(a) 
Unless stated to the contrary herein, all appointments to boards, commissions and committees of the city shall be made by the city council.
(b) 
All appointments to boards, commissions and committees of the city shall expire on December 1st of the year in which they would normally expire. At the first meeting of the board or commission following December 1st, a chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be elected by the members of the board or commission. Should no appointment be made at the time a term would otherwise expire, the sitting board, commission, or committee member will continue to serve in an interim capacity until the replacement appointment has been made.
(c) 
Unless expressly stated to the contrary herein, each board, commission or committee of the city shall be composed of five (5) members, and the term of appointment for regular members shall be for two (2) years, one (1) alternate member, the alternate member serving a term of one (1) year.
(d) 
Unless expressly stated to the contrary herein, the board and commission members serve at the pleasure of the city council and may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the council.
(e) 
All boards, commissions and committees must meet at least two (2) times per year; once for open meeting act and public information act training, and once for a regular business meeting. Additional meetings may be held separately for work sessions, educational training, and city updates.
(f) 
Unless expressly stated to the contrary herein, a simple majority of each board or commission shall serve to establish a quorum for a board or commission.
(g) 
Subject to the provisions of subsection (d), above, a board or commission member should regularly attend meetings in order to ensure that a quorum can be met and business transacted. Three (3) consecutive absences, or a total of five (5) absences during a twelve-month period shall cause the city council to consider removal of the board or commission member. Failure to meet these attendance requirements will also bar the member from being re-appointed for a subsequent term, absent the showing of good cause presented to, and accepted by the city council based on special circumstances.
(h) 
All city councilmembers, with the exception of the mayor, may serve at as the council liaison to the boards and commissions of the city for a period of one year. A council liaison for each board or commission shall be selected by the city council by order of seniority. Unless provided for to the contrary by specific ordinance, the liaison shall not vote, count towards a quorum, or otherwise be considered a regular member of the board or commission to which he or she is appointed.
(i) 
A staff liaison shall be appointed by the city manager for each board or commission.
(j) 
The boards, commissions and committee matrix, attached to Ordinance 2018-12-53, as appendix A, setting forth a summary of the membership, requirements, terms, dates and times, and other information, is hereby incorporated herein and adopted by the city council. To the extent that a there is a conflict between the boards, commissions and committees matrix and the text of this chapter, the text of this chapter will control.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
Unless stated to the contrary herein, each board or commission or committee member must reside within the corporate limits of the city at the time of the appointment to the board or commission; must not be in arrears in the payment of any taxes or other liability due to the city; and must be a registered voter within the city.
(b) 
Additional board, commission or committee qualifications may be specified in the board and commission specific portions of article 5.02 herein.
(c) 
Any board, commission or committee member ceasing to possess any of the qualifications set forth in this section, or in the board and commission specific portions of article 5.02, herein, applicable to their particular board, shall immediately forfeit his or her office.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
Each city board, commission or committee shall be identified as “advisory” or “statutory,” or as special purpose corporations such as economic development corporations. Advisory boards shall serve only in an advisory capacity and shall make recommendations to the city council for further action and consideration. Statutory boards and special purpose corporations may possess decision-making and/or quasi-judiciary powers and functions as designated by their applicable enabling statute.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
The city council shall promulgate a set of form bylaws for use by the advisory boards which shall become effective when adopted. An advisory board or commission that seeks to amend its bylaws must submit the proposed change to the city council for consideration and approval before it becomes effective.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
The airport advisory board was established on April 17, 1978 by Resolution No. 4-78 and is designated as an advisory board of the city.
(b) 
It is recommended that members have a working knowledge of airport and/or aviation operations, rent or own a hanger or other space at Lancaster Regional Airport, or operate a business at Lancaster Regional Airport. Members of this board are exempt from the requirements of section 5.01.002(a).
(c) 
The board is established pursuant to section 3.19 of the home rule charter to advise the city council regarding the expansion and capital improvement of Lancaster Regional Airport.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
The animal shelter advisory committee was established on March 10, 2008 by Resolution No. 2008-03-22, was formerly subject to the interlocal agreement for animal control services between the city and the City of Hutchins, (such agreement having been terminated and no longer in effect) and is designated as an advisory board of the city. The committee shall be composed of five (5) regular members including one (1) alternate, and shall include at least one (1) licensed veterinarian, one (1) county or municipal official, one (1) person whose duties include the daily operation of an animal shelter, and one (1) representative from an animal welfare organization. All members shall be appointed by the city.
