MEETING DATE:
March 11, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
ORDINANCE NO. 2025- 1558 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SAN MARCOS MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 9.08, “PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION,” TO ADD TWO ALTERNATE MEMBERS
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
INTRODUCE the first reading of the Ordinance amending San Marcos Municipal Code Chapter 9.08 (Parks and Recreation Commission)
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not Applicable
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Dynamic and Responsive Service Delivery
Relevant Department Goal
Improve operations of, and provide additional public participation opportunities on, the City’s boards and commissions.
Introduction
The City previously established a Parks and Recreation Commission, governed by San Marcos Municipal Code Chapter 9.08. The Commission currently has seven members. This ordinance would amend the Chapter to provide for two alternates to the Commission, and to remove unnecessary language that currently appears in the Municipal Code.
Discussion
The City’s Parks and Recreation Commission is guided by the provisions of San Marcos Municipal Code (SMMC) Chapter 9.08. The Chapter provides, among other things, that the Commission shall consist of seven members. The Chapter does not currently address alternates serving on the Commission. The City would benefit from having two alternates appointed to the Commission in order to provide increased public participation on the Commission and to provide a larger panel of Commissioners to help ensure the Commission has an available quorum to conduct its business.
The proposed ordinance, requested by the Mayor, would amend SMMC Chapter 9.08 to: (i) add two alternates to the Commission, with one-year terms; (ii) provide that alternates can participate in all meetings, but may not vote unless a regular Commissioner is absent; (iii) give alternate members priority for appointment when a regular Commission seat is vacated; and (iv) make other conforming changes to the Chapter. Provisions concerning staggering of terms, which was relevant at the start of the Commission’s existence, has been removed in favor of generic references to staggering of terms.
If adopted tonight, the proposed ordinance would be placed on second reading for the next City Council meeting and would be effective thirty days after second reading. Staff is available to answer any questions the City Council members may have.
Fiscal Impact
No direct costs are associated with the ordinance.
Environmental Impact
The proposed ordinance does not have the potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and therefore does not constitute a “project” as defined by Public Resources Section 21065, and is exempt from CEQA or other environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15060(c)(3).
Attachment
1. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SAN MARCOS MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 9.08, “PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION,” TO ADD TWO ALTERNATE MEMBERS
Prepared by: Jill D.S. Maland, Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: Michelle Bender, City Manager