TITLE II—ADMINISTRATION
CHAPTER 3—BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES Revised 5/24
(Previous Title II replaced by Ord. 1292, eff. 6/18/1999; Amd. Ord. 1299, eff. 3/04/2000; Ord. 1304, eff. 5/19/2000; Ord. 1305, eff. 5/19/2000; Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1353, eff. 8/19/2005; Ord. 1367, eff. 1/18/2008; Ord. 1385, eff. 1/2/2009)
ARTICLE 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 2200. Purposes and Findings.
A. The Council recognizes that City business is best conducted by reliance on resident involvement through the use of permanent and temporary ad hoc committees. State law allows the Council to establish committees for different purposes, and with varying amounts of delegated decision-making or advisory authority.
B. The Council finds that resident participation in permanent and temporary committees can be encouraged through efforts to simplify the procedures followed by the different committees. Therefore, to the greatest extent possible, the Council seeks to make consistent internal procedures and to define the jurisdictional scope of authority of the different committees. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2201. Definitions.
Unless expressly defined otherwise, the following definitions shall govern the construction of this chapter. The definition of a word applies to any of its variants.
A. Board. "Board" shall mean a standing committee created by the Council pursuant to specific statutory direction and with final decision-making authority as specifically provided herein. Decisions of a board are considered final action and are not revisable by the Council.
B. Commission. "Commission" shall mean a standing committee created by the Council with final decision-making authority as specifically provided herein. Decisions of a commission are reviewable by the Council through established appeal procedures. Commission members shall obtain ethics training, as required by AB 1234, Government Code Section 53234 et seq.
C. Committee. "Committee" shall mean a standing committee created by the Council for purposes of providing advice and recommendation to the Council and City staff.
D. Task Force. "Task Force" shall mean a temporary committee created by the Council for specific purposes. The task force shall have advisory powers only, and shall cease to exist after a designated time. For purposes of this Chapter, an ad hoc committee shall be treated as a task force. (Ord. 1367, eff. 1/18/2008; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2202. Creation, Appointment and Removal.
A. Creation. The Council may create boards, commissions, committees and task forces as required or convenient. Boards, commissions and committees shall be created by ordinance. Task forces may be created by either motion or resolution of the Council.
B. Appointment. Members of a board, commission, committee or task force shall be appointed by the Council, shall serve at the pleasure of the Council and shall serve without compensation. Except where expressly provided otherwise, all boards, commissions and committees shall be comprised of seven (7) members; no less than five (5) members shall be residents of the City of Arcata, and the remaining two (2) may live or work in the Arcata Planning Area.
C. Vacancies. Ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of a term on the Planning Commission, the City Manager shall announce each vacancy, and shall state that it is seeking applicants and shall set forth the qualifications required, if any. The Council may interview each applicant, after which a majority of the Council may select the most qualified applicant to fill the vacancy. Incumbent members are encouraged to reapply for additional terms. Vacancies occurring during the middle of a term shall be filled by Council appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.
D. Removal. The Council may remove any member by majority vote at a regularly scheduled Council meeting. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2203. Term.
A. Board Members. Boards meet infrequently and therefore members of a board do not have a fixed term of office.
B. Commission Members. Except as specifically provided otherwise herein, the term of office for members of a commission shall be four (4) years. The annual expiration date of a term shall be as specified in this Chapter. Terms shall be staggered.
C. Committee Members. The term of office for members of committees shall be three (3) years. The annual expiration date of a term shall be as specified in this Chapter. Terms shall be staggered. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2204. Absences.
A. Boards. If any member of a board is absent for two (2) meetings in a calendar year, the secretary to the board shall certify that fact to the Council and the Council shall thereafter declare the position on the board to be vacant.
B. Commissions. If any member of a commission is absent for four (4) regularly scheduled meetings in a calendar year, the secretary to the commission shall certify that fact to the Council and the Council shall thereafter declare the position on the commission to be vacant.
C. Committees. If any member of a committee is absent for three (3) regularly scheduled meetings in a calendar year, the secretary to the committee shall certify that fact to the Council and the Council shall thereafter declare the position on the committee to be vacant. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2205. Organization.
