(A) Creation. There is established the Banks Economic Development Commission (EDC), which shall operate in accordance with the provisions of state law, the provisions of this section and advise the City Council on matters set forth herein.
(B) Purpose. The following shall be the purposes of the EDC, in addition to other purposes that the City Council may assign from time to time.
(1) Convene public meetings to evaluate economic development policy, plans and proposals and to gather public input, testimony and relevant information on such matters.
(2) Formulate recommendations to the City Council regarding advisable economic development policies, plans and proposals that are consistent with the advancement of economic growth, development and prosperity for the greatest number of Banks residents in the long run.
(3) Work to create and promote a Banks Economic Development Strategic Plan.
(C) Responsibilities and objectives. The EDC shall be guided by and endeavor to accomplish the following objectives in addition to any others so adopted by the EDC or assigned by the City Council:
(1) To design, develop and promote an economic development strategic plan.
(2) To provide oversight and review of economic development marketing strategies and products.
(3) To enhance communication and understanding of economic development strategies, and build relationships between the City of Banks public sector, community, and business community.
(4) To act as a forum for sharing information on best economic development practices, current issues, and resources available for communities and businesses.
(5) To encourage connections and coordination with other regional, state, and national organizations working for the benefit of economic growth and enhancement of the Banks area economy.
(6) To respond to additional matters relating to economic development as requested by the City Council.
(D) Organization and structure.
(1) Membership. Members of the EDC shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council as follows:
(a) Membership of the EDC shall consist of a maximum of 9 voting members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. No more than 2 members of the Planning Commission shall serve on the EDC at any one time.
(b) Members shall live, work in or have tangible business connections to the City of Banks and city’s economic development.
(c) Membership shall represent the private-for-profit, not-for profit, public sectors and private citizens, including those with the following interests:
1. Members with background in economics and business;
2. Members who represent a wide range of business sectors and types in Banks; and
3. Members with demonstrated leadership, commitment and expertise.
(d) Any elected officials serving on the EDC shall sit as ex officio (non-voting) members of the EDC. Additional ex officio members may be designated by the City Council from relevant organizations, and the business community may also be invited to participate in EDC meetings and work sessions as the Council directs or the EDC deems appropriate.
(e) Members of the EDC shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council for three-year terms. Members may be reappointed for successive terms upon written request, reappointment by the Mayor, and reconfirmation by the Council.
(f) Members absent from 3 consecutive meetings without a satisfactory excuse may be considered for removal and their seat declared vacant. In that event, the EDC chair will present a written recommendation to the City Council for action.
(2) Officers. The EDC shall elect the following officers from among those members sitting:
(a) The EDC shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair in the January meeting each year.
(b) The duties and powers of the officers of the EDC, who shall be elected annually in January, shall be as follows:
1. The Chair shall be responsible for the following:
a. Preside at all meetings of the EDC and maintain decorum;
b. Development of a written agenda in sufficient time to allow for distribution to the EDC;
c. Call special meetings of the EDC in accordance with these rules;
d. See that all actions of the EDC are properly taken;
e. Present the EDC views, recommendations or actions to the City Council and any other appropriate body as designated by the Mayor, City Council; and
f. Co- sign official documents of the EDC with the Banks City Recorder.
2. During absence, disability, or disqualification of the Chair, the Vice Chair shall exercise or perform the duties of the Chair.
(c) The City Recorder shall serve as the recording secretary and clerk to the EDC, but shall not be a member of the EDC. The clerk shall perform the following functions for the EDC:
1. Keep summary minutes of all meetings of the EDC;
2. Give or serve all notices required by law or required by these rules and state law;
3. Prepare the agenda of all meetings of the EDC;
4. Be the custodian of all EDC records;
5. Inform the EDC members of correspondence relating to business of the EDC and attend to such correspondence;
6. Co-sign official documents of the EDC with the Chair.
(E) Meeting procedures, quorum and voting.
(1) The EDC shall hold regularly scheduled public meetings at least once per month. The clerk shall remind members by written notice including electronic means such as email at least 5 days prior to the scheduled meetings. The notice will include the date, time, location and agenda for the meeting and shall be posted and publicized in the same manner as any other public meeting. Summary minutes shall be taken for all meetings and shall be available for viewing by anyone, on request. Minutes shall be distributed to all members and others expressing an interest in receiving them.
(2) Special meetings may be called at any time by the Chair or upon request of at least 3 EDC members, but not without at least 24-hour notice.
(3) EDC meetings shall be noticed and conducted in compliance with the Oregon Open Meetings Act in O.R.S. 192.610 to 192.710, and its documents, correspondence and other documents shall be public records subject to the Oregon Public Records Act in O.R.S. 192.010 to 192.607.
(4) A majority of current sitting EDC members entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(5) Robert’s Rules of Order shall guide the EDC in all cases not otherwise provided for in these rules. All final determination of procedure shall be the responsibility of the Chair.
(6) Matters referred to the EDC by the City Council shall be placed on the calendar for consideration and action at the first regular meeting of the EDC after that referral, providing that an appropriate amount of time is allowed for any required public notice.
(7) The EDC may create committees and subcommittees, which shall meet as directed by the EDC Chair.
(8) The EDC Chair shall have full voting privileges on any matter coming before the EDC. A majority of votes cast is required to pass any motion.
(9) A report of the EDC activities shall be made to City Council each month.
(F) Operational rules. The EDC may adopt and from time to time amend additional operational rules consistent with this section, the Banks City Charter, any requirements adopted by the City Council, and applicable state law.
(Ord. 2015-11-01, passed 12-8-2015; Am. Ord. 2021-10-01, passed 11-9-2021)