§ 2-1146. Green City Commission.

(a)

Established. There is hereby created and established a Green City Commission for the purpose of providing expertise and information to support the sustainability efforts of the City of Richmond.

(b)

Composition; terms of office. The Commission shall consist of nine members. The Council shall appoint seven members, one of whom must have expertise in urban forestry. The Mayor shall appoint two members, one of whom shall be a City employee in the Department of Public Works or the designee thereof. Of the remaining members, one member shall be selected from each of the following fields:

(1)

Sustainability.

(2)

Green building practices.

(3)

Energy efficiency.

(4)

Environmental protection.

The members of the Commission shall serve for terms of three years and shall be limited to two consecutive terms. At least four of the Council appointees shall reside in the city or have such appointee's principal place of employment in the city in accordance with section 2-756 of this Code. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2-756 of this Code to the contrary, the remaining Council appointees and the Mayor's appointee other than the Director of Public Works or the designee thereof shall not be subject to any requirement that they maintain a residence or a principal place of employment in the city. Upon the expiration of a term of office, the member holding that office may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified. Any vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as provided in this subsection. All other aspects of the Commission and its membership not addressed in this division shall be governed by Article V, Division 1 of the Chapter.

(c)

Responsibilities and duties. The Commission shall fulfill the following responsibilities and duties:

(1)

Provide expertise and information to the City to support the sustainability efforts of the City.

(2)

Consult with the state government and other local governments with regard to such governments' sustainability efforts and methods.

(3)

Recommend changes to the Code of the City of Richmond (including the City's zoning regulations and building codes), the Code of Virginia and other laws as necessary to implement sustainable methods in the city of Richmond.

(4)

Encourage the adoption of sustainable business and building approaches by the private sector.

(5)

Work with the Department of Public Works to preserve trees and plant life in the city.

(6)

Prepare and submit an annual report to the Council by December 31 of each year.

(d)

Rules of procedure. The Commission may adopt rules of procedure or by-laws not inconsistent with this division to govern the conduct of its meetings and operations. The Commission may elect a chairman and such other officers in accordance with the Commission's rules of procedure or by-laws.

(e)

Meetings. The Commission shall hold regular meetings at least quarterly and other meetings as needed.

(f)

Administrative support. The Commission shall have as its staff the Council Chief of Staff and such other staff as the Chief of Staff may identify. The Council Chief of Staff shall coordinate with the Chief Administrative Officer and the City Clerk as needed to furnish the Commission with such other staff and resources as may be necessary to assist the Commission in discharging the duties imposed on the Commission by this division.

(Code 2004, § 2-1077; Ord. No. 2009-175-185, § 1, 10-26-2009; Ord. No. 2016-114, § 1, 5-9-2016)

(Code 2004, § 2-1077; Ord. No. 2009-175-185, § 1, 10-26-2009; Ord. No. 2016-114, § 1, 5-9-2016)