among inhabitants of the community and open new opportunities into all phases of community life and society for all inhabitants of the City;

(h) To hold conferences, and other public meetings, in the interest of the constructive resolution of racial, religious or other group tensions, prejudice or discrimination;

(i) To receive, hear and investigate complaints of tensions, practices of discrimination and acts of prejudice against any person or group because of race, color, religion, ethnic origin, culture, economic status, disability, age or sex, whether practiced by private persons, associations, corporations or public bodies, and to seek to resolve such matters through consultation and advice;

(j) To seek the best means of progressively improving human relations in the entire City;

(k) To issue such publications and such special reports concerning its work and investigations it may consider desirable and in the public interest, subject to the approval of the City Council;

(l) To refer all findings of discrimination within the jurisdiction of any County, State or Federal boards, commissions or departments to such agencies;

(m) To make recommendations and reports to the City Council on all matters within the duties and functions of the Commission;

(n) To submit an annual report to the City Council and such other reports as may be requested by the City Council.

(Ord. 74-294; Ord. 84-694 § 4; Ord. 87-812 § 1; Ord. 89-883 § 1; Ord. 25-2516, 9/16/2025)

Each member and alternate member of the Human Relations Commission shall receive compensation at the rate of $35.00 for each meeting of the Human Relations Commission attended by such member, not to exceed a total compensation of $70.00 in any one (1) month. Such compensation shall be paid on the first register of the month. No additional compensation shall be paid for expenses incurred by the members of the Commission in the performance of their duties, except that the City Council may, from time to time, authorize in advance expenditures for attendance at seminars, institutes or other meetings which the City Council may find to be beneficial to the Commissioners in the performance of their duties, and in the best interests of the City. Claims for such expenses shall be filed with the Finance Officer and shall be subject to audit and approval by the City Council.

(Ord. 06-1368 § 4; Ord. 89-883 § 1; Ord. 87-812 § 1; Ord. 74-294; Ord. 13-1520 § 2)

Article H.. Department Of Public Safety

There is hereby created and established a Department of Public Safety which shall consist of a Director of Public Safety and such other personnel as may be authorized by the City Council.

(Ord. 82-611 § 1; Ord. 89-892 § 1)

The Department of Public Safety shall be headed by the Director of Public Safety who shall be appointed and may be dismissed by the City Administrator with the approval of the City Council.

The Public Safety Director shall be the City Officer and that member of City government referred to as Chief of Police in Government Code Sections 36501 and 36505.

(Ord. 82-611 § 1; Ord. 89-892 § 1)

Wherever the term "Chief of Police" is used in the Carson Municipal Code, such term shall mean the Director of Public Safety of the City of Carson except to the extent that the Sheriff of Los Angeles County is designated as Chief of Police for the purpose of performance of, and within the scope of, the County Law Enforcement Contract. Any action heretofore taken by the City Council of the City of Carson referring to or designating the Sheriff of Los Angeles County as Chief of Police is hereby modified and superseded to the extent that the same is inconsistent herewith.

(Ord. 89-892 § 1; Ord. 75-325 § 1; Ord. 77-406 § 1)

The Director of Public Safety shall be responsible to the City Administrator and shall perform the following duties:

(a) Be the administrative head of the Public Safety Department and have direct charge of all personnel assigned to the Public Safety Department.

(b) Plan and recommend objectives and programs for the Public Safety Department.

(c) Advise and assist the City Council and City Administrator on all matters relating to public safety.

(d) Supervise and evaluate the needs and resources of the City for public safety programs.

(e) Develop and direct public education and service programs for continuing public safety needs.

(f) Act as Assistant Director of Civil Defense, and as such, develop and maintain plans for civil emergency and natural disaster relief services.

(g) Administer and monitor the County Law Enforcement, Fire, Public Health and Animal Control Contracts.

(h) Perform such other related duties as may be assigned from time to time by the City Administrator.

(i) Supervise and evaluate needs for Security Officer services and security systems.

