Item 7ACITY OF
SOUTHLAKE
MEMORANDUM
November 5, 2013
To: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
From: Caroline Eckel, Assistant to the City Manager
Subject: Item 7A: Approve an ordinance and bylaws to establish a
Community Engagement Committee in succession of the
current SPIN Standing Committee.
Action
Requested: Approve an ordinance and bylaws to establish a Community
Engagement Committee to act as an advisory board to the
City Council in all matters regarding community
engagement, outreach programs and related issues.
Background
Information: The Southlake Program for the Involvement of
Neighborhoods (SPIN) and the SPIN Standing Committee
were originally created in 1993 for the purpose of community
engagement, to connect the Southlake community to local
government. Over the course of twenty years, with an ever
changing social and technological landscape, and with new
and innovative ways for residents to communicate and
interact with local government, the City Council has
recognized a need for the program to evolve.
Over the past year, the City Council has directed the SPIN
Standing Committee to re -envision the SPIN program and
further define their role in the program.
Following the direction given by Council at the 2013 June
Retreat, the SPIN Standing Committee recommends that
their group be reestablished as a Community Engagement
Committee, as defined by Ordinance No. 1073.
• The mission and purpose remains consistent: "to
connect the community to local government," serving
as an advisory board to Council on matters pertaining
to community engagement and outreach programs.
• The number of committee members would be
reduced to seven (7), consistent with the size of most
other boards or commissions.
• The SPIN map would still be used for a number of
planning and communication purposes within the city,
as it is today. However, committee members would
not be directly tied to areas of the map. The Council
would instead appoint members to the committee with
"strong consideration to the geographical location and
diversity of committee members."
• The group would annually review and provide
comments on the City's communication plan that
highlights the City's outreach and engagement efforts
for the year, identifies key topics of interest to
community members, and identifies tools or
techniques to aid in community engagement.
• The committee would hold quarterly meetings, instead
of monthly meetings. And, in between these quarterly
meetings, they would meet jointly with other groups
like the Senior Advisory Commission or the Youth
Action Commission, as appropriate. The focus for
these meetings would be to share information from
the City's communication plan, find out what specific
interests a group may have, and learn what
communication tools are most effective in reaching
their group. This information can then help shape
future outreach/engagement efforts.
• The group would provide an annual report to the City
Council capturing the City's community engagement
efforts and the results of the committee's meetings
throughout the year.
• Members serving on the committee would also
commit to being involved in the community by
participating in other groups or organizations.
• SPIN Town Hall Forums would not be impacted by
these changes to the committee. As recommended at
the June Retreat, the forums would move to Council
Chambers and be recorded for Video on Demand.
The committee members would still participate in
scheduling and hosting those meetings, as they
currently do, with the committee member living
closest to a proposed development assisting with and
facilitating that meeting.
Financial
Consideration: N/A
Strategic Link: The proposed ordinance aligns with the City Strategy Map
under the Focus Area "Partnerships and Volunteerism" and
Corporate Objectives "C5 Promote opportunities for
partnerships and volunteer involvement" and "C6 Enhance
the sense of community by providing excellent customer
service and citizen engagement opportunities."
Citizen Input/
Board Review: The Southlake Program for the Involvement of
Neighborhoods (SPIN) Standing Committee has reviewed
and recommends approval of the proposed ordinance and
bylaws.
Legal Review: The proposed ordinance and bylaws have been reviewed by
the City Attorney.
Alternatives: 1. Retain the existing SPIN Ordinance
2. Recommend amendment of the existing SPIN Ordinance
Supporting
Documents: Ordinance No. 1073 and Bylaws, establishing a Community
Engagement Committee
Staff
Recommendation: Council approval of the proposed ordinance and bylaws.