A. Boards. Each board shall elect its chairperson and vice-chairperson once every four (4) years from among its appointed members. The elected chairperson and vice-chairperson shall serve for the duration of their terms.
B. Commissions and Committees. Each commission and committee shall annually, at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the fiscal year, elect its chairperson and vice-chairperson from among its appointed members.
C. Task Forces. Each task force shall elect its chairperson and vice-chairperson at its first regularly scheduled meeting from its appointed members. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2206. Meetings: Notice; Quorum.
A. Notice. All boards, commissions, committees, and task forces are subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act, Government Code Section 54950 et seq. Notice of all meetings shall satisfy the minimum requirements of such Act. Any board, commission, committee or task force may vote to cancel a regularly scheduled meeting as needed.
B. Special Meetings. Any board, commission, committee or task force may meet more frequently than permitted by its regular meeting schedule if considered necessary or expedient by the chairperson. Such special meetings shall be noticed in accordance with requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act. Any board, commission, or committee may request a joint meeting with the City Council or with other boards, commissions or committees.
C. Quorum. A majority of the board, commission, committee or task force shall constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting business.
D. Annual Report. All commissions, committees and task forces shall deliver an annual report to the Council. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2207. Minutes.
The Secretary shall take minutes at each meeting and shall make such minutes available within a reasonable time following each meeting and shall be subject to approval by the appropriate body. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
ARTICLE 2—PLANNING COMMISSION
Sec. 2208. Creation, Powers and Duties.
The Planning Commission is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be as specified in the State Planning and Zoning Law, Title 7 of the Government Code. These powers and duties are outlined as follows:
A. To serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council and City staff on all matters pertaining to planning and the physical development of the City and surrounding areas.
B. To provide recommendations to the City Council regarding the preparation, adoption, amendment, administration, and implementation of the General Plan and its various elements, the Local Coastal Plan, and Specific Plans.
C. To provide recommendations to the City Council regarding preparation, adoption, amendment and implementation of the City’s land use, zoning, subdivision, development review, design review, environmental review, and other related policies, ordinances, and standards.
D. To review and take action to approve, approve subject to conditions or modifications, or to deny various applications for development or use of land as provided in the City’s zoning ordinances codified at Title IX.
E. To review and make decisions or recommendations on Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, and other environmental documents prepared for private and public projects.
F. To review and make decisions regarding the consistency of proposed acquisition or disposition of real property by the City with the General Plan and any applicable Specific Plans, as provided by state law.
G. To review and make decisions with respect to the consistency of proposed capital improvement projects and programs with the General Plan and any applicable Specific Plans, as provided by state law.
H. To exercise any other powers and duties as may be assigned by state law or by the zoning ordinances codified at Title IX.
I. To conduct all powers, duties and functions of the Historic and Design Review Commission as codified in the City’s Land Use Code, Title IX, including the implementation of the Historic Preservation Element of the General Plan. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018; Ord. 1516, eff. 8/16/2019)
Sec. 2209. Meetings.
The Planning Commission shall hold regular meetings twice monthly as set by schedule established by the Commission. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2209.1. Term.
The annual expiration date of a term for a Planning Commission member shall be March 31st. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2210. Secretary.
The Director of Community Development, or his/her designee, shall be the Secretary to the Commission. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2211. Conflict of Interest Code.
The provisions of the City of Arcata Conflict of Interest Code, Title II, Chapter 8, shall apply to all members of the Planning Commission. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
ARTICLE 3—Repealed and Reserved by Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018.
ARTICLE 4—Repealed and Reserved by Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018.
ARTICLE 5—BOARD OF PERMIT APPEALS
Sec. 2223 Creation, Powers and Duties.
The Board of Permit Appeals is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be to hear and act upon appeals and decisions made by the Building Official of the City of Arcata.
Sec. 2224 Meetings.
The Board of Permit Appeals shall meet as necessary and upon call of its Secretary.
Sec. 2225 Membership.
The Board of Permit Appeals shall consist of five members appointed by the City Council. At least two of the five members shall be experienced in building construction and one member shall be a public member. It is not necessary that members of the Board of Permit Appeals live or work in the Arcata Planning Area.
