Seaside Municipal Code Ch. 2.14 Boards and Commissions

“Advisory body”

refers to “commission” and “committee” as defined in this section.

“Commission”

refers to all permanent city commissions and the board of architectural review.

“Committee”

refers to permanent committees established by ordinance of the city council.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

The purpose and intent of this chapter is to establish uniform rules and procedures for council appointed advisory bodies.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

All advisory bodies, as defined herein, shall act in an advisory capacity to the city council, except as otherwise provided by city ordinance or state law.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

The mayor, with the advice and consent of the city council, shall make appointments to boards, commissions and committees. The city council shall establish procedures for recommending applicants for appointment.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

Appointed members shall hold office for the specified term and until their successors are appointed and acting, except in the event of resignation or removal from office. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy prior to the expiration of the term for which his or her predecessor was appointed shall serve for the remainder of such term.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

When the terms of a majority of members on any advisory body expire simultaneously, one year prior to the expiration of terms, one majority member, to be determined by lot, shall serve for an additional year beyond the appointed term.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

Any member of an advisory body may be removed from office upon a majority vote of the city council.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990; Ord. 870 § 2, 1997)

Commissions shall meet on an as-needed basis, as called by the chair or staff, but not less than quarterly, on the day and time approved by resolution of the city council.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990; Ord. 1094 § 2, 2020)

If any member of an advisory body fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings thereof without first having obtained permission for such absence in advance from the staff liaison or chairperson of the advisory body, or if any member fails to attend fifty percent of all such meetings during a six-month period, membership thereon may be terminated and a vacancy declared to exist. The chairperson shall recommend to the city council that a vacancy be declared by written notice to the city clerk. The city clerk shall place the matter on the city council agenda, and the city council may either take action to declare that a vacancy exists, or take other action as is reasonable under the circumstances.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

A member of an advisory body who intends to resign shall first file written notice thereof with the city clerk, addressed to the city council, with a copy provided to the chairperson of the advisory body.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

Each advisory body shall elect a chair and vice chair. Election of officers shall occur annually at a regular meeting. In the event of vacancies, temporary officers may be selected by majority vote to hold office until all seats are filled. An election shall then be scheduled for the next regular meeting.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990; Ord. 1034 § 3, 2017)

A majority of those members currently appointed to the advisory body shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business. The affirmative vote of a majority of those present is required to take any action. A minimum of three members must be present in order to transact business.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990; Ord. 811 § 1, 1992)

An individual shall serve on only one city commission at a time. A current commissioner who seeks appointment to another city commission shall tender his/her notice of resignation with the application for appointment. The resignation will be effective upon the individual’s appointment to the new commission.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990; Ord. 1034 § 3, 2017)

All commission members shall be residents of the city.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990; Ord. 1094 § 2, 2020)

The city manager shall designate department heads or other staff members to regularly attend meetings of advisory bodies and to provide such technical support as may be required.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

Each advisory body shall keep and file with the city clerk a record of its proceedings, findings, determinations, resolutions and attendance. These records shall be available for public inspection.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

Each advisory body shall submit an annual report to the city council by April 15th of each year. The report shall include a summary of the activities of the preceding year and shall describe, where applicable, proposed projects or activities for the coming year.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

With the exception of councilmembers, who regularly report at council meetings, council appointees to boards and commissions of outside agencies shall make quarterly oral reports to the city council.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

Members of advisory bodies shall serve without compensation. Necessary expenses may be reimbursed if incurred by a member in his or her official capacity.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

Advisory bodies of the city are subject to the provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

Robert’s Rules of Order, current edition, and the rules of procedure applicable to the city council, shall govern the proceedings of all city boards, commissions and committees. When in conflict, the rules of procedure shall take precedence over Robert’s Rules of Order.

(Ord. 773 § 1 (Exh. A), 1990)

The mayor or city clerk shall administer the oath of office for newly appointed members of advisory bodies.

(Ord. 773 § 1, 1990; Ord. 1034 § 3, 2017)