Staff Contact: Caroline Eckel, Assistant to the City Manager
ORDINANCE NO. 1073
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE; ESTABLISHING THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS
AND THEIR TERMS OF OFFICES; PROVIDING FOR DUTIES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE; PROVIDING THAT THIS
ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL
ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Southlake, Texas, deems it advisable
and necessary to establish a Community Engagement Committee (CEC) to act as an
advisory board to the City Council in all matters regarding community engagement,
outreach programs and related issues; and
WHEREAS, twenty years after the creation of the Southlake Program for the
Involvement of Neighborhoods (SPIN) Standing Committee and conscious of an ever
changing social and technological landscape, the City Council is pleased to announce a
renewed commitment to enhancing communication and engagement within the Southlake
community.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
Creation of Community Engagement Committee: There is hereby established a
Community Engagement Committee (CEC) for the city hereinafter referred to as the
"committee."
SECTION 2.
Number of Members, Qualifications and Terms: The committee shall consist of
seven (7) citizens of the City of Southlake, Texas, who shall be appointed by a majority
vote of the City Council for two (2) year terms. Terms of office for members shall
commence on October Ist and expire on September 31st. Places on the committee shall
be numbered one (1) through seven (7). Members appointed to odd -numbered places
shall be appointed in odd -numbered years, and members appointed to even -numbered
places shall be appointed in even -numbered years, provided, however, that the initial
term of the odd -numbered places shall be one (1) year. Members shall serve until their
successors are appointed, without compensation. The City Council shall make
appointments to the committee in adherence to the eligibility guidelines in the Board and
Commission Manual, giving strong consideration to the geographical location and
diversity of committee members in relation to the demographics of the community.
Annually, within thirty (30) days after appointment of new members, staff will provide
and all members will complete the orientation and training requirements outlined in the
Board and Commission Manual. Members shall serve without compensation. All
committee members are subject to removal by the City Council in accordance with
Section 3.02(a)-(2) of the City Charter. Unless removed by the City Council, members
shall continue to serve upon expiration of their term until a successor is appointed.
Vacancies on the committee are to be filled by City Council appointment for the length of
the unexpired term.
SECTION 3.
Meetings and By -Laws: The committee shall select from the members a
chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary who shall serve for one-year terms, and thereafter
until their successors are elected. The bylaws attached to this ordinance as Exhibit A,
which are hereby approved, shall govern the meetings of the committee. Thereafter, the
committee may amend such by-laws, or adopt new bylaws, as the committee determines
is appropriate to best govern the holding of its meetings, provided that any amendments
or new bylaws shall be effective only after being approved by the City Council. The
committee's bylaws shall be consistent with state law, the City Charter and City Code,
and the Board and Commission Manual, and shall, at a minimum, encompass the
following matters:
(1) Regular meetings shall be held once each quarter.
(2) Manner of holding and calling of special meetings shall be specified.
(3) Majority of members shall constitute a quorum.
(4) Members not planning to attend a regular meeting or special meeting shall notify
the staff liaison or the chair of the committee by 12:00 o'clock noon of the
meeting day.
(5) Any member with unexcused absences from two (2) consecutive meetings or not
exhibiting interest in the work of the committee shall be reported to the City
Council, as outlined in the Board and Commission Manual. The City Council
may, at its discretion, remove the committee member and appoint a replacement.
(6) Minutes of each meeting shall be filed with the City Secretary.
SECTION 4.
Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities of the committee shall
be to:
(1) Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to
community engagement, including the Southlake Program for the Involvement of
Neighborhoods (SPIN) Town Hall Forums.
(2) Serve in accordance with the provisions of the Board and Commission Manual.
(3) Cooperate with other city boards and commissions, other governmental agencies,
civic groups, and all citizens of the city in the advancement of community
engagement.
(4) Recommend policies, programs, tools, and technology for the advancement of
community engagement within the city, along with any associated budgetary
impacts, for consideration by the City Manager and City Council.
(5) Annually review and provide comments on the City's communication plan that
highlights the City's outreach and engagement efforts for the year, identifies key
topics of interest to community members, and identifies tools or techniques to aid
in community engagement.
(6) Annually review the Southlake Program for the Involvement of Neighborhoods
(SPIN) Map and recommend revisions to the City Council, as necessary.
(7) Annually prepare and submit a report to the City Council regarding the City's
community engagement efforts and the accomplishments of the committee
throughout the year.
