Santa Clara County Municipal Code Ch. XXVI Santa Clara County Sustainability Commission

In accordance with Sections 500 and 506 of the Charter, there is hereby established a Santa Clara County Sustainability Commission, referred to within this Chapter as the Commission.

(Ord. No. NS-300.971, § 1, 4-18-23)

(a) Membership. The Commission shall consist of 11 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, designated as follows:

(1) Five members shall be representatives of the County at large, with one member nominated by each member of the Board of Supervisors.

Each Supervisor may also nominate one alternate for each member they nominated, who may serve in the absence of that regular member.

(2) Four members nominated by the County Executive. The County Executive may also nominate one alternate for each member who may serve in the absence of that regular member.

(3) Two youth at large members, aged 14 to 22 years old at the time of assuming office, nominated by the County Executive in consultation with the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

All members and alternates shall be County residents. Persons appointed shall have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in environmental sustainability.

(b) Quorum. A majority consists of six members, which constitutes a quorum for the transaction of Commission business.

(c) Term.

(1) The two youth members shall serve a term of two years and until their respective successor is appointed and qualified. The initial term of the youth members shall be deemed to have commenced on July 1, 2023.

(2) The term of the remaining members shall be four years and until their respective successor is appointed and qualified, except two of the initial members shall serve one-year terms, two of the initial members shall serve two-year terms, two of the initial members shall serve three-year terms, and three of the initial members shall serve four-year terms. The initial terms shall be determined by lot of the initial members at the first meeting of the Commission and shall be deemed to have commenced on July 1, 2023. The alternate for each member shall have the same term as the member. No member or alternate shall be eligible to serve on the Commission for more than three consecutive terms in addition to any portion of any unexpired term which may have been served. After reaching the term limit, an individual may not be reappointed to serve on the Commission for one year after leaving the Commission. A member or alternate's failure to attend three regular meetings in a 12-month period without good cause, as determined by the Chairperson of the Commission, will result in notification to the appointing authority, which may result in removal of the member or alternate from the Commission.

(Ord. No. NS-300.971, § 1, 4-18-23)

The Commission shall serve as an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors for the purpose of providing expertise and guidance on:

(a) The County's implementation of the County of Santa Clara's Sustainability Master Plan, and a Community Climate Action Plan, if adopted by the Board of Supervisors;

(b) Engagement and empowerment of Santa Clara County youth, residents, and businesses on sustainability issues, including issues related to implementation of the Sustainability Master Plan; and

(c) Opportunities to realize equity across the diverse communities of Santa Clara County in sustainability programs, including programs that support the Sustainability Master Plan.

(Ord. No. NS-300.971, § 1, 4-18-23)

The Commission will approve a schedule of six regular meetings for each calendar year prior to the first meeting of that calendar year. In accordance with the provisions of Section A6-3 of the Ordinance Code, the Commission shall meet bimonthly. The time and place of each meeting shall be specified in the notice calling the meeting.

(Ord. No. NS-300.971, § 1, 4-18-23)

The Commission shall organize itself in accordance with Section 506 of the Charter. Procedures for the conduct of business not otherwise specified herein shall be contained in the bylaws of the Commission. The initial bylaws, and any amendments to the bylaws, following approval as to form and legality by County Counsel, shall be approved by the Board of Supervisors.

(Ord. No. NS-300.971, § 1, 4-18-23)

(a) The Clerk of the Board or their designee shall be ex officio secretary of the Commission and shall provide secretarial assistance to the Commission.

(b) The County's Office of Sustainability shall provide staff assistance to the Commission.

(Ord. No. NS-300.971, § 1, 4-18-23)