[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Charlestown 9-8-1997
by Ord. No. 208. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Code of Ordinances of the Town of Charlestown is hereby amended by the addition of Chapter 20 entitled "Economic Improvement Commission".
The purpose of this ordinance is to improve the business environment
of Charlestown for existing and prospective business and industrial enterprises.
A.
The Economic Improvement Commission (Commission) shall
consist of seven members appointed by the Town Council, at least one of whom
shall be recommended by the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce. All members of
the Economic Improvement Commission shall be residents of the Town of Charlestown.
[Amended 6-14-1999 by Ord. No. 215]
B.
Initial appointments shall be for the following terms:
Three shall be appointed for three-year terms, three shall be appointed for
two-year terms, and one shall be appointed for a one-year term. Thereafter,
as terms expire, reappointments shall be made effective on September 1st for
three-year terms.
[Amended 6-14-1999 by Ord. No. 215]
C.
Ex-officio members to the Commission shall include the
Town Administrator, Town Planner, Tax Assessor, and the President of the Charlestown
Chamber of Commerce. In addition, the Executive Director of the Chamber of
Commerce shall be an ex-officio member and special advisor to the Commission.
D.
In the event a vacancy shall occur prior to a member
serving the entire appointment period, the Town Council shall fill the vacancy
for the remainder of the unexpired term.
E.
If any member of the Commission shall miss three consecutive
meetings without advising the Chair of a satisfactory reason why the member
will not be or has not been in attendance, said member shall be automatically
disaffiliated from membership and shall be so advised by the Town Clerk upon
notice from the Chair. If any member shall conduct himself/herself in such
a manner as may be deemed detrimental to the Commission or to the best interests
of the Town, the Town Council shall have the right to remove such member.
A majority (3) of the Commission membership may make a recommendation for
removal to the Town Council.
A.
The Commission shall organize annually by electing all
of its officers exclusive of the Chair who shall be designated by the Town
Council.
A.
Members of the Commission shall serve without pay.
A.
The Economic Improvement Commission shall be an advisory
body to the Town Council and other Boards and Commissions of the Town.
B.
The Commission shall make recommendations of actions,
plans, and strategies which shall be presented to the Town Council for its
review and concurrence, after which the Commission may pursue their implementation.
A.
The Commission shall adopt rules and procedures for the
performance of the duties prescribed by law and contained in this Chapter.
A.
The Commission shall hold regular meetings once a month
and shall be subject to the State's Open Meetings Law.
B.
Special meetings shall be held at the call of the Chair
or upon the request of two of its members.
C.
Any persons or their duly constituted representative
shall be entitled to appear and be heard on any matter before the Commission.
D.
All records of the Commission's proceedings, resolutions
and actions shall be open to public view consistent with the Open Meetings
and Public Records Acts of the Town of Charlestown and the State of Rhode
Island.
E.
All meeting minutes, reports and records shall be filed
with the Town Clerk.
F.
Annual progress reports shall be submitted to the Town
Council.
A.
It shall be the duty of the Commission to improve the
business environment of Charlestown for existing and prospective business
and industrial enterprises.
B.
The Commission shall develop plans and strategies to
promote and aid commercial entities and to assist in the development, expansion
and location of appropriate industries and businesses in the Town consistent
with the Town's Comprehensive Plan and Planning/Zoning Ordinances.
C.
The Commission shall consider means to increase the Town's
tax base and employment opportunities.
D.
The Commission's plan shall establish an equitable
balance between commercial and residential properties and interest.
E.
Maintenance of the Town's rural, natural character
and amenities shall be taken into account for all and any recommended developments.
F.
The Commission shall cooperate with the Town's Planning
Commission and Zoning Board and all Administrative Departments of the town.
G.
The Commission's plan shall address desirable short,
medium and long term goals for the community.
H.
The Commission shall have access to all available plans,
records, surveys and other information on file with any town department and
may call upon them for aid, advice and assistance in pursuing its mission.
I.
The Commission may act as a liaison between the Town
and State and Federal agencies on matters pertaining to its duties.
J.
The Commission shall provide information, aid and assistance
to any entity seeking to develop, expand or locate a business or industry
within Charlestown, subject to Town Council review and approvals when appropriate.
K.
The Commission may make surveys and compile statistics
in the furtherance of its purpose.
L.
The Commission shall work with the Charlestown Chamber
of Commerce, the South County Tourism Council, the Rhode Island Tourism Council,
the State Economic Development Commission and other like organizations to
promote tourism and economic growth and to develop public or private amenities
related thereto. Expansion of the tourism season being a specific goal to
achieve.
M.
The Commission shall work with the Planning Commission
on any changes to the Town's Comprehensive Plan or Zoning Map deemed
essential to implement its Plan with the ultimate decision in this respect
resting with the Town Council.
N.
The Commission shall work with the current business community
to assist it in being more competitive and successful.
O.
The Commission shall perform such other duties not inconsistent
with its purpose and mission.
A.
The Town Council shall recommend appropriate funds for
the Commission in the annual budget necessary for it to carry out the purposes
of this Chapter.
B.
The Commission, by a vote of the majority of its members,
may vote to expend funds that have been appropriated for its use. Such expenditures
shall be made in consultation with the Town Administrator to assure compliance
with the Town Charter, Budget, and Purchasing Manual.
C.
The Commission shall have the authority to recommend
to the Town Council acceptance of public support and money from individuals,
groups of individuals or others for the purpose of carrying out its mission.
D.
The Commission may search out and apply for public and
private Grants-in-aid to further its goals and objectives.
A.
The Town Administrator, in consultation
with the Town Council and the Commission, shall designate a Department Head
who shall attend all Commission meetings and coordinate Commission activities
and needs. The Administrator shall also arrange clerical support of the Commission
consistent with its activities and needs.
