Chapter 2.24
COMMISSIONS Revised 5/24 Revised 7/24
Sections:
2.24.010 Creation of commissions.
2.24.030 Appointment—Removal—Vacancies.
2.24.050 Terms of present members.
2.24.060 Length of service. Revised 7/24
2.24.080 Meetings—Frequency. Revised 5/24
2.24.100 Appointment of officers.
2.24.120 Expenses—Clerical support.
2.24.140 Planning and Transportation Commission—Powers and duties.
2.24.150 Planning and Transportation Commission—Delegation of authority.
2.24.160 Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission—Powers and duties.
2.24.260 Economic Development Advisory Commission. Revised 5/24
2.24.010 Creation of commissions.
There are established the following commissions and boards in the City and outside agencies that the City has appointees on:
A. Planning and Transportation Commission;
B. Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission;
C. Youth Advisory Council;
D. Economic Development Advisory Commission;
E. Museum of San Carlos History Board of Directors;
F. San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees. (Ord. 1612 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1587 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1522 § 1 (part), 2017: Ord. 1465 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 1404 § 1 (part), 2009; Ord. 1369 § 1 (part), 2006: Ord. 1339 § 1(a), 2004; Ord. 1308 § 1(a), 2002; Ord. 921 § 1, 1983; Ord. 892 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.020 Membership.
Each commission or board established in Section 2.24.010 shall have five (5) members, unless otherwise designated in this chapter or in the resolution, ordinance, or by-laws establishing the commission. The term “commission” shall include commissions, boards and committees. All commission members shall be residents living in the incorporated area of the City of San Carlos unless otherwise specified by the City Council in the ordinance or resolution establishing the commission.
The City Council may also designate an alternate member to the following commissions:
A. Economic Development and Advisory Commission;
B. Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission.
Alternates serve as a voting, participating member only in the event of an absence of a voting member or in the event that a member abstains from a matter due to a conflict of interest. (Ord. 1587 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1567 § 2 (part), 2020; Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1522 § 1 (part), 2017: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 1369 § 1 (part), 2006: Ord. 1292 § 1 (part), 2001; Ord. 1152 § 1, 1994; Ord. 1139 § 1(A), 1993; Ord. 930 § 1, 1984: Ord. 902 § 1, 1981: Ord. 892 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.030 Appointment—Removal—Vacancies.
A. Commission and board members shall be appointed by majority vote of the City Council and no commissioner or board member may be appointed to or serve concurrently on more than one commission or board at the same time. Any commission or board member may be removed from office prior to the expiration of his or her term, with or without cause, by majority vote of the City Council.
B. Unscheduled vacancies on any commission or board shall be filled as specified in the Commissioners’ Handbook as adopted by Council.
C. A member appointed to fill a vacancy prior to expiration of the term for which his or her predecessor was appointed shall serve for such unexpired term.
D. Unauthorized absence of a commission or board member from meetings, as specified in the Commissioners’ Handbook adopted by Council resolution, shall be deemed cause for removal. (Ord. 1567 § 2 (part), 2020; Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1522 § 1 (part), 2017: Ord. 1472 § 2, 2014: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 892 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.040 Terms of office.
A commissioner shall hold office for a term of three years which shall commence on July 1st, and end on June 30th, unless otherwise designated in this chapter or in the resolution, ordinance or by-laws establishing the commission. At the initial appointment of commission members, two shall be appointed for a term of two years and three shall be appointed for a term of three years. Determination of which of the first five members appointed shall be for the two-year term and for the three-year term shall be determined by lot. The original appointees shall determine by chance the length of the original terms of each appointee. Appointments will be staggered, so that no more than three members’ terms shall expire at the same time. (Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1522 § 1 (part), 2017: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 1404 § 1 (part), 2009; Ord. 907 § 1, 1981: Ord. 892 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.050 Terms of present members.
The present members of each commission covered by this chapter shall continue to hold office after the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter until the expiration date of the term for which they were originally appointed, or June 30th of the year of the end of their current term, unless, prior to such expiration date, they voluntarily resign or are removed from office in the manner prescribed in Section 2.24.030. Upon the expiration date of the term of office of each such present member of each commission, the duly appointed successor to each such office shall hold office for a period of three years. (Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 1404 § 1 (part), 2009; Ord. 907 § 2, 1981: Ord. 892 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 864 (part) 1987)
2.24.060 Length of service. Revised 7/24
A. Except as set forth herein, time of service by a member on any of the City Council appointed commissions, committees and boards (hereafter “commissions”) mentioned in Section 2.24.010 shall not exceed six (6) years of consecutive service. If a commissioner is appointed to another commission by the City Council, their time of service on the first commission shall not be counted as cumulative service. Former commission members who have not served for one (1) year or more shall be eligible for appointment to a commission, subject to a new limitation of six (6) years of consecutive service.