(b) 
The committee shall be composed of five (5) regular members including one (1) alternate, and shall include at least one (1) licensed veterinarian, one (1) county or municipal official, one (1) person whose duties include the daily operation of an animal shelter, and one (1) representative from an animal welfare organization. Three (3) members shall be appointed by the city, and three (3) members shall be appointed by the City of Hutchins.
(c) 
The committee is established pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code, section 823.005, to ensure that the city animal shelter meets the state operating requirements.
(d) 
The Committee shall meet no less than three ( 3) times per year.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18; Ordinance 2023-10-47 adopted 9/25/2023
(a) 
The capital improvements advisory committee was established on June 18, 1990 by Resolution No. 21-90 and is designated as an advisory board of the city.
(b) 
At least two (2) members of the committee shall be representatives of the real estate, development, or building industries who are not employees or officials of a political subdivision or governmental entity. If the Texas Local Government Code chapter 395 impact fee is to be applied to the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city, one member of the committee must be a representative from the area where the impact fee will be apply.
(c) 
The committee is established pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, section 395.058, to:
(1) 
Advise and assist the city in adopting land use assumptions;
(2) 
Review the city’s capital improvements plan and file written comments;
(3) 
Monitor and evaluate implementation of the city’s capital improvements plan;
(4) 
File semiannual reports with respect to the progress of the city’s capital improvements plan and report to the city council any perceived inequities in implementing the plan or imposing the impact fee; and advise the city council of the need to update or revise the land use assumptions, capital improvements plan, and impact fee.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
The civil service commission was established pursuant to the May 8, 1995 Resolution No. 21-95 which canvassed the results of the election in which Texas Local Government Code chapter 143 civil service was established by the electorate, and is designated as a statutory board of the city.
(b) 
The commission shall be composed of three (3) members, with no alternate members, who shall be appointed by the city manager and confirmed by the city council. Members shall serve staggered three (3) year terms with the term of one member expiring each year. Each person appointed to the commission must:
(1) 
Be of good moral character;
(2) 
Be a United States citizen;
(3) 
Be a resident of the city who has resided in the city for more than three (3) years;
(4) 
Be over 25 years of age; and
(5) 
Not have held a public office within the preceding three years.
(c) 
The commission is established pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, section 143.006, to ensure that the city conforms to the requirements of chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code, and to investigate and report on all matters relating to the enforcement and effect of chapter 143, including appeals from firefighters or police officers. The commission is empowered to:
(1) 
Administer oaths;
(2) 
Issue subpoenas to complete the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, documents, and accounts relating to the investigation; and
(3) 
Cause the deposition of witnesses residing inside or outside the state, pursuant to section 143.009 of the Texas Local Government Code.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
The Lancaster Economic Development Corporation is a type A economic development corporation, and had its initial bylaws approved on October 9, 1995 by Resolution No. 38-95, and currently operates under such amended bylaws as approved by city council.
(b) 
The corporation shall consist of five (5) directors, with no alternate members. The board of directors shall appoint, at a minimum, a president and a secretary, and such other officers as designated in its then-current bylaws.
(c) 
The committee is established pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, section 504.051, to promote economic development in the city and the area, and to perform all duties as authorized by chapter 504 of the Texas Local Government Code for type A corporations.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
The historic landmark preservation committee was established on December 5, 1994 by Ordinance No. 31-94 and is designated as an advisory board of the city.
(b) 
Members of the committee shall be appointed by the planning and zoning commission and confirmed by city council. Each member appointed to the committee shall have a demonstrated interest in or knowledge of historic preservation practices and principles. Of the regular members, at least three (3) shall have experience and/or expertise in the following fields: architecture, planning, landscape architecture, building construction or real estate appraisal. At least one (1) member shall be a member of the city’s historical society. At least one (1) member shall be the owner of a designated historic landmark or property within an historic district.
(c) 
The committee is established pursuant to section 3.19 of the city's home rule charter to:
(1) 
Adopt criteria for the designation of historic, architectural, and cultural landmarks and the delineation of historic districts for submission to the planning and zoning commission and city council;
(2) 
Recommend to the planning and zoning commission (for subsequent submission to the city council) recognition of individuals and organizations who own designated historical landmarks or properties within designated historic districts through the conferral of certificates, plaques, or markers;
(3) 
Increase public awareness of the value of historic, cultural and architectural preservation by developing and participating in public education programs;
(4) 
Recommend the designation of sites, buildings, structures, objects or areas as landmarks or historic districts;
(5) 
Make recommendations to the planning and zoning commission (for subsequent submission to the city council) regarding the utilization of funds and funding methods (such as tax deferments, grants, fees, and donations); to promote the preservation and vitality of landmarks and historic districts within the city; and
(6) 
Ensure compliance with U.S. Department of the Interior standards for historic landmarks.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18; Ordinance 2023-10-47 adopted 9/25/2023)
(a) 
The Lancaster Recreational Development Corporation is a type B economic development corporation incorporated and approved on September 25, 1995 by Resolution No. 37-95, and currently operates under such amended bylaws as approved by city council.