Sec. 2226 Secretary.
The Director of Community Development, or his/her designee, shall be the Secretary to the Board.
ARTICLE 6—HANDICAPPED ACCESS APPEALS BOARD
Sec. 2227 Creation, Powers and Duties.
The Handicapped Access Appeals Board is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be to hear appeals of decisions made by the Building Official concerning any matter for which an appeal is allowed pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 19957.5. In such appeals, the Handicapped Access Appeals Board shall act with the authority of and in the stead of the Board of Permit Appeals. The Handicapped Access Appeals Board shall be considered a sub-board of the Board of Permit Appeals; however, decisions of the Handicapped Access Appeals Board shall be final decisions and there shall not be right of further appeal therefrom.
Sec. 2228 Meetings.
The Handicapped Access Appeals Board shall meet as necessary and upon the call of its Secretary.
Sec. 2229 Membership.
The Handicapped Access Appeals Board shall consist of five members as follows: two shall be experienced in building construction and shall be appointed by the Board of Permit Appeals from among its members; one shall be a public member and shall be appointed by the Board of Permit Appeals from among its members except that in the event there is no public member on the Board of Permit Appeals, such member shall be appointed by the Council; two members shall be physically handicapped persons appointed by the Council. It is not necessary that members of the Handicapped Access Appeals Board live or work in the Arcata Planning Area.
Sec. 2230 Organization.
All rules of procedure established by the Board of Permit Appeals, and all other provisions of this Chapter except to the extent inconsistent with the express provisions of this Article or the provisions of Health and Safety Code Section 19957.5, shall be deemed to refer to and shall apply to the Handicapped Access Appeals Board.
ARTICLE 7—PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Sec. 2231. Creation, Powers and Duties.
The Parks and Recreation Committee is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be:
A. To serve in an advisory capacity to the Council, Commissions, or City staff, as appropriate, on matters pertaining to public recreation, parklands and related facilities.
B. To serve in an advisory capacity to the Council and City staff on matters pertaining to art, literature, music, theatre, and other related activities.
C. To recommend to the Council and City staff the acceptance or rejection of offers of donations of money, personal property and real property to be used for recreation, cultural arts, or parkland purposes.
D. To serve in an advisory capacity to the Council and City staff with respect to the establishment of user/rental fee schedules for parks, sports fields and public facilities.
E. To resolve differences and seek solutions to scheduling and use conflicts of City recreational facilities.
F. To establish rules and regulations for use and improvement of public parklands, recreation areas, community gardens, squares, and grounds, including playgrounds, concessions and recreational and related facilities and programs installed and maintained therein.
G. To serve in an advisory capacity to the Council and City staff with respect to policies for the acquisition, development and improvement of parklands and recreational areas.
H. To recommend to the Council a comprehensive recreation and parkland use program based on the needs and interest of the community to assure and stimulate public interest, and to solicit to the fullest extent the cooperation of schools, local youth and public and private agencies.
I. To provide recommendations to the Council, Commissions or City staff as appropriate for promotion of sustainable urban agriculture. (Ord. 1352, eff, 5/20/2005; Ord. 1367, eff. 1/18/2008; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2232. Meetings.
The Parks and Recreation Committee shall hold regular meetings once in every odd-numbered month as set by schedule established by the Committee or as necessary on call of the Chair. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2232.1. Term.
The annual expiration date of a term for a Parks and Recreation Committee member shall be March 31st. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2233. Secretary.
The Director of Environmental Services, or his/her designee, shall serve as the Secretary to the Parks and Recreation Committee. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
ARTICLE 8—FOREST MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Sec. 2234. Creation, Powers and Duties.
The Forest Management Committee is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be:
A. To serve in an advisory capacity to the Council, Commissions, or City staff as appropriate in matters relating to:
1. Implementation of the Arcata Community Forest/Jacoby Creek Forest Management Plan;
2. Forestry issues within the Arcata Planning Area; and
3. Forest management issues on other City-owned forest land.
B. To review timber harvest plans and permits prior to their filing with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for conformance with the goals and policies of the Forest Management Plan, Monitoring Plans, and Recreation Plans.
