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The purpose of the Penn Square Commission is to organize, promote and give direction to the efforts of both private and public organizations interested in fostering the civic, social, cultural and economic development within the City's new public commons in its downtown area; and to renew, preserve and enhance the economic and aesthetic value of the City's central business district.
A. The Penn Square Commission shall administer and supervise the use, operation and maintenance of Penn Square, Market Square and such other public spaces as may be designated by resolution of Council. The powers and duties of the Commission shall include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the establishment of use, operation and maintenance policies; the promotion of activities; solicitation of funds; the procurement and scheduling of all programs and events; the issuance of use permits; the establishment of a schedule of rental rates and charges; and the establishment of rules of conduct and safety. Provided, however, any leases or contracts in excess of one year shall be subject to the approval of Council.
B. The Commission, within the annual budgetary appropriations established by Council, may employ such persons and make such expenditures as may be necessary for the conduct of all business within its jurisdiction. Any such persons employed by the Commission shall be subject to the wages, hours and conditions of employment as established by Council. The Commission shall submit to Council, not later than October 1 of each year, its recommendations for the budgetary appropriations, the personnel complement, and the wage and salary classifications within its jurisdiction for the succeeding year. The Commission shall make an annual report to Council in December of each year on the operations of the Commission.
Membership on the Penn Square Commission shall consist of 11 residents and/or business persons engaged in business in Downtown Reading, at least six of whom shall be residents of the City. At least five such members, if available, shall be members of the Reading Market Association (RMA) or equivalent downtown business organization. At least one such member, if available, shall be a representative of the Chamber of Commerce of Reading and Berks County. All members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of Council.
The initial appointment of members serving on the Penn Square Commission shall consist of three members appointed for a term of one year, two of whom shall be representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Reading and Berks County and Downtown Association of Reading Endeavors; two members appointed for a term of two years; and two members appointed for a term of three years. Thereafter, the representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of Reading and Berks County shall be appointed on an annual basis for one year and the remaining 10 members shall be appointed for a term of two years and shall serve until their successors are appointed. Any vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term in the manner as provided herein for original appointments.
The members of the Penn Square Commission shall elect their own Chairman and Secretary and shall select all other officers necessary to conduct business, to serve for a term not exceeding the term of their appointment. The Commission shall adopt rules and regulations for its internal organization and procedure and for the conduct of all business within its jurisdiction. The Commission in its discretion may appoint persons to act as advisors to subcommittees appointed by the Commission.
The City shall indemnify and save harmless any officer, director or member of the Penn Square Commission from and against any claims or liabilities (including reasonable attorney fees) on any judgment, decree, fine or penalties imposed on him for any act or omission committed or incurred while acting as such, and reimburse him for all legal and other expenses reasonably incurred by him in defense thereof, at such terms as provided by governing law; provided that there shall be no obligation to reimburse, partially or wholly, such persons for claims or liabilities determined by a court to have constituted willful misconduct or recklessness.
Part 3
Citizen’s Initiative Commission
Citizen’s Initiative Commission
[Adopted 5-22-17 by Ord. 46-2017]
City Council creates a Citizen Initiative Commission to act as a communication vehicle between City government and City residents on City-wide policies and issues related to neighborhood quality of life and economic health programs as well as assisting in an advisory capacity with any other community issues or programs.
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