(b) 
The corporation shall consists of seven (7) directors with no alternate members, who shall serve two (2) year terms. The board of directors shall appoint, at a minimum, a president and a secretary, and such other officers as designated in its then-current bylaws.
(c) 
The committee is established pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, section 505.003, to promote authorized projects and to perform all duties as authorized by chapter 505 of the Texas Local Government Code for type B corporations, and subject to the current and long-term powers set forth in its bylaws.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18; Ordinance 2023-10-47 adopted 9/25/2023)
(a) 
The Lancaster State Auxiliary Museum Board Advisory Board was established on March 23, 2015 by Resolution No. 2015-03-22 and is designated as an advisory board of the city.
(b) 
The board is established pursuant to section 3.19 of the home rule charter to report to city council on all matters concerning the city’s state auxiliary museum and to promote public interest in the museum.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
The Lancaster Veterans Memorial Library Advisory Board was established on December 17, 1984 by Ordinance No. 51-84 and is designated as an advisory board of the city.
(b) 
The board is established pursuant to section 3.19 of the city's home rule charter to report to city council on matters concerning the city's public library system.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18; Ordinance 2023-10-47 adopted 9/25/2023)
(a) 
The parks and recreation advisory board was established on February 11, 2008 by Ordinance No. 2008-02-07 and is designated as an advisory board of the city.
(b) 
The committee is established pursuant to section 3.19 of the home rule charter to advise the city council in regard to all matters relating to the city’s parks and recreation department, to study the city’s parks and recreational programs, and advise the city council regarding the future acquisition, development, enlargement and use policy of the parks and recreation system, including an annual review of the city’s master parks plan.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
The planning and zoning commission was previously established by the city pursuant to section 211.007 of the Texas Local Government Code, and is designated as a statutory board of the city.
(b) 
A city planner, or the designee of the city manager shall serve as the secretary of the commission.
(c) 
The commission is established pursuant to section 211.07 of the Texas Local Government Code, and is vested with the following powers and duties:
(1) 
To advise the city council and make recommendations concerning adoption of, or amendments to, zoning regulations and the zoning map;
(2) 
To advise the city council and make recommendations concerning adoption of, or amendments to the city’s comprehensive plan, thoroughfare plan, and open space plan and implementation thereof;
(3) 
To oversee the city’s regulations governing the platting and recording of subdivisions, including matters pertaining to the dedication of public facilities, and to advise the council on matters pertaining to public improvements, traffic, utility extension and the provision of public facilities and services, in order to implement the city’s comprehensive plan;
(4) 
To undertake such actions as are necessary to exercise its delegated powers, as indicated by adopted ordinance, including the granting of exceptions to zoning standards and the city’s development code;
(5) 
To approve certain matters relating to platting and recording of subdivisions as dictated by the city’s ordinances (including the city’s development code);
(6) 
Other duties and powers as authorized by chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code and other applicable state law.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
The property standards and appeals board was established on July 24, 2006 by Ordinance No. 2006-07-24, and is designated as a statutory board of the city.
(b) 
The board is empowered to hear the appeal of any person directly affected by a decision of the city’s chief building official and/or code official or a notice or order issued under the International Property Maintenance Code (and other model codes governing building, construction, and property maintenance standards) as adopted by the city and amended from time to time, provided that the code in question provides for an appellate process.
(c) 
Appeals of notice and orders (other than imminent danger notices) shall stay the enforcement of the notice or order until the appeal is heard by the board.
(d) 
The board shall meet upon notice from the city’s code official, (as that term is used in the version of the International Property Maintenance Code currently adopted by the city), within twenty (20) days of the city’s receipt of a notice of appeal, or at stated meetings that may be called from time to time. The appellant, the appellant’s representative, and any other person whose interests are affected by the hearing shall be given an opportunity to present their case to the board.
(e) 
The city manager, or his or her designee(s) shall present all cases before the board. The city’s code official, as that term is used in the version of the International Property Maintenance Code currently adopted by the city, shall have a standing designation, which may be modified at the will of the city manager.
(f) 
The board may, by a majority vote:
(1) 
Affirm the order of the code official being appealed and enforce the recommendation of the official;
(2) 
Modify the order of the code official being appealed; or
(3) 
Reverse the order of the code official being appealed.