C. To make recommendations to the Council for amendments to the Forest Management Plan that may become desirable based upon experience with implementation.
D. To provide recommendations to the Council, Commissions, or City staff as appropriate on the acquisition and/or protection opportunities for forestland, open space and agricultural resource lands that protect and buffer the Community Forest. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2235. Meetings.
The Forest Management Committee shall hold regular meetings once in every odd-numbered month as set by schedule established by the Committee or as necessary on call of the Chair. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2236. Membership.
The Forest Management Committee shall consist of seven (7) members who shall be selected for their interest, knowledge, or experience in multi-resource forest management, which includes forest ecology, forest management, watershed management, wildlife, fisheries, botany, and recreation. Notwithstanding Section 2202, members of the Forest Management Committee are not required to live or work in the Arcata Planning Area. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2236.1. Term.
The annual expiration date of a term for a Forest Management Committee member shall be March 31st. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2237. Secretary.
The Director of Environmental Services, or his/her designee, shall serve as the Secretary to the Forest Management Committee. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
ARTICLE 9—WETLANDS AND CREEKS COMMITTEE
Sec. 2238. Creation, Powers and Duties.
The Wetlands and Creeks Committee is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be:
A. To serve in an advisory capacity to the Council, Commissions, or City Staff as appropriate in matters relating to the policies affecting creeks, riparian areas, wetlands, tidelands, City wildlife areas and open space and agricultural resources of Arcata.
B. To make recommendations to City staff on the management of vegetation, recreation, wildlife, and fisheries of the City-owned wetlands and creek zones, including the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary and the Jacoby Creek/Gannon Slough Wildlife Area.
C. To make recommendations to City staff on City-sponsored creeks and wetlands restoration and enhancement projects and actions to protect open space and wetland habitats.
D. To make recommendations during the environmental review process on projects that may involve or affect a creek, riparian area, wetland or tideland resource of Arcata.
E. To provide community outreach and education in regard to stormwater pollution control, aquatic resources awareness, estuarine and riparian restoration, and creek and wetland awareness issues. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1367, eff. 1/18/2008; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2239. Meetings.
The Wetlands and Creeks Committee shall hold regular meetings once in every odd-numbered month as set by schedule established by the Committee or as necessary on call of the Chair. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2240. Membership.
The Wetlands and Creeks Committee shall consist of seven (7) members who shall be selected for their interest, knowledge, or experience in wildlife, fisheries, agriculture, watershed management, wetland ecology, wetland/riparian botany, water quality, or interest in, or knowledge of, Arcata’s creeks, riparian areas, wetlands and tidelands. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2240.1. Term.
The annual expiration date of a term for a Wetlands and Creeks Committee member shall be March 31st. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2241. Secretary.
The Director of Environmental Services, or his/her designee, shall serve as the Secretary to the Wetlands and Creeks Committee. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
ARTICLE 10—TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMMITTEE
Sec. 2242. Creation, Powers and Duties.
The Transportation Safety Committee is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be to review all transportation safety matters and make recommendations to the Council, Commissions, or City staff as appropriate. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2243. Meetings.
The Transportation Safety Committee shall hold regular meetings once a month as set by schedule established by the Committee or as necessary on call of the Chair. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2244. Membership.
The Transportation Safety Committee shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by the Council. Membership shall reflect, as much as possible, interest in all transportation modes, including pedestrian, bicyclist, mass transit and skateboarding in the City of Arcata. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2244.1. Term.
The annual expiration date of a term for a Transportation Safety Committee member shall be March 31st. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2245. Secretary.
The City Engineer, or his/her designee, shall serve as the Secretary to the Transportation Safety Committee. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
ARTICLE 11—ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Sec. 2246. Creation, Powers and Duties.
The Economic Development Committee is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be:
A. To serve in an advisory capacity to the Council, Commissions, or City staff as appropriate in matters pertaining to economic development, including but not limited to manufacturing, retail, tourism, business expansion and revitalization and agriculture.
B. To review economic trends and to make recommendations to strengthen the economic well-being of the City. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2247. Meetings.
The Economic Development Committee shall hold regular meetings once monthly as set by schedule established by the Committee or as necessary on call of the Chair. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2248. Membership.
