[Added 1-3-2017 by Ord. No. 2016.118][1]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance originally added Sections 2-326 through 2-330. These sections were renumbered as Sections 2-315 through 2-319, respectively as the Code already contained Sections 2-326 through 2-330.
There is hereby created and established the Biddeford Fire Advisory Committee, herein after BFAC, comprised of five members and a member of the Biddeford Fire Department to serve as an ex officio member. All members shall be citizens and reside within the corporate limits of the City of Biddeford, with the exception of the ex officio member who may reside outside of the City. In appointing members to the BFAC, the Mayor and City Council shall seek to appoint members from a cross section of all citizens. The BFAC is established under the authority of the Biddeford City Council and shall serve under the directive of the City Council.
(a) 
The purpose of the Committee is to provide an organized forum for two-way communication between the Biddeford Fire Department and the community.
(b) 
Responsibilities shall include:
(1) 
Where appropriate, make recommendations to the City Council and Fire Department on substantive issues, with the goal of improved fire services. For the purpose of this division, "substantive issues" are defined as matters of major or practical importance to all concerned. It shall not include personnel issues involving individual members or officers of the Fire Department or daily fire operations and implementation.
(2) 
Assist in identifying potential Fire Department community partnerships to address public safety related issues within the community.
(3) 
Identify community resources and support for public safety activities (such as parking and traffic); and give input to the City Council and the Fire Department regarding perceived effectiveness.
(4) 
Receive information and comments from citizens at the Committee's open and public meeting forum regarding public safety issues.
(5) 
Make reports to the City Council at such times as may be requested by the City Council or as the BFAC determines is necessary.
Members shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by a majority of the City Council for staggered three-year terms. All subsequent appointments, except to fill a vacancy, shall be for three-year terms. A vacancy is created upon the death or written resignation to the BFAC Chair, or upon the vote of the City Council to remove a member. Members of the Committee shall serve without pay and at the discretion of the City Council. The Biddeford Fire Chief, or his designee, shall serve as the administrator, advisor and ex officio member, and shall provide assistance to the BFAC.
(a) 
The Mayor shall appoint a Chair and a Vice Chair. The Chair shall serve a two-year term. A quorum shall consist of three members. The Chair shall be counted in determining a quorum and shall have one vote.
(b) 
The Vice Chair shall serve a two-year term. The Vice Chair shall serve as Chair upon the death or resignation of the Chair, or upon the office of the Chair becoming vacant. The Vice Chair shall discharge the powers of the office of the Chair at any meeting at which the Chair is absent. The Vice Chair shall be counted in determining a quorum and shall have one vote.
(c) 
The ex officio member of the BFAC is a nonvoting member and shall serve in an advisory capacity.
(d) 
The duties of a secretary responsible for recording meeting minutes shall be rotated sequentially among the Committee's membership for each meeting. The Chair shall be excluded from this responsibility. A roster for secretarial duties shall be established by the Committee.
(e) 
A quorum consisting of three members shall be necessary to take any BFAC action authorized or required by this division. An issue shall carry by a majority of those voting.
(f) 
Notice of any expired terms and/or vacancies shall be given to the public. The Mayor shall nominate and the City Council shall confirm all appointments to fill expired terms and/or vacancies. The City Council may remove any member for misconduct or nonperformance of duty.
(g) 
The BFAC may adopt and amend from time to time rules to govern the conduct of its administrative business, consistent with the provisions of this division.
(a) 
Meetings of the Biddeford Fire Advisory Committee shall be established by the BFAC. Meetings shall be held at the Biddeford City Hall or at a suitable municipal public location. Prior notice of any change in meeting date, time or place shall be provided to all members, the public, and the administrative staff 48 hours in advance of said meeting.
(b) 
All regularly scheduled and special meetings shall have an agenda approved by the Chair.