§ 101-36. Sustainable Norcross Commission.

(a)

There is hereby determined and declared to be an established and continuing future need for a commission, which is named the Sustainable Norcross Commission, to support the city in its recommendation, development and implementation of sustainability goals and best practices in alignment with its most recent Comprehensive Plan.

(b)

The Sustainable Norcross Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(1)

To help embed sustainability into the routine practices and procedures of the city as a driver for economic development, cost efficiencies and community health and engagement.

(2)

To support the city in maintaining the Atlanta Regional Commission's (ARC) Green Cities compliance and certification.

(3)

To assist in the development, implementation and ongoing oversight of a master Sustainability Plan for the city that: i) aligns with ARC certification measures; ii) encompasses synergies with existing city and board plans; iii) incorporates flexibility for interface with future sustainability programs, certifications, innovation, technologies and practices.

(4)

To serve as a leader and model for other city boards and commissions with respect to sustainability.

(5)

To lead both residential and commercial community outreach, education and engagement around sustainability.

(6)

To recommend, support and collaborate with the city on community initiatives that promote sustainability such as a farmers market and recycling events.

(7)

To identify and advise the city on operational opportunities to multiply sustainability impacts, increase efficiencies, reduce duplication, and enhance awareness and communication around sustainability.

(8)

To prepare and present a proposed budget to the Mayor and Council for recommended initiatives in accordance with city budget calendar.

(c)

Membership and terms.

(1)

Members. The Sustainable Norcross Commission shall be comprised of seven members, who are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and City Council with renewable two-year terms. Commission members shall be either:

i.

A taxpayer residing in the city;

ii.

An owner or operator of a business located within the city and a taxpayer residing in Gwinnett County; or

iii.

A person having expert qualifications consistent with subsection (c)(2) of this section and a taxpayer residing in Gwinnett County up to a limit of two.

(2)

Qualifications. The membership of the Sustainable Norcross Commission shall consist of members who, in the opinion of the mayor and city council, are qualified

by experience and training to pass judgment on matters pertaining to the environment and sustainability and are not employees of the city or currently serving elected officials.

(3)

Quorum and voting. A simple majority of the board shall constitute a quorum.

(4)

Chairpersons. The Sustainable Norcross Commission shall annually select one of its members to serve as chairperson, and one as vice chairperson who shall serve as chairperson if and as needed.

(5)

Secretary of the commission. The chairperson of the Sustainable Norcross Commission shall appoint a secretary who shall make a detailed record of all its proceedings, which shall set forth the reasons for its decision, the vote of each member, the absence of a member and any failure of a member to vote. Alternatively, in accordance with Municipal Code [Charter] Section 3.11, paragraph i, the Sustainable Norcross Commission may elect as its secretary an employee of the city.

(6)

[Salary.] Commission members shall not receive a salary; however they may be reimbursed for approved expenses.

(d)

The Sustainable Norcross Commission shall make bylaws and regulations for its governance and may delegate to one or more of its officers, agents, and employees such powers and duties as may be deemed necessary and proper.

(e)

The mayor and council does hereby appoint the person who holds the office of city attorney and/or the person who holds the office of city clerk to act from time to time as the hearing officer duly empowered to conduct such public hearings as may be necessary regarding matters involving the Sustainable Norcross Commission, and empower either of them to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate in the conduct of such office.

(f)

The mayor and council shall have the power to dissolve the Sustainable Norcross Commission by ordinance.

(Ord. No. 04-2017 , § I, 9-5-2017; Ord. No. 02-2018, 2-5-2018 )