(g) 
Any person affected by the code official’s order or the board’s decision, may apply to the appropriate court for a writ of certiorari to correct errors of law. Application for review shall be made within thirty (30) days of the board’s decision.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
The sign control board was previously established by the city council and is designated as a statutory board of the city, when considering exceptions, and an advisory board of the city, when operating in its advisory capacity.
(b) 
The planning and zoning commission shall serve as the sign control board.
(c) 
The board is established pursuant to section 3.19 of the home rule charter to:
(1) 
Consider exceptions from the sign control provisions of the city’s development code, evaluating requested exceptions by considering:
(A) 
The degree of exception;
(B) 
The reasons for the exception;
(C) 
The location of the exception;
(D) 
The duration of the exception;
(E) 
The effect on public safety;
(F) 
Protection of neighborhood property;
(G) 
The degree of hardship or injustice involved; and
(H) 
The effect of the exception on the general plan for signage throughout the city; and shall have the power to grant, deny, or grant with lesser exceptions any proposed exception before it;
(2) 
To conduct continuing studies of sign ordinances in neighboring municipalities and other Texas cities and make recommendations to the city council where appropriate;
(3) 
To conduct a continuing review of all nonconforming signs and exceptions granted and determine the desirability and effects upon the immediate area of the nonconforming signs and exceptions and the city as a whole and make recommendations to the city council where appropriate;
(4) 
To evaluate new signage methods and materials and make recommendations to city council regarding their benefits and disadvantages; and
(5) 
Conduct such other sign-related studies and plans as directed by city council.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
The tree advisory board was previously established by the city council and is designated as an advisory committee of the city.
(b) 
The planning and zoning commission shall serve as the tree board. When meeting in this capacity, they shall be an advisory board.
(c) 
The committee is established pursuant to section 3.19 of the home rule charter to advise the city council in regard to all matters relating to the city’s tree preservation and urban forestry activities.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
The youth advisory committee was established on July 14, 2008 by Ordinance No. 2008-07-28 and is designated as an advisory board of the city.
(b) 
The board shall be composed of ten (10) student youth members, who shall be enrolled in a public or private accredited secondary school and who shall be fifteen years of age or older, and two sponsors, who shall be adults and residents of the city, and who shall be appointed to staggered terms. The city manager (or his or her designee) shall appoint the student youth members. City council shall appoint the sponsors. Terms of office shall be two (2) years for the sponsor, and two (2) years for five (5) of the student youth members and one (1) year for five (5) of the remaining student youth members. The mayor serves as an advisor, and one (1) city council member serves as a council liaison to the committee.
(c) 
The committee is established pursuant to section 3.19 of the home rule charter to provide participation in municipal government by the local youth, and to advise the city council on matters of relevance to young members of the community.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
(a) 
The zoning board of adjustment was established on April 24, 2006 by Ordinance No. 2006-04-13 and is designated as a statutory board of the city.
(b) 
The board is established pursuant to section 211.009 of the Texas Local Government Code, and the board is vested with all the powers and duties set forth therein, including the authority to:
(1) 
Hear and decide an appeal that alleges an error in an order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of chapter 211, subchapter A of the Texas Local Government Code, under the provision that reversing such order, requirement, decision or determination of an administrative official must be supported by a vote of at least seventy-five (75%) percent of the board; and
(2) 
Authorize in specific cases a variance from the terms of a zoning ordinance if the variance is not contrary to the public interest and due to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the ordinance would result in unnecessary hardship, and so that the spirit of the ordinance is observed and substantial justice is done , under the provision that granting a variance from the terms of a zoning ordinance must be supported by a vote of at least seventy-five (75%) percent of the board.
(Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18)
The public engagement committee is created to enhance community involvement and foster effective communication between the city and the residents of the city. The committee shall serve as an advisory body to the city council, providing recommendations and insights solely focused on increasing the level of public engagement within the city. Through proactive outreach, collaborative initiatives, and strategic evaluation, the committee shall aim to create an inclusive and vibrant community where all residents' voices are heard, valued, and considered in the decision-making process.
(1) 
The public engagement committee is hereby established pursuant to section 3.19 of the city's home rule charter, and is designated as an advisory board of the city, to provide guidance and recommendations to the city council related to increasing public and community engagement within the city.
(2) 
The board shall be composed of seven (7) members, six (6) appointed by councilmembers by district with one (1) appointed by the mayor at-large, all of whom shall be residents of the city. The term of office shall be two (2) years with staggered terms.
(Ordinance 2023-10-47 adopted 9/25/2023)