Whittier Municipal Code Ch. 2.06 Cultural Arts Commission

There is created and established for the city a cultural arts commission, which shall be concerned with the study and recommendation of matters pertaining to the cultural arts needs of the community and the local government responsibility therefor.

(Ord. 2400 § 1 (part), 1987)

(Ord. No. 3122, § 6, 9-8-20)

The commission's general purpose is to advise the city council regarding programs that would enhance, service, advocate and provide support for excellence in the arts for the citizens of Whittier; to prioritize recommendations to the city council regarding the development and improvement of arts activities in Whittier in conjunction with other appropriate agencies; to raise the level of awareness and involvement of all citizens in the preservation, expansion, and enjoyment of the arts in Whittier; and to provide a forum within city government where planning and debate on these issues can be carried out.

(Ord. 2400 § 1 (part), 1987)

(Ord. No. 3122, § 6, 9-8-20)

The commission shall consist of five members who shall be appointed by the city council. Membership eligibility is established as follows:

A. Each appointee shall be qualified elector of the city;

B. The commission shall reflect the composition of the city as nearly as possible; and

C. Officials of the city shall not be eligible for appointment as members to this commission.

(Ord. No. 3122, § 6, 9-8-20)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 3122, § 6, adopted Sep. 8, 2020, amended § 2.06.030 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former § 2.06.030 pertained to appointment and derived from Ord. 2400, § 1(part), adopted in 1987; and Ord. No. 3073, § 1, adopted Sep. 26, 2017.

The commission shall elect its own chairperson and vice-chairperson at the first meeting which shall be convened as soon as practicable after the appointments have been made and shall reorganize on an annual basis, effective July 1st of each year.

(Ord. 2400 § 1 (part), 1987)

(Ord. No. 3112, § 2, 2-25-20)

The commission shall have the following duties:

A. To advise the city council on matters relating to cultural arts within the city;

B. To assess and report to the city council issues relating to cultural needs in the community;

C. To work in cooperation with any appointed staff in developing policy and programs directed toward meeting such needs and making appropriate recommendations to the city council in this regard;

D. Perform such other duties as are not inconsistent with the City Charter and which may be delegated or prescribed by the city council;

E. This commission shall not have authority to obligate, by contract or otherwise, the city in any manner; and

F. With the exception of any staff specifically assigned to work with the commission, contact with other staff, boards or commissions shall be cleared through the city manager's office.

(Ord. 2400 § 1 (part), 1987)

(Ord. No. 3122, § 6, 9-8-20)

There shall be paid staff appointed by the city manager whose duties shall be to carry out the daily activities pertaining to cultural arts as authorized by the city council. This staff person shall serve as the secretary to the commission and shall record accurate minutes of meetings held by the commission, furnishing copies of all such minutes to the city council.

(Ord. 2400 § 1 (part), 1987)

No compensation shall be paid commission members as such; however, members may be entitled to reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as such commission members, subject to prior approval by the city council and provided further that the total of such expenditures shall not exceed the amount budgeted.

(Ord. 2400 § 1 (part), 1987)