A. The Council shall appoint all members of the committees identified in this section.
B. Except as otherwise provided in sections specific to individual committees, all members of committees are residents of the City of Takoma Park and, in the event a committee member ceases to reside in the City of Takoma Park, that member is ineligible to serve on the Committee as an active member.
C. Several of the statutory committees are established and defined in this chapter. Cross-references to the enabling sections of the Code for all statutory committees, including those which are established and defined in other chapters of the City Code, are noted in the Term Expiration chart below. The length and expiration month/date of terms for each committee shall be as follows:

1. The initial term of a committee member who is appointed to replace a member who cannot complete his or her term shall be for the remainder of the term of the member being replaced.
2. An initial term of a committee member that will expire in 6 months or less from the date of appointment is considered a short-term appointment.
3. At the time a short-term appointment is made, the Council may extend the person’s short-term appointment to include the next full-term for the Committee, as set forth in subsection (C) of this section.
4. A committee member who resigns, whose term expires or who ceases to reside in Takoma Park, at the discretion of the Committee Chairperson, may continue as an inactive member of the Committee to complete work on matters in which he or she participated as an active member of the Committee.
5. The Council may, by resolution, remove a committee member before that person’s term has expired if the Council determines that the person has become incapacitated or has failed to reasonably perform his or her duties as a committee member. A committee may recommend to the Council in writing that a committee member be removed because the member has repeatedly failed to attend meetings or hearings of the Committee. Such a recommendation is made only upon the majority vote of the committee members present at a meeting where a quorum of the Committee exists. (Ord. 2005-9 § 2, 2005/Ord. 2004-3 (part), 2004)

A Tree Commission is established to preserve, protect and promote the urban forest of Takoma Park. (Ord. 2004-3 (part), 2004)

The Tree Commission is composed of up to five City residents appointed by the Council. The terms begin on October 1st and end on September 30th. The members shall elect among themselves a Chair. (Ord. 2004-3 (part), 2004)

The Tree Commission, with the assistance of the Arborist, shall propose rules, regulations, procedures and actions to be taken by the City to preserve and protect the urban forest, subject to the approval of the Council, and perform any other related duties assigned by the Council by ordinance or resolution. (Ord. 2004-3 (part), 2004)

The Council is designated the Stormwater Board for the City of Takoma Park. The Mayor shall serve as the Presiding Officer of the Stormwater Board. (Ord. 2004-3 (part), 2004)

The voting members of the Stormwater Board shall be the same as the Council. Charter provisions governing the conduct of Council business are applicable to the Stormwater Board, and the Board is authorized to adopt such regulations as may be necessary or desirable for its operations and to carry out stormwater management in the City of Takoma Park. Stormwater Board regulations, if necessary, are promulgated in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 2.12 (Administrative Regulations), of the Takoma Park Code, as amended from time to time. (Ord. 2004-3 (part), 2004)

A Public Safety Citizens Advisory Committee is established, which shall provide input and advice to the Council and the City’s public safety agencies about how the City can better meet the ongoing needs and concerns of residents in the area of police services and public safety. (Ord. 2004-3 (part), 2004)

The Committee is composed of up to 12 members appointed by the Council. The membership may be composed of residents, business owners, property owners, and other persons with interests in the City. The members shall serve staggered 2-year terms. The terms shall begin on October 1st and end on September 30th. The members shall elect among themselves a Chair. (Ord. 2004-3 (part), 2004)

The objectives of the Public Safety Citizens Committee are to:
A. Act as a conduit between Takoma Park residents, the Takoma Park Police Department and the Council by soliciting and conveying information regarding community needs and expectations, long range visions and goals, and any problems and/or specific incidents that might arise.
B. Be an active participant in the continuous process of advising the Council and the Police Department regarding the designing and implementing of policies, plans and programs for Community Oriented Policing, Neighborhood Watch, and other neighborhood-based crime prevention activities.
C. Make a presentation to the Council at least once a year which will include but not necessarily be limited to discussions and descriptions of community needs and expectations in the public safety area, activities being carried out to address these needs and expectations, and recommendations for making further progress.
D. 1. Design and implement procedures for carrying out Subsections (A), (B) and (C) of this Section.
2. In designing and implementing procedures, the Committee shall obtain any needed input and decisions from the Council, the Takoma Park Police Department, and other City agencies.
E. Attempt to provide the Council, the Police Department, and other appropriate City agencies, with suggestions about how services might be funded. (Ord. 2004-3 (part), 2004)

There is established a Takoma Park Safe Roadways Committee which shall serve in an official advisory role to the City Council on all matters related to transportation. (Ord. 2004-08 § 1, 2004)

