In accordance with the provisions of § 6D-1 of the Charter of the city, there shall be a Litter Control and Beautification Commission.
(A) Membership. The Litter Control and Beautification Commission shall consist of seven members, no more than four of whom shall be members of the same political party. One member shall be a member of the Board of Aldermen who shall be appointed by the Mayor for a term corresponding to the member's immediate term as an Alderman.
(B) Appointments; term of office. No later than July 1, 2004, the Mayor shall appoint three members whose terms shall expire on December 31, 2007, and three members whose terms shall expire on December 31, 2005. At the expiration of their respective terms, their successors shall be appointed for a term of four years. The Aldermanic member shall be appointed as set forth above.
(C) No compensation. Members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for any necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties within the limitations of appropriations.
(D) Organization of the Litter Control and Beautification Commission. During July 2004, and January of each even-numbered year thereafter, the Commission shall select from among its members a chair and such other officers as it may desire.
(1) Secretary and record keeping. The Commission shall appoint a secretary to be responsible for all correspondence and record keeping. The Secretary shall forward copies of all goings on of the Commission to the City Clerk.
(2) Meeting schedule. The Commission shall meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
(3) Authority and actions of members. No member shall have any authority to act on behalf of the Commission except pursuant to an order regularly made at a meeting of the Commission.
(4) Quorum and voting requirements. Four members shall constitute a quorum and a concurrent vote of no fewer than four members shall be necessary for the transaction of business.
(5) Public meetings and public participation. All meetings, except executive sessions, as defined in the State Freedom of Information Act or any successor thereto, shall be public. At the start of each regularly scheduled public meeting, the Commission shall allot a minimum of 15 minutes for public speaking, with a minimum of three minutes per speaker.
(6) Bylaws. The Commission shall have the power to adopt its own bylaws for the conduct of its business in accordance with the foregoing.
(E) Duties. The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) The Commission shall work in conjunction with liaisons representing and appointed by the following city boards or departments: Board of Commissioners of Public Works, Police Department, Board of Park Commissioners, Board of Commissioners of Public Health, Street Department, Traffic Engineering Department and the Board of Aldermen. In addition, the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce, the Neighborhood Council and the Community Court for the Judicial District of Waterbury shall each be invited to provide a liaison to the Commission.
(2) The Commission shall be responsible for coordinating litter and graffiti prevention and control, including oversight and enforcement, as set forth under the Littering and Graffiti Ordinances of this code and in accordance with the general statutes. The Commission shall serve as the focal point of all litter removal and other city beautification projects; ensure recognition is given to individuals and organizations who perform outstanding contributions toward city beautification; sponsor a city-wide anti-litter education program; recommend changes to the city ordinances regarding litter and graffiti prevention and control; maintain contact with civic groups and the city administration regarding city beautification projects. In addition, the Commission shall receive public input and complaints with respect to litter and graffiti.
(3) The Commission shall work with city officials in order to formulate enforcement measures, including, but not limited to, the issuance of citations in accordance with the general statutes.
(4) The Commission may request and utilize the services, facilities and support of all municipal departments, including Corporation Counsel, unless prohibited by law.
(F) Appropriations. The Board of Aldermen may make appropriations to the Commission to provide the staff, funds, equipment and accommodations necessary for the Commission's work. The expenditures of the Commission, exclusive of gifts, shall be within the amounts so appropriated.
(Ord. passed 4-20-2004)