The members of all boards and commissions shall possess similar qualifications and be subject to the same disqualifications as provided by the Charter for members of the City Council or the general laws of the state.
No person shall be appointed to more than one (1) permanent board or commission of the City at any one (1) time, except as required by membership stipulations of said board or commission.
Any member of any board or commission appointed by the City Council shall forfeit his office if he is absent for more than three (3) meetings, or twenty-five (25) percent, whichever is greater, in one (1) appointment year, unless for medical reasons, or unless excused by the board or commission of which he is a member or the City Council. In such case, the City Council shall declare the position vacant and appoint a new member to fill the vacancy.
All appointments of persons appointed by the City Council on any board or commission of the City shall be automatically terminated upon the filing of such person for an elective office of the City regardless of the length of time that said appointee may have remaining in the due term of his appointed office.
Persons named to represent the City on the boards of the North Texas Municipal Water District, the Texas Municipal Power Agency, and the governing bodies of any interagency boards and commissions in which the City may participate in the future are specifically exempt from the provisions of section 10.27 of this article.
Editor’s note–Former section 10.30 pertaining to the Community Development Advisory Committee and deriving from Ordinance 4197, adopted April 5, 1988, was deleted and reserved in its entirety by section 4 of Ordinance 6324, adopted July 7, 2009.
(A) 
(1) 
There is hereby established a committee to be known as the Garland Cultural Arts Commission, which shall consist of nine (9) voting members who shall be residents of the City and who shall be appointed by the City Council for a term of two (2) years. Members shall serve without pay.
(2) 
Provided, however, that the commission shall initially consist of five (5) members who shall serve a two-year term and four (4) members who shall serve a one-year term. Thereafter, commission members shall be appointed on the first regular meeting of the City Council in September and such appointments may be made from a list of persons who have demonstrated an interest in cultural endeavors, which list shall be compiled and presented by the commission. No person shall be appointed to the commission who currently serves on the executive board of any group or organization involved with the activities of the commission as a cosponsor or otherwise.
(B) 
The commission shall annually elect a chair and a vice-chair.
(C) 
The commission shall adopt such rules and regulations as it deems best to govern its actions and meetings, subject to the laws of the state, the Garland City Charter and any other ordinance of the City or action of the City Council. The commission shall meet not less than four (4) times a year, at such times as it may vote to meet. A majority of the membership of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(D) 
The Performing Arts Center shall, within staffing limitations, provide the commission with appropriate and necessary administrative support to assist it in its endeavors and in the exercise of its duties. The Director of the Performing Arts Center shall serve as secretary to the commission and shall submit, in writing, such reports and recommendations to the City Manager as the commission may direct.
(E) 
The Cultural Arts Commission shall serve as an advisory board to the City in all matters involving the use of the Performing Arts Center and the Garland Historical Park, and in matters pertaining to the arts. In this regard, the City Council may refer all ordinances and resolutions concerning the Performing Arts Center or the Garland Historical Park to the commission for review and recommendation prior to consideration by the City Council.
In addition to the foregoing, the commission shall:
(1) 
Review and approve the policies and operating procedures of the Performing Arts Center.
(2) 
Establish criteria for, then review and approve, community-based groups applying for “cosponsor status,” as defined in the policies and operating procedures of the Performing Arts Center. An organization which has “cosponsor status” on the effective date of this section shall not be required to reapply for cosponsor status so long as such organization continues to meet the Performing Arts Center guidelines for cosponsor status.
(3) 
Review and approve use agreements, policies and procedures concerning the historical park and buildings thereon.
(4) 
Study and submit recommendations to the City Council for the improvement and expansion of arts and historical programs within the City.
(5) 
Plan and promote cultural activities that are not covered by existing community-based groups.
(6) 
Promote public awareness and appreciation of the arts and historical preservation.
(7) 
Communicate with all arts groups to encourage the establishment of an ongoing cultural arts program for the City.
(F) 
The commission may, upon approval by the City Council, incorporate as a private, nonprofit corporation for the purpose of soliciting and receiving grants, donations and other such monies to be used for the promotion of the arts and historical development.