The purpose of the Takoma Park Safe Roadways Committee shall be as follows:
A. To advise the City Council on transportation-related issues including pedestrian and bicycle safety, traffic problems, and transit services.
B. To encourage Takoma Park residents to use alternatives to driving including walking, bicycling, and transit. (Ord. 2004-08 § 2, 2004)

A. Membership. The Committee consists of up to 11 persons to be appointed by the City Council. One member shall represent the Takoma Park Public Safety Citizens Advisory Committee. The Public Safety Citizens Advisory Committee shall select from among its membership for consideration by the City Council, 2 representatives, one of whom may be appointed to serve as a voting member of the Safe Roadways Committee, the other to serve as an alternate. Every effort is made to have representation from each of the 6 Wards.
B. Terms of Office. Committee members shall serve staggered 3 year terms with initial appointments of one, 2 and 3 years. The Takoma Park Public Safety Citizens Advisory Committee appointee, and alternate, shall serve a one-year term. All terms shall begin on July 1st and end on June 30th. Midterm vacancies shall be filled to serve the balance of the unexpired term.
C. Structure.
1. The Committee shall organize and adopt bylaws and rules of procedure, necessary to accomplish its purposes, and elect from its members, a Chairperson and other officers as it shall deem necessary. Officers shall serve for a period of one year.
2. The Committee shall meet quarterly or as often as required to fulfill its responsibilities.
3. All meetings are open to the public and are subject to the Maryland Open Meetings Law. Meeting notices and agendas are prepared and submitted to the City Clerk and posted in advance of any Committee meeting in accordance with State law. Written records of Committee proceedings are maintained. A report on the activities of the Committee is submitted to the Council once a year.
4. The Committee shall not meet unless a majority of the members are present.
5. The Committee, individually or as a whole, may lobby or provide comments or recommendations on behalf of the Committee to entities other than the Council, only to the extent that they are consistent with established policies of the city or as authorized through formal action of the City Council. This does not preclude committee members from presenting their views as individuals.
D. Staffing. The City Manager or his or her designee shall provide appropriate staff support to the Committee. (Ord. 2005-36, 2005/Ord. 2004-08 § 3, 2004)

The Committee shall advise and assist the Council with respect to developing and implementing policies to increase transportation safety and accessibility in Takoma Park, especially for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. In furtherance of these duties, the Commission shall attempt to accomplish the following:
A. Develop a Transportation Strategy for consideration and adoption by the Council. This Strategy shall guide the City’s efforts on transportation issues and is updated every 2 years.
B. Assist as directed by the Council in the development of policies and programming that address the transportation concerns of the community.
C. Assist the Council in prioritizing transportation related projects.
D. Keep abreast of what other communities are doing to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety and increase transit use.
E. Prepare an annual report to the Council on the activities of the Committee and provide additional briefings as required. (Ord. 2004-08 § 4, 2004)

There is established a Takoma Park Arts and Humanities Commission which shall serve in an official advisory role to the City Council on all matters related to the arts, which will promote, coordinate, and strengthen public programs to further cultural development of the City. (Ord. 2003-1 § 1 (part), 2003)

The purpose of the Takoma Park Arts and Humanities Commission shall be as follows:
A. To advise the City Council on ways in which the City might best serve the public with regard to matters involving the arts.
B. To encourage and aid the appreciation and awareness of, and participation in, the arts among all Takoma Park residents.
C. To encourage cooperation and coordination among individuals, organizations and institutions concerned with the arts in Takoma Park.
D. To facilitate employment opportunities for artists and the development of self-sustaining arts programs. (Ord. 2003-1 § 1 (part), 2003)

A. Membership. The Commission shall consist of a minimum of 7 and maximum of 15 persons to be appointed by the City Council. A minimum of 2/3 of the members of the Commission shall reside in the City of Takoma Park. No organization which is a potential recipient of city arts funding shall have on the Commission more than one person who serves on its board or staff. Every effort shall be made to have a broad and diverse representation of the fine and performing arts community and of local arts and cultural organizations on the Commission.
B. Terms of Office. Commission Members shall serve staggered 3-year terms with initial appointments of one, 2 and 3 years. All terms shall being on July 1st and end on June 30th. Members may be appointed for a maximum of 2 successive terms. Mid-term vacancies shall be filled to serve the balance of the unexpired term.
C. Structure.
1. The Commission shall organize and adopt bylaws and rules of procedure, necessary to accomplish its purposes, and elect from its members a Chairperson and such other officers as it shall deem necessary. Officers shall serve for a period of one year.
2. The Commission shall meet quarterly or as often as required to fulfill its responsibilities.
3. All meetings shall be open to the public and are subject to the Maryland Open Meetings Law. Meeting notices and agendas shall be prepared and submitted to the City Clerk and posted in advance of any Commission meeting in accordance with State law. Written records of Commission proceedings shall be maintained. A report on the activities of the Commission shall be submitted to the City Council once a year.
4. The Commission shall not meet unless a majority of the appointed members are present.
5. The Commission, individually, or as a whole, may lobby or provide comments or recommendations to entities other than the City Council only as authorized and directed by the City Manager or through formal action of the City Council.
D. Staffing. The City Manager or his or her designee shall provide appropriate staff support to the Commission. (Ord. 2003-6 § 1, 2003/Ord. 2003-1 § 1 (part), 2003)

