La Mesa Municipal Code Ch. 2.87 Arts and Culture Commission

There is hereby created the arts and culture commission ("commission") of the city of La Mesa. The commission shall consist of seven appointed members as follows: two members to be art educators (one kindergarten through 8 th grade, one 9 th grade through college); one member to represent the visual arts; one member to represent the performing arts; one member to represent the musical arts; and two members to be at large.

If these particular appointments cannot be made and consequently vacancies occur, the remaining vacancies may be appointed at large. All seven members shall be resident electors of the city or be employed at a place of business in the city with a direct relationship to the commission membership categories listed above, or serve in a volunteer capacity at a non-profit organization in the city with a direct relationship to the commission membership categories listed above. Each member is entitled to vote on matters before the commission.

(Ord. 2021-2888, § 1, October 12, 2021)

The mayor shall appoint all members of the commission with approval of the city council.

(Ord. 2021-2888, § 1, October 12, 2021)

The term of office for each appointed member shall be four years which shall commence on July 1 and terminate on June 30 four years thereafter or when the successor is appointed. Members' terms shall be maintained so that not more than three terms expire in any given year; therefore, initially two members shall be appointed for a two-year term, two members shall be appointed for a three-year term, and three members shall be appointed for a four-year term.

(Ord. 2021-2888, § 1, October 12, 2021)

Each vacancy on the commission shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term vacated in the manner set forth in Section 2.87.020.

(Ord. 2021-2888, § 1, October 12, 2021)

The city manager shall designate the department to provide clerical and administrative services as required.

(Ord. 2021-2888, § 1, October 12, 2021)

Three consecutive absences shall constitute resignation of the member unless permission is secured before the third meeting or absence granted by the vote of not less than four members of the commission. If a member seeks to resign before their term has ended, the member shall submit a written notice to the city clerk. Commission members shall serve at the pleasure of the city council and may be removed at the discretion of the city council by a majority vote.

(Ord. 2021-2888, § 1, October 12, 2021)

(a) The mission of the arts and culture commission is to promote the arts, along with the historical, aesthetic, and cultural aspects of the community by using the arts as a mechanism to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

(b) The commission shall have the following duties and functions:

(1) Serve in an advisory capacity to the city council on policies relating to public art;

(2) Promote, encourage and increase support for the arts;

(3) Make recommendations on new ways to integrate arts and culture into community life;

(4) Plan, participate in, and/or help sponsor events showcasing art throughout the city;

(5) Consult and work with community organizations to coordinate activities of the commission.

(Ord. 2021-2888, § 1, October 12, 2021)

Members of the arts and culture commission shall serve without compensation, provided that the city council may authorize reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by the members in the performance of their duties.

(Ord. 2021-2888, § 1, October 12, 2021)

The commission shall meet at least four times per year and shall adopt by majority vote such rules as it shall deem expedient for the conduct of business not contrary to other provisions and policies heretofore adopted by the city council.

(Ord. 2021-2888, § 1, October 12, 2021)

The commission shall, in January of each year, elect one of its members as chairperson and one of its members as vice chairperson. Each elected member shall hold office for one year. The chairperson and the vice chairperson shall not serve for more than two successive terms.

(Ord. 2021-2888, § 1, October 12, 2021)

Decorum at meetings shall be in accordance with Sections 2.08.350 through Section 2.08.380 of the La Mesa Municipal Code.

(Ord. 2021-2888, § 1, October 12, 2021)