Visalia Municipal Code Ch. 2.20 Relocation Appeals Board

There is created a relocation appeals board in and for the city. (Prior code § 7900)

The relocation appeals board shall consist of five members including the chairman. The members and chairman shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to approval by the city council, to serve without compensation, but each of the members shall be reimbursed for his necessary expenses incurred in performance of his duties as determined by the city council. Each member shall be a qualified elector of the city at the time of his appointment and during his incumbency. The term of office shall be three years and/or until his successor shall be appointed and qualified; except, that upon initial establishment of the board, one member shall be appointed to a one-year term, two members to two-year terms and two members to three-year terms. Should a vacancy occur in the board for any reason, prior to the expiration of term, such vacancy shall be filled for such unexpired term. Whenever, in the discretion of the city council, the best interests of the city shall be served thereby, any member of the board may be removed from office by the majority vote of the council. (Prior code § 7901)

The board shall hold meetings of its members as may be necessary to review all relocation appeals. Meetings of the relocation appeals board shall be called by the chairman within five days following notification of a relocatee's request for an appeal. Three members shall constitute a quorum. (Prior code § 7902)

Absence from two consecutive meetings without the formal consent of the board for any reason thereof shall be deemed to constitute a retirement of such member, and the vacancy thus created shall be filled thereafter by the mayor, subject to council approval, by an appointment of a successor to fill the unexpired term of office. (Prior code § 7903)

The powers and duties of the board shall be as follows:

A. To promptly hear all appeals of displacees aggrieved by determination, by the city or the Visalia Community Redevelopment Agency, as to eligibility for or the amount of, relocation assistance to which they are entitled to receive under the provisions of Section 33417.5 of the Health and Safety Code, and where applicable, federal regulations;

B. To determine if the governmental body causing displacement has complied with the above stated relocation requirements;

C. It shall be the duty of the chairman to preside over all meetings of the board and transmit the board's findings and recommendations to the proper legislative body. (Prior code § 7904)

All officers, departments and department heads of the city and the Visalia Community Redevelopment Agency shall render cooperation and all reasonable and necessary assistance to the relocation appeals board. Neither the board nor any person connected with said board shall incur any financial liability in the name of the city. (Prior code § 7905)

The city council of the city may, at its discretion, appropriate such monies as it may deem necessary for the purpose of carrying on the activities of the board. (Prior code § 7906)