Editor’s note–Former section 10.32, pertaining to the utility advisory board and deriving from Ordinance 4155, sec. 1, adopted 11/3/87; Ordinance 4199 adopted 4/5/88; Ordinance 4354, secs. 1, 2, adopted 8/1/89; Ordinance 4621, secs. 1, 2, adopted 9/15/92; Ordinance 5197, secs. 1, 2, adopted 8/18/98; Ordinance 5356, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/99; Ordinance 5584, sec. 1, adopted 7/17/01; and Ordinance 6216, sec. 1, adopted 3/18/08, was repealed in its entirety by Ordinance 6446 adopted by the City on March 1, 2011.
(A) 
Appointment of members.
There shall be an Environmental and Community Advisory Board consisting of nine members appointed by the City Council. The Mayor and City Council may each appoint a member to the board who shall serve a term to coincide with that of the appointing member of the City Council. Members shall serve without compensation. The mission of the board shall generally be to enhance the quality of life for Garland’s citizens by promoting efforts to maintain and improve both the overall environment and the physical conditions of neighborhoods.
(B) 
Qualifications.
The members of the board shall possess the same qualifications as are required for members of the City Council.
(C) 
Staff liaison.
The City Manager shall designate a staff member who shall serve as staff liaison to the board but who shall have no vote.
(D) 
Responsibilities and duties.
The board shall serve the City Council as an advisory board and in that capacity the board shall:
(1) 
Maintain a relationship with the Keep Garland Beautiful program and promote its efforts.
(2) 
Encourage increased citizen participation in recycling.
(3) 
Promote neighborhood quality and improvement efforts with city residents, including individuals and neighborhood groups.
(4) 
Aid staff in promoting strategies that maintain well-kept neighborhoods in an excellent condition.
(5) 
Promote the household hazardous waste (HHW) management program (through the City’s membership in the Dallas Area HHW Network or through an independent program).
(6) 
Work with the City’s staff and community groups using Keep America Beautiful Community Appearance Index methodology and data, as well as other technologies, to identify areas that need litter abatement, including the control and prevention of illegal dumping, and devise a plan for remedies.
(7) 
Maintain as a board and on an individual basis through regular communication with the member of the City Council who appointed the board member, ongoing relationships pertaining to the responsibilities, duties and activities of the board.
(Ordinance 4459, sec. 1, adopted 9/18/90; Ordinance 4794, sec. 1, adopted 8/2/94; Ordinance 5391, sec. 1, adopted 8/17/99; Ordinance 7053 adopted 5/7/19)
(A) 
A Senior Citizens Advisory Commission is herein created to generate broad-based public awareness of and support for senior citizens’ concerns. This is to be accomplished through a membership of the community interested in senior issues. The commission shall be advisory to the City Council and evaluate the current issues affecting senior citizens and bring them to the attention of the City Council.
(B) 
The Senior Citizens Advisory Commission shall consist of nine (9) members appointed by the City Council. At the outset, members shall be appointed for one-year terms with appointments thereafter coinciding with City Council elections. These terms shall expire on August 31 of an election year. The membership shall include a cross-section of the community currently active in senior issues. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that members be persons who are at least sixty (60) years of age and who are active and concerned in senior affairs in the community, members of local chapters of retirement organizations such as the American Association of Retired Persons, Retired Teachers Association, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, City Employees Retirement Association, or other similar organizations or members of a senior citizen church group which has an active and identifiable seniors program.
(C) 
The Senior Citizens Advisory Commission shall adopt its own internal operational and procedural rules. The officers shall be elected once annually from among its own membership.
(D) 
Regular meetings shall be held each month. However, special meetings may be called by the chair-person of the commission. Five (5) members attending the meeting shall constitute a quorum. A vote of the simple majority of the quorum shall be required for any action taken by the commission.
(E) 
All members of the commission are subject to removal in accordance to the City Council’s current policy with regard to required attendance at City board, commission, and committee meetings.
(F) 
The commission shall have the following duties:
(1) 
Review the budget for the office on aging, senior centers and other senior activities and make appropriate recommendations to the council.
(2) 
Advise the City Council on issues of importance to seniors living in the City.