(Ord. 82-611 § 1; Ord. 89-892 § 1)

The Department of Public Safety shall include and have responsibility for the following functions of the City:

(a) Administration of Law Enforcement Contract, including general law enforcement, traffic enforcement, investigations, community relations with respect to law enforcement and jail.

(b) Youth services, including programs to educate youth in law enforcement and safety related areas.

(c) Municipal Code enforcement services, including programs to ensure compliance with and enforcement of this Code and solid waste management.

(d) Health services, including planning, liaison and ambulance services.

(e) Animal control services, including regulations, licensing and pound services.

(f) Fire protection services, including fire prevention, fire protection, fire education, rescue and paramedic services.

(g) Civil defense, including emergency preparedness, planning coordination and liaison.

(h) Administration of the residential refuse collection program.

(i) Security officer services and facility security systems.

(Ord. 82-611 § 1; Ord. 89-892 § 1)

Where any of the functions or activities mentioned in CMC § 2784 are provided by Los Angeles County pursuant to contract with the City, or by County Districts, or by contract with a private contractor, the Department of Public Safety shall have the responsibility for the administration and monitoring of such contracts, maintenance of liaison between the City and County officers and other personnel having responsibility for the performance of such contracts and recommendations to the City Administrator as to the level of performance, amendment and renewal of such contracts. The Department of Public Safety shall have the responsibility for performance of any functions authorized by the City Council or pursuant to law, and pursuant to the Department's responsibilities referred to in CMC § 2784 which are not within the scope of any County or private contract or District functions.

(Ord. 82-611 § 1; Ord. 89-892 § 1)

In order to provide for the public safety, there is hereby created and established the position of City Security Officer for the City of Carson. City Security Officers shall be under the supervision, direction and control of the Public Safety Director.

(Ord. 89-892 § 1; Ord. 79-475 § 1; Ord. 75-342 § 1; Ord. 77-406 § 1)

The applicants shall have such qualifications and stand such examinations of their physical and mental fitness as may be prescribed from time to time. The character and reputation of prospective City Security Officers shall be investigated by the Public Safety Director.

(Ord. 89-892 § 1; Ord. 79-475 § 1; Ord. 75-342 § 1; Ord. 77-406 § 1)

Before entering upon his duties as a City Security Officer of the City of Carson, each officer shall take the following oath before the City Clerk:

(Ord. 89-892 § 1; Ord. 75-342 § 1; Ord. 77-406 § 1)

City Security Officers shall be trained in accordance with State law and in the manner determined and directed by the Public Safety Director.

(Ord. 89-892 § 1; Ord. 79-475 § 1; Ord. 75-342 § 1; Ord. 77-406 § 1)

While on duty, under the orders of the Public Safety Director, City Security Officers shall have the authority and duty to enforce the provisions of the Municipal Code and the ordinance of the City of Carson as may be from time to time designated or assigned by the Public Safety Director pursuant to California Penal Code Section 836.5. City Security Officers may make arrests for violation of such Municipal Code ordinances and may issue citations for misdemeanors pursuant to California Penal Code Chapter 5C (commencing with Section 853.6) and Carson Municipal Code Article 1, Chapter 2. City Security Officers shall be responsible for the proper performance of their duties and shall be subject to removal by the Public Safety Director. City Security Officers shall not be considered general law enforcement officers and shall only have powers prescribed by this Code.

(Ord. 89-892 § 1; Ord. 79-475 § 1; Ord. 75-342 § 1; Ord. 77-406 § 1)

It shall be unlawful for any City Security Officer to wear identifying uniform and insignia except while on duty.

(Ord. 89-892 § 1; Ord. 75-342 § 1; Ord. 77-406 § 1)

Since City Security Officers have only limited law enforcement responsibilities, they shall be considered as civilian employees of the City of Carson for the purposes of pension and pay.

(Ord. 89-892 § 1; Ord. 75-342 § 1; Ord. 77-406 § 1)