Larkspur Municipal Code Ch. 2.48 Boards and Commissions – Procedures

Sections: 2.48.010 Purpose. 2.48.020 Qualifications.

2.48.030 Temporary Committees. 2.48.040 Appointments – Terms. 2.48.050 Vacancies. 2.48.060 Attendance Requirements. 2.48.070 Appointment Procedures. 2.48.080 Officers. 2.48.090 Meetings. 2.48.100 Rules, Regulations, and Records. 2.48.110 Quorum. 2.48.120 Liaison with City Council. 2.48.130 Compensation. 2.48.140 Expert Consultants.

Except as otherwise provided by the ordinance establishing a particular board or commission, the boards and commissions created by the City Council shall be established, the members thereof shall be appointed, and the boards and commissions shall be organized and governed procedurally in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

Membership on such bodies shall be representative of the entire community insofar as possible, and members on such boards and commissions must be willing to serve as a civic responsibility and without compensation. No member of any board or commission shall hold any paid office or employment in the City government. In order to be eligible for appointment to any board or commission, a person shall be a qualified elector of the City, or a minor who resides in the City. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

The Mayor and the City Manager, with the approval of the City Council, may appoint from time to time such temporary committees as are deemed advisable to render advice and counsel to the City Council and the City Manager on any designated matters or subjects within the jurisdiction of the City Council and the City Manager. Membership on such committees shall not be limited by the requirements of Larkspur Municipal Code Section 2.48.020. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

The members of each such board or commission shall be appointed by the City Council for such terms as the City Council shall designate. They shall be subject to removal by motion of the City Council adopted by at least three (3) affirmative votes. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

Any vacancies in any board or commission, from whatever cause arising, shall be filled by appointment by the City Council. When a vacancy occurs, any appointment to fill such vacancy shall be for the unexpired term. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

If a member of a board or commission absents themselves from one-third or more of the regularly scheduled meetings during a six-month period, without specific permission from the City Council, or ceases to be a qualified elector of the City, their office shall become vacant and shall be so declared by the City Council. (Ord. 1062 § 14, 2022; Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

Incumbent members of boards and commissions shall be contacted by a committee of the Mayor and Vice Mayor at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of their terms. The committee will meet with the commissioner and make a recommendation to the full City Council as to whether additional applicants should be solicited, or the incumbent be reappointed without such solicitation. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 509 § 1, 1974; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

At the first regular meeting in January of every year, each of such boards and commissions shall organize by electing a chairperson and vice-chairperson from its membership to serve at the pleasure of such board or commission. In the absence or disability of the chairperson and vice-chairperson, each such board or commission may designate a chairperson pro tempore. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

Each such board or commission shall hold a regular meeting at least once each month at a regular specified date and time to be designated by the board or commission and such special meetings as such board or commission may require. Insofar as possible, all meetings of such boards and commissions shall be held in the Council Chambers. All meetings shall be open to the public. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

Each board or commission may prescribe its own rules and regulations for the transaction of its business, which rules and regulations, after approval by the City Council, shall be kept on file in the City offices where they shall be available for public inspection. Each board or commission shall keep a written record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations, copies of which shall be kept on file in the City offices. The City Manager shall designate a Secretary who shall provide for the recording of minutes for each such board or commission, and keep a record of its proceedings and transactions. The City Manager shall also provide staff assistance, and designate a City employee to serve as principal staff advisor to each board and commission. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

A majority of the members of every such board or commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the affirmative or negative vote of a majority of the quorum shall be sufficient for the transaction of any business except where otherwise provided for in this code. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

The City Council may designate a member of the City Council to meet with a board or commission, but such Councilmember shall not be a member of any such board or commission. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

Unless otherwise authorized by an appropriate act of the City Council, the members of boards and commissions shall serve without compensation for their services as such, but may receive reimbursement for necessary traveling and other expenses incurred on official duty. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)

Every such board and commission may recommend to the City Manager the employment of expert consultants to perform work or give advice when such board or commission finds such work or advice necessary. (Ord. 1030 § 2(2), 2018; Ord. 486 § 1 (part), 1974)