B. Notwithstanding the above limitation, in order to meet the intent of staggered membership, to avoid subsequent mid-term changes to commissions and for implementation of this chapter:
1. Initial appointees and members currently appointed to a commission as of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter may serve up to seven (7) years; and
2. Time served after appointment to fill unexpired terms shall not be counted as a term or against the overall limit of six (6) years of consecutive service.
3. In the event the City Council has not filled a commission seat before June 30th of the year in which such commission term would expire, the City Council may, but is not required to, extend the term or reappoint commissioners’ expired terms for a specified additional time or until filled by the Council, whichever occurs first.
C. Alternate Member. If an alternate member fills an unscheduled vacancy, their time served as an alternate member does not count towards the overall limit of six (6) years. Additionally, the time served filling the unscheduled vacancy shall not be counted as a term or against the overall limit of six (6) years of consecutive service. (Ord. 1616 § 1, 2024; Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 1425 § 2 (part), 2010: Ord. 1378 § 1, 2006: Ord. 973 § 1 (part), 1987)
2.24.080 Meetings—Frequency. Revised 5/24
Each commission or board shall hold regular meetings, not less than one each month, at the Council chambers of the City Hall of San Carlos or at such other place as may be convenient and necessary. The time and day of such meetings shall be as set from time to time by each commission or board. Each commission or board shall hold such additional meetings as it deems advisable. If at any time any regular meeting falls on a holiday, such regular meeting shall be held on the next business day. The Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission and the Economic Development Advisory Commission shall be required to meet only quarterly. (Ord. 1614 § 2 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1465 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 1404 § 2, 2009; Ord. 921 § 2, 1982; Ord. 892 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 881 § 1, 1981: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.090 Meetings—Quorum.
A majority of the members of a commission or board shall constitute a quorum for purposes of transacting the business of that commission or board.
Alternate members may serve as a participating member in the absence of a voting member or in the event that a member abstains from a matter due to a conflict of interest. (Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 892 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.100 Appointment of officers.
At their first regular meeting after June, each commission shall appoint a chair, and, if required, a secretary thereof, who shall serve at the pleasure of the commission or board for a period of one year or until their successors have been appointed. Such officers of such body shall be appointed from among those members then serving on such body. Upon creation of a board or commission, it shall choose at the first meeting a chair and, if required, a secretary, whose terms shall expire the following June or until their successors have been appointed. (Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 892 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.110 Secretary—Duties.
A secretary may be appointed by the commission to keep a record of all proceedings, resolutions, findings, determinations and transactions of the commission or board, which shall be a public record. A copy of the record shall be filed with the commission’s designated department. (Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 892 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.120 Expenses—Clerical support.
The City Manager may make available to the commissions adequate facilities and necessary clerical help for the fulfillment of their duties. The commissions shall not incur, allow or permit to accrue any debt or liability, or expend any funds, except as provided for in the budget theretofore approved by the City Council. (Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.130 Rules of procedure.
Each commission may adopt, by resolution, rules for the election and terms of its officers, and for the transaction of business.
The recruitment process for commission members and their attendance policy is specified in the Commissioners’ Handbook, which is adopted by Council resolution. (Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.140 Planning and Transportation Commission—Powers and duties.
The Planning and Transportation Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
A. Prepare and recommend a comprehensive General Plan for the future development of the City, and, from time to time, review the provisions of such plan and make a report of its findings and recommendations to the City Council.
B. Initiate, from time to time, a review of the zoning ordinances codified in Title 18 and make a report of its findings and recommendations to the City Council.
C. Receive and act upon applications authorized and specified in Title 18.
D. Hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by any City official in the interpretation and enforcement of Title 18.
E. Receive and evaluate complaints and other matters having to do with traffic and circulation, including pedestrian and bicycling matters.
F. Recommend to the City Council and staff ways and means for improving traffic and circulation conditions, including bicycle and pedestrian conditions, and encourage use of alternative modes of transportation in the City.
G. Review and comment on preliminary plans for all capital improvement programs related to any and all modes of transportation.
H. Perform such other duties as are now or may hereafter be designated by State statutes or this Code.
I. At the initial meeting of the Planning and Transportation Commission, and yearly thereafter, the members shall elect the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. The Vice Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson when the Chairperson is absent. In the event of a vacancy in the Chairperson’s position, the Vice Chairperson shall succeed as Chairperson for the balance of the Chairperson’s term and the Commission shall elect a successor to fill the vacancy of the Vice Chairperson.
