Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 01/23/2007 - PROPOSED ECONOMIC ADVISORY COMMISSION DATE: January 23, 2007 WORK SESSION ITEM STAFF: Darin Atteberry FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL Mike Freeman Steve Roy SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Proposed Economic Advisory Commission. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED This work session item will focus on a proposal for the formation of an Economic Advisory Commission that will take the place of the Economic Vitality and Sustainability Group(EVSAG), appointed by City Council in February 2004. Council discussed this issue at its Fall retreat and requested that staff bring the idea of creating an ongoing Economic Advisory Commission back to the Council for further discussion and consideration. Following are some key questions for Council to discuss regarding this proposal: 1. Do the specific task and responsibilities for the Commission address City Council's goals? 2. What is the Council's reaction to the number of members? 3. How does Council feel about the proposed professions that Commission members might represent? 4. What are other general comments does Council have? BACKGROUND The City Council formed EVSAG in 2004 to advise the City on economic health issues. EVSAG submitted a report and recommendations on strategies and tactics for making improvements in the local economy that has served as the basis for the City's Economic Action Plan. The authorizing legislation that created EVSAG included a provision requiring EVSAG to sunset on December 31, 2006. The City Council has discussed its desire to continue to have an independent group of community members who would advise it on general economic issues, strategies, challenges, and potential solutions. Staff has taken preliminary information from the Council's retreat discussion and crafted a proposed ordinance that would authorize the formation of an Economic Advisory Commission whose main purpose would be to provide ongoing advice and input to the City Council regarding the City's role in economic health,advice on key economic issues and trends,and recommendations for the City Council to consider for implementation. ORDINANCE NO. ***, 2007 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS CREATING AN ECONOMIC ADVISORY COMMISSION WHEREAS, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. DIVISION 13.5. ECONOMIC ADVISORY COMMISSION See. 2-220. Creation. There shall be and is hereby created an Economic Advisory Commission, hereafter referred to in this Division as the "Commission" Sec. 2-221. Membership; term. (a) The Commission shall consist of nine (9) members appointed by the City Council, which members shall represent a cross section of the community, having experience and/or expertise in such areas as economics,finance,lending,the natural environment, arts and entertainment, land development, real estate, charitable and low income services and general community issues. (b) Each member shall serve without compensation for a term of three(3)years, except that members may be appointed by the City Council for a shorter term in order to achieve overlapping tenure.Appointments shall specify the term of office of each individual.All members shall be subject to removal by the City Council. If a vacancy occurs on the Commission, it shall be filled by the City Council for the remaining unexpired portion of the tern.No member shall serve more than two(2)consecutive terms. For the purposes of this provision, a "term" shall include the balance of an unexpired term served by a person appointed to fill a vacancy if such unexpired term exceeds twenty-four(24) months. Sec. 2-222. Functions. The duties and functions of the Commission shall be: (1) To advise the City Council on matters pertaining to the economic health and sustainability of the city, including, but not limited to, (a) events and trends occurring outside the Fort Collins community that may affect the local economy;(b)immediate and long-term threats to the local economy;(c)ways in which to enhance the City's competitive position in relation to other communities; and (d) possible partnerships with other public and private entities; (2) To recommend programs and strategies that may enhance the economic health and sustainability of the city ; (3) To promote citizen participation and public education regarding issues affecting the economic health and sustainability of the city; (4) To be aware of and coordinate with other city boards and commissions whose actions may affect the economic health and sustainability of the city; and (5) To perform other such duties and functions and have other powers as provided by the City Council. See. 2-223. Officers; bylaws. The Commission shall elect annually from its membership a chairperson and such officers as may be required. Bylaws may be adopted by the Commission, which bylaws shall not be inconsistent with the Charter,the Code or other policies that may be established by the City Council. A copy of the bylaws shall be filed with the City Clerk for the use of the City Council immediately after adoption by the Commission, and the same may be subject to the approval of the City Council. See. 2-224. Minutes; annual report; work plan. The Board shall take and file minutes in accordance with the requirements of§ 2-73 of the Code. On or before January 31 of each year, the Commission shall file a report with the City Clerk setting forth the activities of the Commission for the previous year. On or before November 30 of each year, the Commission shall file a work plan with the City Clerk for the following year. -2- Introduced and considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 6th day of February, A.D. 2007, and to be presented for final passage on the 20th day of February, A.D. 2007. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading this 20th day of February, A.D. 2007. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk -3-