The Commission shall advise and assist the City Council with respect to developing and promoting the performing and visual arts for the enjoyment, education, cultural enrichment and benefit of the residents of the City of Takoma Park. In furtherance of these duties, the Commission shall attempt to accomplish the following:
A. Develop in cooperation with other City Departments and the Montgomery County Arts and Humanities Council, a long-range Master Plan for the development of a thriving arts community in Takoma Park and the utilization of public facilities for art-related activities. Such Master Plan shall be updated every 2 years;
B. Initiate, sponsor, conduct or support, alone or in cooperation with other public or private agencies, public programs in the arts; C. Serve as a clearinghouse for information about Takoma Park artists, art programs, facilities, organizations and institutions and to actively encourage public awareness, utilization, and support of such resources;
D. Advise the City as to the availability and adequacy of facilities and space for the presentation of cultural activities;
E. Review and advise on the aesthetic aspects of all works of art or designs or public monuments accepted or commissioned by the City;
F. Prepare and submit budgetary recommendation to the City Manager for annual expenditures necessary for the continuation and development of public programs and facilities which further the arts;
G. Review funding requests and recommend to the City Council the allocation of monies to cultural organizations, arts organizations, and individual artists;
H. Seek out and encourage contributions and grants to the arts from private and public sources;
I. Initiate proposals for Federal and State assistance to the arts and to review arts-related proposals and programs originated by the City and approved by the City Manager;
J. Keep abreast of what other communities are doing to further the arts and to adapt their accomplishments to the needs of Takoma Park;
K. Prepare an annual report to the City Council on the activities of the Commission. (Ord. 2003-1 § 1 (part), 2003)

There is established a Takoma Park Committee on the Environment which shall serve in an official advisory/approval role to the City Council on all matters related to environmental protection and preservation. (Ord. 2005-9 § 1 (part), 2005)

The purposes of the Committee shall be as follows:
A. To advise the City Council on all environmental issues, including but not limited to, tree protection, open space conservation, biodiversity, watershed functioning, energy use and conservation, and recycling;
B. To review and provide advice on City actions that affect environmental quality, preferably prior to implementation. The Committee may review any work within the City which it has reason to believe may impact environmental quality. This includes resolutions, legislation, regulations, policy, guidance, administrative actions, plans, and program activities that may affect environmental quality;
C. To educate Takoma Park residents, businesses, and County government on environmental issues and encourage Takoma Park residents, businesses, and County government to choose environmentally beneficial or non-harmful alternatives when available to protect the environment, reduce energy use and limit greenhouse gas emissions;
D. To convey citizen views on environmental issues to Council and City staff;
E. To work with City staff on environmental issues and projects. (Ord. 2005-9 § 1 (part), 2005)

A. Committee and Council Collaboration. The City Council recognizes the need to build environmental considerations into a broad array of City operations and activities. To this end, the Committee will offer advice and counsel as soon as practicable on each applicable issue and will maintain an open dialogue with Council and citizens.
B. Membership. The Committee shall consist of between 7 and 11 persons to be appointed by the Council. Efforts shall be made to have representation from a variety of scientific, technical, and environmental policy disciplines, outreach skills related to environmental science, and with a variety of organizational talents. Members shall attempt to assess environmental issues and protect the environment across the entire City without political bias. Candidates are encouraged to attend meetings and volunteer with the Committee prior to appointment.
C. Terms of Office. Committee members shall serve renewable 3 year terms with initial appointments of one, 2 and 3 years. All terms shall begin on July 1st and end on June 30th. Midterm vacancies will be filled as needed.
D. Structure.
1. The Committee shall organize to accomplish its purposes, and elect from its members a Chair and other officers as it shall deem necessary.
2. The Committee shall meet at least quarterly or as often as required to fulfill its responsibilities.
3. All meetings shall be open to the public and are subject to the Maryland Open Meetings Law. Meeting notices and agendas shall be prepared and submitted to the City Clerk and posted in advance of any Committee meeting in accordance with State law. Written records of Committee proceedings shall be maintained. An oral or written report on the activities of the Committee shall be submitted to the Council at least once a year.
4. A Committee meeting shall not be an “official” meeting unless a majority of the members are present.
E. Staffing and Resources. The City Manager or his or her designee shall provide appropriate staff support and funding to support the Committee’s activities. The City Manager shall make available City communication vehicles to the Committee, such as the newsletter, website, and cable television programming as needed. (Ord. 2005-9 § 1 (part), 2005)