The Economic Development Committee shall consist of seven (7) members who shall be selected for their interest, knowledge or experience in one (1) or more of the following areas: banking, real estate, the arts, agriculture, small business, tourism, industry, commerce, building, housing, science and technology, or employee relations. No less than two (2) members shall be residents of the City of Arcata, and the remaining five (5) members shall either live or work in the City of Arcata or the Arcata Planning Area. (Ord. 1425, eff. 11/16/2012; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2248.1. Term.
The annual expiration date of a term for an Economic Development Committee member shall be September 30th. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2249. Secretary.
The Director of Community Development, or his/her designee, shall serve as the Secretary to the Economic Development Committee. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2250. Conflict of Interest Code.
The provisions of the City of Arcata Conflict of Interest Code, Title II, Chapter 8, shall apply to all members of the Arcata Economic Development Committee. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
ARTICLE 12—PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Sec. 2251. Creation, Powers and Duties.
The Public Safety Committee is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be:
A. To serve in an advisory capacity to the Council, Commissions, or City staff, as appropriate, on matters pertaining to public safety.
B. To provide a forum for the City, police, and community members to communicate about public safety issues and concerns.
C. To review crime trends and identify the highest risks to public safety.
D. To study, evaluate, and make recommendations to the City Council, Commissions, or City staff, as appropriate, regarding threats to public safety, and crime reduction and prevention strategies.
E. To provide community outreach and education in regard to public safety, crime trends, and crime reduction and prevention strategies. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2252. Meetings.
The Public Safety Committee shall hold regular meetings monthly as set by schedule established by the Committee or as necessary on call of the Chair. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2253 Membership.
The Public Safety Committee shall consist of seven (7) members who shall be selected for their interest, knowledge or experience in topics to be addressed by the Committee and subject to eligibility criteria in Section 2202(B). (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2253.1 Term.
The annual expiration date of a term for a Public Safety Committee member shall be September 30th. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2254. Secretary.
The Chief of Police, or his/her designee, shall serve as the Secretary to the Public Safety Committee. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
ARTICLE 13—Repealed and Reserved by Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018.
ARTICLE 14—ENERGY COMMITTEE
Sec. 2260. Creation, Powers and Duties.
The Energy Committee is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be as follows:
A. To study, evaluate and make recommendations to the City Council, Commissions, or City staff as appropriate regarding energy efficiency, energy conservation and conversion to renewable energy sources within the community.
B. To study, evaluate and provide energy information, education and program administration to the City Council, Commissions, or City staff as appropriate.
C. To advise the City Council, Commissions, or City staff as appropriate on sustainable energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction considerations in City planning and regulation.
D. To advise the City Council, Commissions, or City staff as appropriate on potential ways for City to generate its own renewable energy. (Ord. 1305, eff/ 5/19/2000; Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1367, eff. 1/18/2008; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2261. Meetings.
The Energy Committee shall hold regular meetings once in every odd-numbered month as set by schedule established by the Committee or as necessary on call of the Chair. (Ord. 1305, eff. 5/19/2000; Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2262. Membership.
The Energy Committee shall consist of seven (7) members who shall be selected for their interest, knowledge, or experience in energy usage, conservation, regulation and/or generation. (Ord. 1305, eff. 5/19/2000; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2262.1. Term.
The annual expiration date of a term for the Energy Committee member shall be September 30th. (Ord. 1352, eff. 5/20/2005; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2263. Secretary.
The Director of Environmental Services or his/her designee shall serve as the Secretary to the Energy Committee. (Ord. 1305, eff. 5/19/2000; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
ARTICLE 15—TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
(Ord. 1385, eff. 1/2/2009)
Sec. 2270 Findings.
The City Council for the City of Arcata makes the following findings:
A. Limited revenue has led to the inability of the City to adequately maintain much of the City’s road infrastructure as well as provide police services commensurate with community need.
B. On November 4, 2008, the voters approved a ballot measure imposing a three-quarter cent ($0.0075) general transactions and use tax (referred to as "sales tax") in the City of Arcata for twenty (20) years.
