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CUPERTINO
COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP
Appointments:
After the application, interview and selection process, commission appointments are made by majority vote of the council for a specified term, which for most appointments is four years. Each member must be administered the oath of office by the city clerk prior to being seated. In some instances, declaration of property and interests may be required.
Vacancies:
Vacancies are filled by appointment by the mayor and the council. Appointments made during the middle of a term are for the unexpired portion of that term. Visit the different commissions pages listed on the left to learn more about them.
CDBG Committee Vacancy Notice
Public Safety Commission Vacancy #1 Notice
Public Safety Commission Vacancy #2 Notice
Advisory Appointment Application:
Online Advisory Appointment Application
Advisory Appointment Application PDF
Teen Commission Appointment Application PDF
Officers:
Each year, every commission will elect from its membership a chairperson and a vice-chairperson. The term is for one year. It is the chairperson's duty to preside over meetings and to present such reports as are required or requested by the council, and to act as the formal commission representative in communications with the council. The vice-chairperson acts in the same capacity as the chairperson when the latter is not available.
Staff:
The services of the city's administrative staff in support of the commissions' functions may be coordinated through the city manager's office when appropriations for this have been authorized by the city council.
Secretary Service and Records:
A secretary may be assigned by the city manager to provide staff assistance to the commission, if appropriations for this are made by the city council. In addition, a mechanical or personal recorder may be provided when budgeted funds are available and the services are required either by law or by the nature of the matters before the commission or board. The minutes and other official records of a commission are public record and must be filed with the city clerk plus the city council and other interested parties as may be required.
Expenses:
Necessary meeting space and equipment will be made available to the commissions, and additional work areas may be arranged for through the city manager's office when special projects so require. If a budget is provided, the commission is required to operate within budgetary limitations, with all expenditures requiring prior approval. Mileage and personal expenditures from attendance at approved conferences, hearings and other meetings will be reimbursed according to city policy. In all instances, the purchasing procedures of the city apply.
Staff Relations:
Staff personnel are assigned by the city manager to assist and act in a technical advisory capacity to the commissions. It is not expected that every staff recommendation will be followed; however, because of the staff's technical knowledge, full consideration should be given to their recommendation. Just as the commission is held accountable to the city council, so is the staff to the city manager. After the staff makes a report or recommendation to a committee (which recommendation may or may not be followed), they are at liberty to make the same recommendation to the city council through the city manager even though the commission may have taken a different position. Staff are employed by the city manager to provide technical guidance. Staff members make objective recommendations without consideration of personal or political consequences. Failure of a staff member to provide expected or promised service to the commission is basis for complaint to be brought to the attention of the city manager. It is his responsibility alone to allocate their time and efforts in the interest of the total city government.
Relations with Other Boards, Commissions, and Committees:
In areas where there is overlap of jurisdiction between various commissions, it is important that liaison be developed to ensure property consideration of the different viewpoints that may occur, and to minimize duplications or conflicts. Further, joint meetings with the city council may be mutually beneficial whenever two bodies are simultaneously addressing the same topic.
Resignation and Removals:
In the event any member finds that they are unable to continue serving because of health, business requirements or personal reasons, they should submit a formal letter of resignation to the city council. The position of any member is automatically vacated when the member ceases to meet the qualifications for office, when the member misses 25% of the calendar meetings or three consecutive meetings, when the council accepts his resignation, or when the council so declares.
Conclusion:
A commission is created as an advisory arm of the council as the result of a policy decision. Each has been charged with certain responsibilities in specified areas, and it is within these that the body should act. It may be that a member of a commission may disagree with an established policy. This is part of the democratic process, as is the expression of that disagreement in a minority vote. In spite of conflicting viewpoints, however, it is the process of addressing the issue that is served by commission action. The city is proud of its citizen participation and extends a hearty welcome to all commission appointees.
Email: kims@cupertino.org
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