GHMC Chapter 2.49

Chapter 2.49 -- ARTS COMMISSION

Sections:

2.49.010 Commission established – Membership.

A. The Gig Harbor arts commission, consisting of nine members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the vote of a majority of the members of the city council, is established.  The term of office shall be three years.  Commission members shall be selected for staggered terms. Three commissioners or their successors will serve a one-, two- or the full three-year term based on the position. All subsequent appointments shall be for three years, or for the duration of an unexpired term in the case of an appointment to a vacancy.  All commission members’ terms shall expire on March 31st and all successive terms shall commence on April 1st. No member shall serve more than two consecutive full terms of office, unless the vacancy cannot be filled by new applicant(s).

B. Commission members shall be appointed upon the basis of demonstrated interest, knowledge and support of the arts. Members shall serve without salary or other compensation; provided, that members shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses actually incurred with prior administrative approval.  Commissioners may be selected from the Gig Harbor community-at-large.

C. Prior to appointing initial members and filling each vacancy in the membership of the commission, public notice of available positions shall be provided to the news media at least two weeks in advance of appointment. Applicants for vacant positions shall apply to the office of the mayor. (Ord. 1082 § 1, 2007; Ord. 957 § 1, 2004; Ord. 876 § 1, 2001).

2.49.020 Rules of procedure.

The commission shall adopt procedural rules governing the transaction of its business. The rules shall include provisions for the date, time and place of regular meetings of the commission. Provisions shall be made for maintaining minutes of commission meetings and records of all commission reports, conclusions and recommendations.  The rules of procedure shall provide for the election of commission officers, which shall include a chairperson and vice chairperson who shall serve for at least one year.  The rules of the commission shall provide that all commission meetings shall be open to the public and that notice of meetings shall comply with the Washington Open Public Meetings Act, to the extent proceedings of the commission are governed by such Act. The procedures shall address receipt and processing of citizen proposals and requests. (Ord. 876 § 1, 2001).

2.49.030 Authority of commission.

The arts commission is authorized to take the following actions:

A. On behalf of the city, to encourage, conduct, sponsor or cosponsor public programs to further the development and public awareness of, and interest in, the fine and performing arts;

B. To provide recommendations to the mayor and city council in connection with cultural and artistic endeavors and projects in which the city becomes involved and to act as a representative of the community in such matters;

C. To encourage donations, grants and other support to further expand the arts and cultural services and programs available to citizens of Gig Harbor and members of the Gig Harbor community;

D. To review and make recommendations to the city council with respect to all public and private banner proposals that utilize city of Gig Harbor graphics;

E. To take such other actions as the city council may direct from time to time. (Ord. 876 § 1, 2001).

2.49.040 Meetings and staff services.

A. The arts commission shall meet regularly at least once per month at a date, time and place to be established by the commission.  Commission meetings shall be open to the public and written meeting minutes shall be maintained and made available to the public upon approval of the minutes by the commission.

B. The parks department shall be responsible for providing administrative and staff services for the commission and may assign parks department staff to provide services to the commission.

C. The commission shall make a report to the city council at least annually. (Ord. 876 § 1, 2001).

2.49.050 Budget.

Arts commission programs and operating expenses shall be funded from the city general fund, grants, donations and admission charges.  The parks department shall be responsible for submitting the annual operating budget to the city administrator and mayor. (Ord. 876 § 1, 2001).