C. As a general tax, state law requires that all money received from the sales tax be paid to the City’s general fund from which the City Council may authorize expenditures for any and all governmental purposes. The City may commit the increased general fund revenue attributable to the sales tax to improving the City’s road infrastructure and public safety services only through its appropriation of the general fund.
D. Based on this, the City Council finds that its annual budget process and determination of general fund expenditures in regard to the public works (streets) and public safety activities can be greatly improved by input from a citizens’ committee.
E. The purpose of this article is to create an oversight committee to review prior year general fund support of activity budgets for public works (streets) and public safety relative to historical expenditures in those activities. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2271. Creation, Powers and Duties.
The Transactions and Use Tax Oversight Committee is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be as follows:
To review the City of Arcata general fund public works (streets) and public safety activity budgets based on historical data and need.
In November of each year, to report to the City Council the result of the review conducted in Section 2271(A), and make recommendations for general fund expenditures for the following fiscal year in the public works (streets) and public safety activity budgets.
To review and make recommendations on other general fund matters as the City Council may direct through resolution. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2272. Meetings.
The Transactions and Use Tax Oversight Committee shall meet as necessary on call of the Chair. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2273. Membership.
The Transactions and Use Tax Oversight Committee members may simultaneously serve on other City of Arcata Boards, Commissions, Committees and Task Forces, subject to eligibility criteria in Section 2202(B). The Transactions and Use Tax Oversight Committee shall be established to consist of seven (7) members who shall be selected as follows: one (1) member shall be from the Transportation Safety Committee recommended by the City Engineer; one (1) member shall be a community member recommended by the Police Chief; and one (1) member shall be selected by each of the City Council members, and shall have experience with budgetary and fiscal processes and an understanding of relevant community issues. Future vacancies of the five (5) City Council-selected members shall be appointed by a majority of the Council, and such members shall have experience with budgetary and fiscal processes and an understanding of relevant community issues. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2274. Term.
The terms of the Committee members shall be four (4) years and will be staggered at two (2) year intervals. The annual expiration date of a term shall be September 30th. (Ord. 1421, eff. 10/5/2012; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2275. Secretary.
The Director of Finance or his/her designee shall serve as the Secretary to the Transactions and Use Tax Oversight Committee. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2276. Committee Sunset Date. Revised 5/24
The Transactions and Use Tax Oversight Committee will automatically be sunset in March 2029 when the sales tax is no longer imposed. (Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018; Ord. 1567, eff. 3/22/2024)
ARTICLE 16—HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMITTEE
Sec. 2277. Creation, Powers and Duties.
The Historic Landmarks Committee is hereby created. Its powers and duties shall be:
A. To serve in an advisory capacity to the Council, Commissions, or City staff as appropriate in matters pertaining to structures, sites or neighborhoods having special character or special historic, architectural, cultural or aesthetic interest or value.
B. To make recommendations to City staff concerning Certified Local Government status, developing a Noteworthy Structure List and promoting other historic preservation activities. This includes coordinating with Humboldt State University for listing of state-owned historic structures.
C. To make recommendations to City staff regarding the update of the City’s historic resources inventory.
D. To provide community outreach and education concerning historic resource preservation and the benefits of landmark designation. The Committee shall encourage public involvement and education in preserving Arcata’s heritage of older buildings. (Ord. 1401, eff. 4/16/2010; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2278. Meetings.
The Historic Landmarks Committee shall meet monthly as set by schedule established by the Committee or upon the call of its Secretary. (Ord. 1401, eff. 4/16/2010; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2279. Membership.
The Historic Landmarks Committee shall consist of five (5) members who shall be selected for their interest and knowledge, by virtue of training or experience, of Arcata’s social, built and cultural environment or of design and building technology. It is not necessary that members of the Committee live or work in the Arcata Planning Area as required by Section 2202. (Ord. 1401, eff. 4/16/2010; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2279.1. Term.
The expiration date of a term for a Historic Landmarks Committee member shall be September 30th. (Ord. 1401, eff. 4/16/2010; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)
Sec. 2280. Secretary.
The Director of Community Development, or his/her designee, shall serve as the Secretary to the Historic Landmarks Committee. (Ord. 1401, eff. 4/16/2010; Ord. 1505, eff. 6/15/2018)