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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Stephane Phifer, Planning and Zoning Director
DATE: April 7, 2014
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Dissolving Resolution R09-315 and Re-Establishing In Chapter 2, Article VI. A New Division 9 Entitled "Sustainable Aurora" (The Mayor's Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board).
PURPOSE:
Attached is an ordinance establishing the new "Sustainable Aurora" (The Mayor's Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board). In 2009 resolution R09-315 was approved which established the basis for an advisory committee to advise the City on environmentally sustainable programs policies and practices. The proposed ordinance dissolves that action and takes that citizen group to the next level to assist the City in implementing the Aurora Sustainability Plan which was approved by the City Council in 2009.
BACKGROUND:
The Aurora Sustainability Plan was approved in August of 2009 with Resolution R09-314. The stated goal for the Sustainability Plan is to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations of Aurorans through sustainable practices. As part of the plan there are six focus areas which are Community Development and Land Use; Transportation and Infrastructure; Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Management; Waste Minimization, Reuse and/or Recycling; Water Quality and Conservation; and Education and Engagement. Within these focus areas there were several initiatives and actions contemplated including partnering with motivated stakeholders and forming a citizen advisory board.
DISCUSSION:
Since the approval of the Sustainability Plan the City has continued to be committed to exploring and implementing sustainable practices in the City's everyday operations. Several factors including innovative technologies, an evolving economy, and resident interest have prompted a renewed commitment to engaging stakeholders and the establishing the new "Sustainable Aurora" (The Mayor's Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board).
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Planning and Zoning Division would anticipate that the establishment of this new board will have a positive impact on the City's health, welfare, overall tax base and viability.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the Ordinance Dissolving Resolution R09-315 and Re-Establishing In Chapter 2, Article VI. A New Division 9 Entitled "Sustainable Aurora" (The Mayor's Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board).
cc: Alderman Peters, Chairman
Alderman Garza
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Saville, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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An Ordinance Dissolving Resolution R09-315 and Re-Establishing In Chapter 2, Article VI. A New Division 9 Entitled "Sustainable Aurora" (The Mayor's Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board).
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable to develop a regularly scheduled forum that is open to the public and comprised of citizens, to deal with sustainability and other environmental related policies, issues and significant problems in a multi-disciplinary setting in order to develop viable and comprehensive solutions; and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of its home rule powers, it is necessary and desirable for the City of Aurora to establish "Sustainable Aurora" (The Mayor's Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board) to carry out its intended purpose as further set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: That Resolution R09-315 is hereby repealed.
Section Two: That in Chapter 2, Article VI, a new Division 9 shall be established and entitled "Sustainable Aurora" (The Mayor's Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board) in the Aurora Code of Ordinances, and that the same shall read as follows:
DIVISION 09. "Sustainable Aurora" (The Mayor's Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board)
Sec. 2-601. Creation.
There is created "Sustainable Aurora" (The Mayor's Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board).
Sec. 2-602. Purpose.
Sustainable Aurora shall be a regularly scheduled forum that is open to the public and comprised of community representatives, in which sustainability and other environmental related policies, issues and significant problems can be analyzed in a multi-disciplinary setting in order to develop viable and comprehensive solutions.
Sec. 2-603. Membership.
Sustainable Aurora shall be comprised of:
(a) The mayor as ex officio member, a chairman and twelve (12) additional members (hereinafter "members") to be appointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the city council.
(b) All members shall reside within the city.
(c) City of Aurora elected officials shall not be permitted membership during their time in office.
(d) City of Aurora staff shall not be permitted membership during their time of employment.
Sec. 2-604. Chairman.
The chairman of Sustainable Aurora shall be appointed by the mayor for a period of one (1) year or until his/her successor has been duly appointed.
Sec. 2-605. Terms of members.
The thirteen (13) members of Sustainable Aurora shall be appointed for the following terms: five (5) members for a term of one (1) year, four (4) members for a term of two (2) years, and four (4) members for a term of three (3) years from the time of their appointment and each and every year thereafter.
Sec. 2-606. Successors.
All persons appointed as members of Sustainable Aurora shall serve in their official capacities, respectively, until their successors have been appointed and qualified as provided in this article.
Sec. 2-607. Vacancies in office.
In the event of the death, resignation, removal or incapacity of any member of Sustainable Aurora, or if a vacancy occurs for any reason, a new member shall be appointed in the same manner to fill the unexpired term.
Sec. 2-608. Executive Secretary, Ex-Officio Member
The planning and zoning director and/or designee shall be considered an ex-officio member with non-voting authority on all issues, and shall be the executive secretary of Sustainable Aurora. The executive secretary shall make a permanent record of all the acts and doings of Sustainable Aurora and keep the same in his custody and control. The planning and zoning director and staff shall provide support to Sustainable Aurora as needed.
Sec. 2-609. Functions.
Sustainable Aurora shall:
(a) Make recommendations to the city council and the mayor's office for programs or actions designed to implement the recommendations contained in a City Sustainability Plan.
(b) Provide a forum for addressing public concerns related to sustainable and environmental policies and practices.
(c) Promote a local movement, partnering with motivated stakeholders, establishing implementation priorities, identifying financing opportunities, and engaging local residents.
(d) Provide input on sustainability policies and practices that reflect the values of the community.
(e) Assist the city council and the mayor's office in balancing community priorities and resources by advising them on sustainability issues.
Sec. 2-610. Meetings.
Regular meetings shall generally be held once a month on the Third Thursday following the first committee of the whole meeting of the month; and shall comply with the Open Meetings Act. Special meetings may be called at any time by the chairman or any member that submits a request in writing to the chairman, and held at such place as fixed in the call. Meeting notices shall be pursuant to applicable state and local requirements.
Sec. 2-611. Quorum
Seven (7) members of Sustainable Aurora shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. No official business of Sustainable Aurora shall transpire without a quorum present.
Sec. 2-612. Attendance
Sustainable Aurora members are required to attend the meetings referenced in Section 2-610 above. If a member is absent from three (3) successive regular meetings without notification, it shall be considered a voluntary resignation. A simple majority vote of the Sustainable Aurora may declare the position vacant and request that the mayor appoint a new member to fill the vacancy.
Sec. 2-613. Committees
There shall be four (4) standing committees of Sustainable Aurora: Citizen Advisory; Green Events; Grant and Award Research; and Youth Outreach. There may be such other committees as deemed necessary by Sustainable Aurora. Appointment to committees shall be by the chairman on an as needed basis for a one (1) year term.
Sec. 2-614. Rules and regulations.
Sustainable Aurora shall adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary and proper to govern the conduct of the meetings and the business to be performed subject to approval by the city council.
Section Three: That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon its passage and approval.
Section Four: That all ordinances or parts of ordinances thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of any such conflict.
Section Five: That any Section or provision of this ordinance that is construed to be invalid or void shall not affect the remaining Sections or provisions which shall remain in full force and effect thereafter.
PASSED AND APPROVED on ______________.
AYES ____ NAYS ____ NOT VOTING ____ ABSENT ____
ATTEST:
____________________________ __________________________
City Clerk Mayor
Legistar Number: 14-00276