Orange Municipal Code Ch. 2.62 Santiago Creek Commission

There is established in the City a Santiago Creek Commission consisting of seven members, to act in an advisory capacity and provide recommendations and general advice to the City Council regarding topics concerning the Santiago Creek Area, including, but not limited to, the following:

A. Preservation and/or enhancement of the ecological, scenic, historical, and recreational resource of the Santiago Creek Area, excluding private property and parks;

B. Develop and support relationships with volunteer and nonprofit organizations and public and private agencies, interested in the Santiago Creek Area;

C. Listen to and consider community input regarding the Santiago Creek Area.

(Ord. 13-23, 2023)

The Commission shall have the following duties:

A. Advise and make recommendations to the City Council concerning the implementation of public projects in/along the Santiago Creek Area;

B. Advise and make recommendations to the City Council concerning implementation of the Santiago Creek Plans for the Santiago Creek Area with regard to public property;

C. Advise and make recommendations to the City Council regarding preservation/enhancements of public open space within the Santiago Creek Area;

D. Advise and make recommendations to the City Council on the acquisition of private property if/when it becomes available;

E. Perform such other duties, or refrain from performing duties as may be prescribed by the City Council by minute action, and without amending this chapter;

F. The Commission shall not advise or make recommendations, investigate, take public comment or input or act in any public capacity with regard to development of private property in the City. The Commission will not have authority or jurisdiction over private property development including permitting, or legislative or adjudicatory decisions, quasi or otherwise;

G. This chapter shall not apply to City public parks, private property or waters of the Santiago Creek.

(Ord. 13-23, 2023)

The Mayor, with approval of the City Council, will appoint each member of the Santiago Creek Commission. Each Councilmember may suggest one individual appointment to the Commission to the Mayor. The term of office for each member of the Commission shall be four years and thereafter until a successor for the member whose term is expiring has been appointed.

(Ord. 13-23, 2023)

The Commission shall elect at its first meeting of the calendar year, from its members, a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson. The terms of office for these officers shall be one year.

(Ord. 13-23, 2023)

The Commission shall meet in regular session on dates and at times to be determined from time to time by resolution of the City Council. All meetings shall be open to the public, and the Brown Act shall apply.

(Ord. 13-23, 2023)

A special meeting may be called by the Chairperson or upon written request of at least four members.

(Ord. 13-23, 2023)

A majority of at least four members shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of the members present (at least four members, vacancies shall not count toward establishing a quorum) shall be required to carry a motion; provided, however, that all recommendations to the City Council must have the approval of at least four members.

(Ord. 13-23, 2023)

Absence from three consecutive meetings without formal notice to the Commission will be deemed to constitute the resignation of such member, and the position declared vacant. In the event of a vacancy, either because of absence or otherwise, may be filled by the Mayor subject to ratification by the City Council.

(Ord. 13-23, 2023)

No member shall take any action or make any statement committing the Commission unless given express authority to do so by a majority vote of the Commission's entire seven members.

(Ord. 13-23, 2023)

A. All recommendations of the Commission to the City Council for its consideration and action shall be transmitted in writing.

B. All other written communications from the Commission shall be sent with the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission.

(Ord. 13-23, 2023)