J. The Planning and Transportation Commission is subject to the California Brown Act (Government Code Section 56900 et seq.), and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as provided by law. All meetings of a quorum of the Commission must be held pursuant to the noticing provisions of the Brown Act, and are open to the public. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. Meeting minutes shall be taken of each official meeting of the Commission. (Ord. 1612 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1587 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 1431 § 2 (part), 2011: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.150 Planning and Transportation Commission—Delegation of authority.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as delegating to the Planning and Transportation Commission any function or authority not delegated or authorized by State law pursuant to Title 7 of Chapter 3 of the Government Code, beginning at Section 65100 as it may be amended. (Ord. 1612 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1587 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 892 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.160 Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission—Powers and duties.
A. The Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission shall have the power and it shall be the duty of the Commission to make recommendations to the City Council and to advise the Council regarding:
1. All matters pertaining to the establishment, operation, maintenance, management and control of the public recreation activities of the City, of the parks and other properties and facilities owned and controlled, or which may hereafter be owned and controlled, by the City for such purposes.
2. Advise the City Council concerning the use or acquisition of such other properties, not now owned or controlled by the City, that in its judgment may be suitable for public parks, facilities and recreational activities.
3. All matters affecting the historical, artistic and scientific affairs of San Carlos and its environs and provide assistance to groups in the fields of history, arts and science of the area.
B. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as restricting or curtailing any of the powers of the City Council, or as delegation to the Commission of any of the authority or discretionary powers vested and imposed by law in the City Council. The City Council declares that the public interest, convenience, welfare and necessity require the appointment of a Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council for the purposes enumerated in this section.
C. The Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission shall have the authority to act as an advisory body to any committee or group in the City that is engaged in supervision and promotion of recreation for the general welfare.
D. Commission Composition. The Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission shall consist of five voting members approved by the City Council and may include an alternate member. All members have one vote. The alternate member participates as a voting, participating member only in the event of an absence of a voting member or in the event that a member abstains from a matter due to a conflict of interest.
E. Organization and Terms of Office.
1. The members of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission shall annually elect the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. The Vice Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson when the Chairperson is absent. In the event of a vacancy in the
Chairperson’s position, the Vice Chairperson shall succeed as Chairperson for the balance of the Chairperson’s term and the Commission shall elect a successor to fill the vacancy of the Vice Chairperson.
2. The Commission shall annually appoint one member of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission to serve as a member of the Museum of San Carlos History Board of Directors.
3. The Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission shall establish rules and regulations for its own procedures and shall meet quarterly at a minimum.
4. The Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission is subject to the California Brown Act. All meetings of a quorum of the Commission must be held pursuant to the noticing provisions of the Brown Act, and are open to the public. A majority of the total members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. Meeting minutes shall be taken at each meeting of the Commission.
5. The terms of each member of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission shall be as set forth in Section 2.24.040. (Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1465 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 864 (part), 1980)
2.24.260 Economic Development Advisory Commission. Revised 5/24
A. The City Council establishes the Economic Development Advisory Commission (hereinafter EDAC) to advise the City Council and other City agencies on economic development strategies within the City of San Carlos including the following:
1. Ensure City-wide economic development sustainability.
2. Maintain a successful business climate.
3. Ensure a diverse job base.
4. Ensure adequate range of housing for employees.
5. Such other matters as the City Council assigns to EDAC for review.
B. Commission Composition. EDAC shall consist of seven voting members approved by the City Council and may include an alternate member. In the selection of Commissioners, it is desirable to have San Carlos business representatives on EDAC. Business representatives need not be residents of the City of San Carlos; however, the majority of EDAC members shall be residents. All members have one vote. The alternate member participates as a voting, participating member only in the event of an absence of a voting member or in the event that a member abstains from a matter due to a conflict of interest.
C. Organization and Terms of Office.
1. At the initial meeting of EDAC, and yearly thereafter, the Commissioners shall elect the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, a Secretary and other such officers as deemed necessary by the Commissioners. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of EDAC. The Vice Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson when the Chairperson is absent. In the event of a vacancy in the Chairperson’s position, the Vice Chairperson shall succeed as Chairperson for the balance of the Chairperson’s term and the Commission shall elect a successor to fill the vacancy of the Vice Chairperson.
2. EDAC shall establish rules and regulations for its own procedures and shall meet quarterly at a minimum, and whenever else it determines to be necessary.
3. EDAC is subject to the California Brown Act (Government Code Section 56900 et seq.), and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as provided by law. All meetings of a quorum of the Commission must be held pursuant to the noticing provisions of the Brown Act, and are open to the public. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. Meeting minutes shall be taken of each official meeting of the Commission.
4. The terms of each member of EDAC shall be as set forth in Section 2.24.040. (Ord. 1614 § 2 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1555 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1454 § 2 (part), 2013: Ord. 1359 § 1, 2005)