CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to the Urban Forestry Commission; adding three new members; and amending Sections 3.72.020 and 3.72.030 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
body
WHEREAS, the Urban Forestry Commission was created by Ordinance 123052 in 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Commission currently has nine highly technical members and a Get Engaged young adult; and
WHEREAS, the Commission would benefit from environmental justice, public health, and community and neighborhood perspectives; and
WHEREAS, these new perspectives would complement the highly technical expertise in the Commission; and
WHEREAS, the three new positions would help increase diversity among Commission members encouraging inclusion of underrepresented communities; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 3.72.020 of the Seattle Municipal Code, last amended by Ordinance 124671, is amended as follows:
3.72.020 Membership
A. The Commission is comprised of ((ten)) 13 members:
1. A wildlife biologist, preferably with expertise in ornithology (Position ((#))1);
2. An urban ecologist, preferably with expertise in the field of restoration ecology (Position ((#))2);
3. A representative of a local, state, or federal natural resource agency or an accredited university (Position ((#))3);
4. A hydrologist or similar professional, preferably with expertise in the study of natural drainage, climate or air quality, or a combination thereof (Position ((#))4);
5. An arborist, with one or more of the following qualifications:
a. Board Certification as a Master Arborist or Municipal Specialist from the International Society of Arboriculture; or
b. Certification by the American Society of Consulting Arborists; or
c. Background and experience in Tree Risk Assessment from a credentializing agency or a professional organization.
(Position ((#))5);
6. A landscape architect, with certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (Position ((# ))6);
7. A representative of a non-profit or non-governmental organization whose mission is to advocate for preservation or enhancement of urban forests, wildlife habitat, or similar natural systems (Position ((#))7);
8. A representative of either the development community, including developers, builders, architects, or realtors, with experience in projects developed under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), or a representative from a non-city utility (Position ((#))8);
9. An economist, financial analyst, Washington State licensed real estate broker, or any other similar professional, with expertise preferred in land use planning, environmental planning, or either residential or commercial development ((.)) (Position ((#))9); ((and,))
10. A designated young adult position in accordance with Chapter 3.51 ((.)) (Position ((#))10) ((.)) ;
11. An environmental justice representative, with understanding or experience developing policies or programs in either environmental justice or race and social justice; and who has experience or understands community engagement and community-led processes (Position 11);
12. A public health representative, with experience in behavioral health, environmental health, epidemiology, or providing direct services to individuals or families; or experience implementing activities that promote health and access to health care in Seattle communities; or has experience helping neighborhoods and schools become places that nurture health and well-being for Seattle residents (Position 12); and
13. A community/neighborhood representative from an underrepresented group in the environmental field, including communities of color, immigrants, refugees, low-income, and youth, who is able to display strong and regular connection to the community and interest in the natural environment, especially trees and the benefits they provide (Position 13).
Section 2. Section 3.72.030 of the Seattle Municipal Code, last amended by Ordinance 124671, is amended as follows:
3.72.030 The Commission - Appointment and ((Term)) term
All positions are numbered ((one)) 1 through ((ten)) 13. Individuals shall be appointed into those numbered positions. Members in ((odd numbered positions from position one to position seven)) positions 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, and 13 shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Council. Individuals in ((even numbered)) positions ((from position two to position eight)) 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 ((to position eight)) shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the City Council. Position ((nine)) 9 shall be appointed by a majority vote of the members ((in positions one through eight)). Position ((ten)) 10 shall be appointed in the manner provided for in ((section)) Section 3.51.030.
((For the initial round of appointments, the positions will be staggered: position one, two and nine shall serve one-year terms, positions four, five and six shall serve two-year terms and positions three, seven, eight shall serve three-year terms. At the conclusion of the initial term of each appointment, all subsequent terms of each position shall be for three years and the term of 1/3 of the positions shall expire each year. Persons)) All terms shall be for three years, renewable for one additional three-year term, except that persons appointed to position ((ten)) 10 shall serve for a one year, non-renewable term. All terms shall expire on March 31. A Commission member whose term has expired shall continue to hold office until a successor has been appointed and qualified.
No members shall serve more than two consecutive terms. For purposes of calculating consecutive terms, serving any part of a term counts as a serving a term. Any vacancy for an unexpired term shall be filled in the same manner as for an original appointment under this ((section)) Section 3.72.030.
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force 30 days after its approval by the Mayor, but if not approved and returned by the Mayor within ten days after presentation, it shall take effect as provided by Seattle Municipal Code Section 1.04.020.
Passed by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2017, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this _____ day of _________________________, 2017.
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President ____________ of the City Council
Approved by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2017.
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Mayor, ______________________________
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2017.
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Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk
(Seal)