Chapter 6.16
ANIMAL ADVISORY BOARD
Sections:
6.16.010 Animal advisory board established – Duties.
6.16.030 Meeting and election of officers.
6.16.010 Animal advisory board established – Duties.
A. There is hereby established a city of Mount Vernon animal advisory board, comprised of community volunteers, hereinafter referred to as “advisory board.” The advisory board shall not be responsible for day-to-day operations of the city animal control function and shall refer those matters to appropriate staff. The advisory board shall coordinate its activities with other agencies and boards involved with animal control and protection services to avoid duplication and to ensure the best possible service within budgetary limits. The advisory board shall have the following responsibilities:
1. Assist the city and animal control authority by reviewing and recommending policies relating to animal control and protection;
2. Advise and assist the city and animal control authority in making recommendations regarding revisions to this title;
3. Enhance community relations and assist in seeking alternative funding sources;
4. Assist animal control authority in the development of a five-year comprehensive plan for animal control and protection and enforcement of this title. The plan shall be approved by the city council and updated every five years;
5. Monitor trends and compile data involving changes in animal populations, demands for services, licensing activities, and any other conditions affecting animal control and protection;
6. Assist in preparing and coordinating a city-wide public information program to inform city residents about animal control and protection services, and to promote the general safety and welfare of animals;
7. To perform such other tasks as may from time to time be directed by the mayor or city council.
B. Staff Services. The Mount Vernon police department shall be responsible for providing administrative and staff services for the advisory board and may assign police department staff members to provide services to the commission. (Ord. 3301 § 7, 2005).
6.16.020 Membership.
The advisory board shall be comprised of the following volunteer members:
A. One owner or operator of a licensed kennel, cattery, pet shop or grooming parlor in Mount Vernon;
B. One licensed veterinarian who practices in Mount Vernon;
C. One member of an animal welfare organization located in Skagit County that handles animals originating from Mount Vernon;
D. One Mount Vernon resident who owns dog(s) but who does not work in, own or operate any facility;
E. One Mount Vernon resident who owns cat(s) but who does not work in, own or operate any facility;
F. One Mount Vernon resident who owns any animal other than a dog or cat;
G. One Mount Vernon resident who neither owns nor maintains domestic animals;
H. Two Mount Vernon residents at large.
No employee of the police department shall serve as a member of the advisory board; provided, that the chief of police or his designee shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member. (Ord. 3301 § 7, 2005).
6.16.030 Meeting and election of officers.
The advisory board shall meet as necessary, but not less frequently than once each quarter, at the call of the chair. The advisory board shall adopt by-laws and elect its chair, vice-chair and secretary from within the board membership. (Ord. 3301 § 7, 2005).
6.16.040 Terms of members.
The mayor shall appoint advisory board members for three-year terms. Initial appointments shall be staggered terms as follows:
A. Three members shall be appointed for one-year terms;
B. Three members shall be appointed for two-year terms;
C. Three members shall be appointed for three-year terms. (Ord. 3301 § 7, 2005).
6.16.050 Vacancies.
Vacancies shall be filled by mayoral appointment. A position shall become vacant upon expiration of the term; provided, that the existing board member shall continue to serve until his or her successor is appointed. A position also shall become vacant upon the death, resignation, removal, or change of eligibility status such as classification or residency. An appointment to fill a vacancy for any reason other than the expiration of a term shall be only for the balance of the full term of the position being vacated. (Ord. 3301 § 7, 2005).
6.16.060 Removal.
The mayor may remove any member of the advisory board for neglect of duty, malfeasance, or for any breach of rules promulgated by the advisory board. (Ord. 3301 § 7, 2005).
6.16.070 Severability.
In the event any term or condition of this chapter or application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other terms, conditions, or applications of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid term, condition, or application. To this end, the terms and conditions of this chapter are declared severable. (Ord. 3301 § 7, 2005).