(8) Perform such other advisory tasks as are delegated to it by the City Council.
SECTION 5.
Staff Liaison: A staff liaison shall be designated by the City Manager to work
with the committee in accordance with the Board and Commission Manual.
SECTION 6.
Upon adoption of this ordinance and appointment of a quorum of the committee
by the City Council, the SPIN Standing Committee created in Ordinance 598, as
amended, shall be dissolved without further action of the City Council, and the
committee shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the SPIN Standing Committee
regarding operation of the Southlake Program for the Involvement of Neighborhoods
(SPIN).
SECTION 7.
This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the City of
Southlake, Texas, except where the provisions of this ordinance are in direct conflict with
the provisions of such ordinances, in which event the conflicting provisions of such
ordinances are hereby repealed.
SECTION 8.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases,
clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this ordinance are severable, and if any
phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared
unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction,
such unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences,
paragraphs and sections of this ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the
City Council without the incorporation in this ordinance of any such unconstitutional
phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section.
SECTION 9.
All rights and remedies of the City of Southlake are expressly saved as to any and
all violations of the provisions of Ordinance No. 1073 or any other ordinances affecting
community engagement which have accrued at the time of the effective date of this
ordinance; and as to such accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and
criminal, whether pending in court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be
affected by this ordinance but may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 10.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law, and it is so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON FIRST READING ON THIS DAY OF
, 2013.
THE HONORABLE JOHN TERRELL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
ALICIA RICHARDSON, CITY SECRETARY
PASSED AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING ON THIS DAY OF
, 2013.
THE HONORABLE JOHN TERRELL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
ALICIA RICHARDSON, CITY SECRETARY
EFFECTIVE:
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
CITY ATTORNEY
EXHIBIT A
BYLAWS
OF THE
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE AND POWERS
Section 1.1 Purpose
The Southlake City Council established the Community Engagement Committee (CEC) to act as
an advisory board to the City Council in all matters regarding community engagement, outreach
programs and related issues.
Section 1.2 Powers
In fulfillment of its purpose, the Community Engagement Committee (CEC) shall be governed by
and shall have all the powers set forth in the Southlake City Code and other applicable law. The
committee shall act in accordance with the provisions of the City's current Board and
Commission Manual.
ARTICLE II
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Section 2.1 Composition and Terms of Office
(a) The committee shall consist of seven (7) citizens of the City of Southlake, Texas, and
shall be appointed by the City Council in adherence to the eligibility guidelines in the
Board and Commission Manual, giving strong consideration to the geographical
location and diversity of committee members in relation to the demographics of the
community.
(b) Members shall be appointed for two (2) year terms. Terms of office for members shall
commence on October I st and expire on September 31 st. Places on the committee shall
be numbered one (1) through seven (7). Members appointed to odd -numbered places
shall be appointed in odd -numbered years, and members appointed to even -numbered
places shall be appointed in even -numbered years, provided, however, that the initial
term of the odd -numbered places shall be one (1) year. Members shall serve until their
successors are appointed. Vacancies on the committee are to be filled by City Council
appointment for the length of the unexpired term.
(c) Annually, within thirty (30) days after appointment of new members, staff will provide
and all members will complete the orientation and training requirements outlined in the
Board and Commission Manual.
Section 2.2 Meetings of the Committee
The committee shall meet quarterly in the Town Hall building or other designated public meeting
area. Additionally, the committee shall establish a yearly schedule of joint meetings with other
boards, commissions, or community organizations, as appropriate. Members not planning to
attend a regular meeting, joint meeting, or special meeting shall notify the staff liaison or chair of
the committee by 12:00 o'clock noon of the meeting day. Any member with unexcused absences
from two (2) consecutive meetings or not exhibiting interest in the work of the committee shall be
reported to the City Council, as outlined in the Board and Commission Manual. The City Council
may, at its discretion, remove any committee member and appoint a replacement, for any reason.
All meetings and deliberations of the committee shall be called, convened, held, and conducted,
and notice shall be given to the public in accordance with Chapter 551 of the Texas Local
Government Code.