The Committee shall advise and assist the Council in developing and implementing policies to protect and preserve the environment in Takoma Park. In furtherance of these duties, the Committee shall attempt to accomplish the following:
A. Assist the Council in the development of policies and programming that address the environmental concerns of the community;
B. Proactively promote environmental issues and projects based on the technical expertise of Committee members;
C. Assist the Council in technical and policy direction and in setting priorities for environmental projects;
D. Review and provide advice on any City actions, prior to, during, and after implementation, that it has reason to believe may affect environmental quality. These actions include resolutions, legislation, regulations, policy, guidance, administrative actions, plans, and program activities that may affect environmental quality. The Committee shall make recommendations or give direction for alternatives to change City actions to actions that are likely to improve environmental outcomes;
E. Educate Takoma Park residents on environmental issues and actions to promote environmental quality;
F. Keep abreast of what other communities are doing to promote environmental protection and preservation;
G. Prepare an annual report to the Council on the activities of the Committee and provide additional briefings as needed. (Ord. 2005-9 § 1 (part), 2005)

The City Council of Takoma Park, Maryland, establishes an Emergency Preparedness Committee to provide community input to and assist in the City’s planning and preparations for emergency operations and to involve residents in providing appropriate assistance during emergency operations. (Ord. 2004-31 (part), 2004)

The Emergency Preparedness Committee shall assist in:
A. Reviewing the City’s Emergency Operations Plan and recommending changes to the Council and City Manager, including changes to improve processes for assisting special populations during an emergency.
B. Exploring the formation of volunteer neighborhood emergency teams that would assist City Departments in carrying out emergency activities when called upon.
C. Assisting the City in coordinating with Montgomery County and other agencies to educate residents on their individual responsibilities for preparing their households for emergencies and providing information on what residents can expect from the City and County during an emergency.
D. Exploring grant opportunities that would aid the City to improve the emergency preparedness of the Community and City Management--this would include assisting City staff in documenting and submitting desirable grants for review by the City Manager and concurrence of the Council.
E. Reporting to the Council on the Committee’s progress 6 months after the Committee starts operating and every 6 months thereafter. Each report should provide appropriate recommendations for improving the City’s emergency preparedness along with budgetary implications that should be considered during the preparation of the annual budget.
F. Coordinating with Montgomery County to offer and promote Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) or other citizen training programs for resident volunteers and committee members.
G. Coordinating with the Montgomery County Volunteer Center to identify and promote volunteer opportunities under emergency situations. Assist in promoting these volunteer opportunities to Neighborhood Safety Contacts, citizen patrols, citizen associations, persons who serve or care for special City populations, and other City residents.
H. Advising the City on strategies to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the City preparedness activities and its relationship with relevant County, State and Federal Volunteer Agencies, and the American Red Cross, as well as the emergency preparedness organizations of neighboring jurisdictions.
I. Suggesting test scenarios to the City Manager and providing Committee members to be present in the City’s Emergency Operations Center during Emergency Test Exercises to act as observers during the test and to provide input to the after action report of the test. (Ord. 2007-3, 2007: Ord. 2004-31 (part), 2004)

A. The Committee will be composed of appropriate senior City Staff selected by the City Manager, one member selected by the Public Safety Citizens Advisory Committee (PSCAC), one member selected by the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department, one member selected by the Washington Adventist Hospital, one member selected by the Montgomery County Department of Homeland Security, and 7 residents (preferably at least one from each Ward) appointed by the Council. Appointees should have some professional background in emergency preparedness or operations and be available to perform committee duties during the day when required.
B. Resident committee members shall serve staggered, 3-year terms with initial appointments of one, 2 and 3 years. All terms shall begin on April 1st and end on March 31st. Mid-term vacancies shall be filled to serve the balance of the unexpired term and if appropriate, extended in accordance with provisions of Takoma Park Code Section 2.16.010. Other committee members will serve as long as determined appropriate by their agency. (Ord. 2006-2, 2006: Ord. 2005-8, 2005/Ord. 2004-31 (part), 2004)

The Committee shall comply with open meetings requirements as set forth in Takoma Park Administrative Regulation 95-01 and other applicable City Regulations/Policies, and Federal and State laws. This shall include making prior announcements of all meetings and maintaining and publishing written minutes of all meetings. (Ord. 2004-31 (part), 2004)