A. 
In recognition of the unique nature of small businesses, their economic priorities and the specific characteristics of their geographic locations in the city of Cranston, an advisory committee known as the "small business advisory committee" is established to aid the growth and retention of small business in the city. The specific purpose of the committee shall be to offer advice to the director of economic development and the city council: (1) as to the particular issues facing small business in each ward of the city; and (2) as to specific recommendations intended to inform the city's development of economic development plans that foster small business growth and retention.
B. 
The membership shall be comprised of small business owners who own businesses in the city and who are in good standing as to their payment of all state and city taxes and fees, and the appointment of committee members shall be as follows:
1. 
Six members, one from each ward, appointed by the council member representing that ward;
2. 
Three members appointed, one each, by city-wide council members; and
3. 
Two members appointed by the mayor, one of whom shall be the director of economic development or their designee.
C. 
The term of committee members shall be coterminous with that of the council and mayoral term. Vacancies may be filled at any time during the term by the designated appointing authority. A vacancy may be declared for any council appointee who fails to attend more than two successive meetings.
(Ord. 2021-6, § 1, 3/22/2021)
The chairperson of the committee shall be the director of economic development or their designee; however, the committee shall elect, by majority vote of those present, a vice-chair who shall function as chair in the absence of the chair. All meetings shall be at the call of the chair or a majority of the committee members.
A quorum consisting of a majority of members shall be required for meetings.
(Ord. 2021-6, § 1, 3/22/2021)
The committee shall offer advice to the executive and legislative branches of government: (1) as to the contemporary issues impacting business development and retention as well as the financial, economic and socio-economic challenges of small businesses; and (2) as to specific recommendations intended to inform the city's formulation of its short-term and long-term economic development planning as it relates to supporting the small business community.
The committee shall meet monthly and produce a report of its findings and recommendations at least quarterly to the mayor, directly, and to the city council c/o the city clerk.
(Ord. 2021-6, § 1, 3/22/2021)
The committee is encouraged to work as efficiently and cost effectively as possible and to utilize the support of the resources with tin the city's office of economic development. From time-to-time, the committee my request an appropriation by the city council to accomplish the purpose of this chapter.
(Ord. 2021-6, § 1, 3/22/2021)