(A) Creation. There is hereby created an Economic Development Commission for the Village of Swanton for the purpose of: (i) providing input from all aspects of the Swanton business community; (ii) acting as a resource for elected officials and staff to explore new economic development ideas and changes to village policies; and (iii) considering and introducing new economic development ideas for consideration to elected officials and staff. The word "Commission", when used in this division, shall mean the Economic Development Commission for the village.
(B) Membership. The Mayor shall appoint three members of the Commission. The Mayor shall be ex-officio a voting member of this Commission. The Commission shall consist of up to five members. Each member shall be appointed for a three-year term, except for the initial members whose terms shall be staggered at one-year intervals. The three persons appointed to the Commission shall be persons whose business, occupational or professional activities are carried on in a substantial degree within the village or have an interest in the economic success of the Village of Swanton. Additional members may be appointed by the Mayor in an ad hoc basis depending on the various needs of the EDC. These members' terms shall be limited to specific needs of the EDC. The Mayor may appoint a member of Council for a one-year term. Council members may not serve consecutive terms.
(C) Vacancies. The Mayor is authorized to fill any vacancy on the Commission which may arise for any unexpired term.
(D) Chair and Vice Chair. The Mayor shall appoint one of the members of the Commission to serve as Chair and one to serve as Vice Chair, each for a term of one year and until such person's successor is appointed and shall take office.
(E) Term of members. The term of office of each member of the Commission shall be for three years and until such member's successor shall be appointed and shall qualify.
(F) Attendance at meetings. Any member of the Commission who during any six-month period is not present for 50% or more of the regularly scheduled meetings shall be presumed to have resigned from the Commission. This presumption shall be absolute, irrespective of the reasons for the lack of attendance. However, the Mayor may, in the Mayor's discretion, refrain from nominating a replacement for a period of 60 days and may reappoint such resigned member.
(G) Meeting schedule. Commission meetings shall be scheduled and held every 60 days. The Chairman may schedule and hold meetings on a more frequent basis, if he or she believes it is warranted.
(H) Quorum. A quorum of the Commission shall consist of a simple majority of the members.
(I) Compensation of members. The members of the Commission shall serve without compensation.
(J) Payment of expenses. Expenses for the operation and conduct of the affairs of the Commission shall be paid from funds provided for that purpose in the annual appropriation ordinance and budget for the village.
(K) Annual report. The Commission, through its Chair or other designated member, shall report in writing, during the village's annual budget process, to the Mayor and Village Council. The report shall cover the activities of the Board for the preceding year.
(L) Duties. It shall be the duty of the Commission to:
(1) Make recommendations on matters to the improvement of sound economic growth and business development.
(2) Examine opportunities for fostering an attractive climate for business within the village with respect to both existing and potential new business establishments.
(3) Recommend additional steps and measures to promote economic growth by retaining businesses and attracting new commerce and industry.
(4) Cooperate with village elected officials and staff to realize appropriate goals and objectives relating to sound business practices and better employment opportunities.
(Ord. 2022-21, passed 9-12-2022)