(3) 
Participate on behalf of the City on boards or commissions relating to the interests of seniors and to sponsor or cosponsor as appropriate forums and programs on senior issues and services and identifying and recommending programs and services for seniors that are needed in the community.
(4) 
Raise the public awareness of seniors’ needs and issues and advise the City Council as requested.
(G) 
The Director of Housing and Neighborhood Services (or a designated representative) shall be an ex-officio member of the commission, and shall have the right to discuss any matter that is under consideration by the commission, but shall have no vote.
(Ordinance 4543, sec. 1, adopted 11/19/91)
(A) 
Creation and composition.
A Community Multicultural Commission is hereby created to maximize the potential, inclusion, and quality of life of all citizen populations in the City by identifying issues and making recommendations to Council concerning the City’s changing demographic composition and diverse needs. This is to be accomplished through a diverse membership representing a cross-section of the community. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that the commission include representatives of local advocacy groups.
(B) 
Appointment of members.
The commission shall consist of thirteen (13) members appointed by the City Council. Each member of the City Council may appoint one member, with the exception of the Mayor, who may make five (5) appointments. Members shall serve without compensation.
(C) 
Term.
Members of the commission shall serve a term to coincide with that of the appointing member of the City Council. Except by reason of death, disqualification or removal from office, the term of office shall continue until a successor has been nominated, appointed and qualified.
(D) 
Qualifications.
The members of the commission shall possess the same qualifications as are required for members of the City Council.
(E) 
Ex-officio members.
The City Manager (or his designated representative) shall be an ex-officio member of the commission and shall have the right to discuss any matter that is under consideration by the commission, but shall have no vote.
(F) 
Responsibilities and duties.
The commission shall serve the City Council as an advisory commission and, in that capacity, shall have the following responsibilities and duties:
(1) 
Communicating, learning and understanding.
(2) 
Economic opportunities.
(3) 
Health and community services.
(4) 
Public safety.
(5) 
Transportation and mobility.
(G) 
Operational and procedural rules.
The commission shall adopt its own internal operational and procedural rules. The officers shall be elected in October of each year from its own membership.
(Ordinance 5690, sec. 1, adopted 12/3/02)
(A) 
Creation and mission.
There is hereby created the City Youth Council. The mission of the Youth Council is to provide a means through which the City’s younger citizens may learn about the various workings of City business, and a forum which allows youth to be a voice to address their particular ideas and concerns.
(B) 
Appointment of members.
The Youth Council shall consist of twenty members, eighteen of which shall be appointed by the City Council. The Mayor and each member of the City Council may appoint two members. The chairperson of the Youth Council shall appoint the other two members. Members shall serve without compensation.
(C) 
Term.
The members of the Youth Council shall serve a term of one year but may be appointed to successive terms of one year provided the member otherwise qualifies under the provisions of subsection (D).
(D) 
Qualifications.
The members of the Youth Council shall be selected from an applicant pool of high school students (freshman through senior). Members should be residents of Garland and may not be more than 19 years of age at the time of appointment. Applicants shall complete a standard boards and commissions application form. An applicant applying for an initial term of service shall provide two letters of recommendation and shall submit a written essay explaining the applicant’s reasons for desiring to serve on the Youth Council.
(E) 
Responsibilities and duties.
The Youth Council shall serve the City Council as an advisory commission and, in that capacity, shall have the following responsibilities and duties:
(1) 
To serve as a means through which the City Council may be made aware of the needs and wants of youth throughout the City;
(2) 
To educate the young people of the City about the local political process;
(3) 
To assist the Mayor and City Council in scheduling meetings which address youth concerns;
(4) 
To serve as ambassadors and messengers for the City on matters of concern to young persons.
(F) 
Procedural rules; operation.
The Youth Council shall adopt procedural rules governing the conduct of its meetings and activities. The Youth Council shall elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson each year from its own membership. The Youth Council shall meet once each month. The City Manager shall assign a staff liaison to assist the Youth Council in its activities.
(Ordinance 5897, sec. 1, adopted 5/3/05; Ordinance 6291, secs. 1–3, adopted 1/20/09)