(A) There shall be a Frederick County Small Business Advisory Commission hereinafter referred to as "the Commission".
(B) The Commission shall act as an advisory body that serves as a means for small businesses to be heard and understood, facilitate civic engagement, and legitimize issues of importance to small businesses operating in Frederick County.
(C) Among its responsibilities and duties the Commission shall:
(1) Advise the County Council on ways to enhance and improve the business climate for small businesses in Frederick County;
(2) Represent the views and the needs on behalf of the small business community;
(3) Monitor, analyze, and make recommendations for existing or proposed legislation of the county government for their impact on small businesses;
(4) Review existing Frederick County ordinances for recommended changes through legislation to improve the business climate in Frederick County;
(5) Review regulations and make recommendations on issues under the authority of county government that could be altered to enhance the business climate for small businesses in Frederick County; and
(6) Within one year of the Commission's first meeting, and annually thereafter, the Commission shall submit a report to the County Council. The report shall include recommendations as identified above.
(D) Two years following the first meeting, the Commission will submit a status report to the County Council. The report should include assessment findings and recommendations as identified above. Upon submission of this report, the County Council may submit questions or requests to the Commission for additional information. The Commission will have eight weeks to respond to any requests. Upon completion of this review, the Council must vote whether to reauthorize the Commission.
(Bill No. 21-06, 6-15-21)