Chapter 10.25
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
Sections:
10.25.020 Purpose and establishment.
10.25.030 Membership and terms.
10.25.050 Vacancies and removal.
10.25.060 Election of officers.
10.25.070 Compensation and conflict of interest.
10.25.090 Meetings and records.
10.25.100 Rules and procedures.
10.25.110 Council and staff support.
10.25.010 Definitions.
The following terms shall have the following definitions for this chapter:
A. “City” means the City of Ferndale.
B. “Commission” means the Ferndale Traffic Commission.
C. “Commissioner” or “member” means an individual appointed to serve on the Traffic Commission.
D. “Council” means the Ferndale City Council.
E. “Mayor” means the Ferndale Mayor. (Ord. 1488 § 1, 2008)
10.25.020 Purpose and establishment.
The City recognizes that transportation is essential to public life and a well-fashioned and efficient transportation system aids in the quality of life for our citizens. To these ends, there is established a Ferndale Traffic Commission whose purpose is to act in an advisory capacity to the elected officials and staff of the City. (Ord. 1488 § 1, 2008)
10.25.030 Membership and terms.
The Commission shall consist of seven members, appointed as follows:
Members shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by a vote of the majority of the City Council. Four members shall be appointed for an initial term of two years and three members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Thereafter all appointments shall be for a term of four years. The Planning Director and Public Works Director, or their designees, shall be nonvoting members of the Commission. (Ord. 1488 § 1, 2008)
10.25.040 Qualifications.
Qualifications for appointment to the Commission are as follows:
Members shall be appointed upon the basis of demonstrated interest in, and knowledge and support of, transportation and traffic safety. All Commission members shall be qualified registered electors of the City or be the owners of businesses located within the City limits. However, in no event shall less than a majority of the Commissioners be made up of qualified registered electors of the City. (Ord. 1488 § 1, 2008)
10.25.050 Vacancies and removal.
Vacancies resulting from any cause shall be filled by appointment by the Mayor and confirmed by the majority vote of the City Council. The appointment shall be for the unexpired term. If a member is absent from three consecutive regular meetings, unless by permission expressed in the Commission minutes, or if they cease to comply with the provisions of FMC 10.25.040, their office shall become vacant and shall be so declared by the City Council. (Ord. 1488 § 1, 2008)
10.25.060 Election of officers.
The officers of the Commission shall be a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary-treasurer. They shall be elected for a term of one year at the first meeting of the year. The chairperson shall preside at all meetings, appoint all committees and their members, execute all documents authorized by the Commission, and may serve as an ex officio member of all committees. The vice-chairman, in the absence of the chairman or his/her inability to act, shall preside at all meetings and perform all other duties of the chairman. The secretary-treasurer shall record minutes of all meetings, keep a record of its business proceedings, issue notice of all regular and special meetings and shall perform all other duties as are generally associated with this office. (Ord. 1488 § 1, 2008)
10.25.070 Compensation and conflict of interest.
Members shall serve without compensation from the city, or from any trust, donation, or legacy to the City; provided, that members may be reimbursed for necessary expenses related to their duties that have been previously authorized by the City Council and included in the annual city budget.
Members of the Commission shall comply with all aspects of Chapter 42.23 RCW, Code of Ethics for Municipal Officers, and shall not have any direct or indirect financial interest in any transportation activities of the City. (Ord. 1488 § 1, 2008)
10.25.080 Powers and duties.
The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
A. Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in matters pertaining to transportation, traffic safety and the transportation system in the City;
B. Recommend the adoption of such ordinances, rules, and regulations as it may deem necessary for the administration of the traffic system in the City;
C. Foster public and private partnerships, donations, grants, or other support for transportation and traffic safety;
D. To review and act as specified in this chapter in matters of traffic and transportation planning;
E. To review requests for speed limit alterations, traffic control strategies, and traffic calming techniques;
F. To review and refer complaints concerning traffic safety conditions to the appropriate department for answer;
G. To complete educational activities for traffic matters;
H. To advise the Council on matters related to vehicle circulation, pedestrian, bicycle, and handicapped access and public transportation;
I. To review and offer recommendations on transportation and traffic projects, budget priorities for traffic-related capital improvements, and traffic-related grant and loan applications;
J. Perform such other duties related to traffic and transportation as the Council may require. (Ord. 1488 § 1, 2008)
10.25.090 Meetings and records.
The Commission shall regularly meet monthly or more often as is necessary and all of its meetings shall be open to the public. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson or a majority of the Commission; provided however, that adequate public notice be given for all regular and special meetings. A quorum shall be a majority of the members. No action of the Commission shall be valid without the affirmative vote of at least four members. The Commission shall keep a record, which shall be available for public inspection, of all of its resolutions, proceedings, and other actions. The Commission shall make a written report to the City Council monthly and be available to update the City Council during the year. (Ord. 1488 § 1, 2008)
10.25.100 Rules and procedures.
The Commission shall adopt and amend, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members, rules and procedures for the conduct of the Commission’s business. Such rules and procedures shall be submitted to the Council for approval and shall not become effective until such Council approval is given. (Ord. 1488 § 1, 2008)
10.25.110 Council and staff support.
The City Council shall select from its members a Traffic Commission liaison whose duties will be to attend Commission meetings and provide information to and from the Council. Additionally, City staff will be available to aid the Commission in their activities. (Ord. 1488 § 1, 2008)