Drafter
Clerk 10/27/2005
Title
AN ORDINANCE related to county boards and commissions; providing for an annual gathering and reception for board and commission members and authorizing meal and refreshment costs for such reception; and adding a new section to K.C.C. chapter 2.28.
Body
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. King County has established over fifty boards and commissions ranging in subject matter from agriculture to the arts. The boards and commissions are designed to give county residents a voice in their government and to provide a means of influencing the decisions that shape our communities.
2. Every year, hundreds of volunteer board and commission members contribute their energy, their expertise, and thousands of hours of their time. This unique form of civic engagement informs the development of county policies, adds value to county programs, and helps county government provide better service to the public.
3. King County board and commission members provide to the county valuable management, oversight and advisory services, as well as professional and technical expertise, at little or no public expense.
4. Because they serve as volunteers, most board and commission members are ineligible for expense reimbursement, and any costs incurred in the performance of their duties is their own responsibility.
5. It is in the county's interest to provide for interaction between board and commission members and county elected officials to promote communication and the transfer of information that will inform future public policy decisions.
6. Therefore, it is appropriate for the council to hold an annual gathering and reception in order to provide King County elected officials and staff with an opportunity to interact with board and commission members in a setting that will provide an open forum for discussion, as well as an opportunity for the county to express its appreciation for their service.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
NEW SECTION. SECTION 1. There is hereby added to K.C.C. chapter 2.28 a new section to read as follows:
Annual gathering and reception for county board and commission members.
A. The chair of the King County council may annually convene a gathering and reception between King County's elected officials and county board and commission members. The intent of convening the gathering and reception shall be to:
1. Increase communication between King County elected officials and county board and commission members;
2. Provide for informal discussion between King County elected officials, county board and commission members and staff; and
3. Foster a spirit of cooperation in serving the public.
B. Costs of meals or refreshments for King County elected officials, county board and commission members and staff attending the meeting and reception are hereby
authorized, subject to availability of funds in the council's budget and to the dollar limits specified in K.C.C. 3.24.080.