Section 2.3 Special Meetings
The committee may hold special meetings, as needed, to accomplish its stated purpose. The Chair
shall fix a place and time for such special meetings. Notice shall be given to the public in
accordance with Chapter 551 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Section 2.4 Quorum
A simple majority of the entire committee shall constitute a quorum to conduct official business
of the committee.
Section 2.5 Conduct of Business
(a) At the meeting of the committee, matters pertaining to the business of the committee, as
posted on the agenda, shall be considered in accordance with rules of procedure as from
time to time prescribed by the committee.
(b) At all meetings of the committee, the Chair shall preside. In the absence of the Chair,
the Vice Chair shall preside. In absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair, the Secretary
shall preside.
(c) The Chair shall be a voting member of the committee.
(d) Minutes of each committee or subcommittee meeting shall be filed with the City
Secretary and made available to the City Council upon request.
Section 2.6 Vacancies
Any vacancy occurring in the committee shall be filled by appointment by the City Council for
the length of the unexpired term.
Section 2.7 Subcommittees
The committee through a regular vote may appoint two (2) or more of its members to serve on a
subcommittee as designated to meet the stated purpose of the Community Engagement
Committee (CEC).
Section 2.8 Compensation of Committee Members
Committee members shall not receive any salary or compensation for their services.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
Section 3.1 Officers and Terms of Office
(a) The officers of the committee shall be a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. As soon as
practicable, after the annual appointment of new committee members by the City
Council, the committee shall select from the members a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary,
each to serve for one year. Should any of the above referenced officer's positions become
vacant, the committee shall hold a special election to fill such vacancy for the duration of
the unexpired term.
(b) All officers shall be subject to removal from office at any time by a vote of a majority of
the City Council.
Section 3.2 Powers of the Chair
The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the committee in accordance with the Board and
Commission Manual and perform all duties incident to the office of Chair and such other duties
as may be prescribed by the committee and the City Council.
Section 3.3 Vice Chair
In the absence of the Chair, or in the event of their inability or refusal to act, the Vice Chair shall
perform the duties of the Chair, and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to
all the restrictions upon the Chair. The Vice Chair shall perform other duties as from time to time
may be prescribed.
Section 3.4 Secretary
The Secretary shall ensure that minutes of each committee meeting shall be filed with the City
Secretary and in general shall perform all duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her
by the Chair or the committee. In absence of the Chair and Vice Chair, or in the event of their
inability or refusal to act, the Secretary shall perform the duties of the Chair, and when so acting
shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chair. In the absence of
the Secretary, the Chair or acting Chair shall designate a member to perform the duties of the
Secretary.
ARTICLE IV
BOARD DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 4.1 Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Community Engagement Committee (CEC) shall be to:
(a) Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to community
engagement, including the Southlake Program for the Involvement of Neighborhoods
(SPIN) Town Hall Forums.
(b) Serve in accordance with the provisions of the Board and Commission Manual.
(c) Cooperate with other city boards and commissions, other governmental agencies, civic
groups, and all citizens of the city in the advancement of community engagement.
(d) Recommend policies, programs, tools, and technology for the advancement of
community engagement within the city, along with any associated budgetary impacts, for
consideration by the City Manager and City Council.
(e) Annually review and provide comments on the City's communication plan that highlights
the City's outreach and engagement efforts for the year, identifies key topics of interest to
community members, and identifies tools or techniques to aid in community engagement.
(f) Annually review the Southlake Program for the Involvement of Neighborhoods (SPIN)
Map and recommend revisions to the City Council, as necessary.
(g) Annually prepare and submit a report to the City Council regarding the City's community
engagement efforts and the accomplishments of the committee throughout the year; and
(h) Perform such other advisory tasks as are delegated to it by the City Council.
ARTICLE V
STAFF LIAISON
Section 5.1 Staff Liaison
A staff liaison shall be designated by the City Manager to work with the committee in
accordance with the Board and Commission Manual.
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS
Section 6.1 Amendments to Bylaws
The committee may amend these bylaws, and may adopt new bylaws at the committee's
discretion, with approval from the City Council.