HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommissionsMemo To: Mayor and City Council From: Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk Date: February 1, 2008 Re: Commission Profiles & Mission Statements HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION • Profile The Heritage
Preservation Commission functions as a liaison working in conjunction with the Council, the Planning Commission, and the agencies and departments of the City to implement the City's
Heritage Preservation Ordinance. The Commission's scope includes property surveys within the boundaries of the City of Saratoga for the purpose of establishing an official inventory
of heritage resources and recommending to the City council specific proposals for designation as a historic landmark, heritage lane or historic district. One member is nominated by the
Saratoga Historical Foundation and two members must be trained and experienced in the field of construction and structural rehabilitation, such as a licensed architect, engineer, contractor
or urban planner. • Mission Statement To provide guidance to the City of Saratoga in order to p?reserve and protect the heritage resources of the community. LIBRARY COMMISSION • Profile
The Library Commission provides counsel and recommendations on library policies, budgets, plans and procedures to the City Council, City staff, the Santa Clara County Library staff,
and the Saratoga Library supervisor. The Library Commission has no administrative authority over the library's operations but does participate in the general planning of the library
operation and library-related programs and policies. One member is nominated by the City of Monte Sereno. City of Saratoga City Clerk’s office
• Mission statement The mission of the Saratoga Library Commission is to ensure that access is provided to informational, educational and recreational library materials and services
that respond to evolving community needs. The Commission advises the Saratoga City council regarding the library facility and grounds, as well as current library issues. The Commission
guides the Santa Clara County Library Joint Powers Authority Board regarding library budgets, policies, plans and procedures. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION • Profile After being suspended
for several years, the Parks and Recreation Commission was reinstated by the Council on May 16, 2007. This newly reformed commission will be comprised of 5 members and will meet 6 times
per year. • Mission statement The Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Saratoga is dedicated toward the planning, acquisition, development, and maintenance of parks, trails,
and other recreational areas and facilities promoting a better living environment and assuring that Saratoga continues embracing its most valued natural and historic resources so that
citizens may enjoy neighborhood and community opportunities now and in the future. PEDESTRIAN, EQUESTRIAN, AND BICYCLE TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE • Profile It is the mission of the Pedestrian,
Equestrian, and Bicycle Trails Advisory Committee to advise the city regarding the planning, acquisition, and development of trails and sidewalks and to maintain the trails network to
enhance the quality of life in Saratoga. PLANNING COMMISSION • Profile The Planning Commission advises the City Council on land use matters such as the General Plan and specific plans,
zoning and subdivisions. The Commission plans for the future orderly physical development of the City and informs and educates the public on current land use and urban planning issues.
In many areas the Planning Commission also acts as a legislative body in making determinations within the framework of applicable State laws and City ordinances. Ultimate decisions on
land use reside with the City Council. Members are required by State law to file an annual statement of economic interests.
• Mission Statement To maintain the unique character of Saratoga by ensuring that the physical development of the City is consistent with the environmental, social and economic goals
as set forth in the City’s General Plan. TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION • Profile The Traffic Safety Commission investigates, reviews and analyzes traffic safety issues raised by the Community
members and Public Safety Agencies. It provides a venue for the public to express concerns regarding traffic safety issues. The Traffic Safety Commission makes recommendations to the
City regarding traffic safety. As an advisory agency the Commission is not authorized to set City policy. • Mission Statement To support the City in its endeavor to provide safe streets
for the citizens of Saratoga and to promote education in the Community regarding traffic, bicycle and pedestrian safety. YOUTH COMMISSION Profile The Youth Commission is comprised of
middle and high school students appointed by the City Council in two-year terms. Youth Commissioners serve as a liaison between the teen community and the City Council. COMMISSION GOALS
The Youth Commissioners serve as teen leaders in the community; communicating youth issues to the City Council; planning, promoting & participating in community service, fundraising,
educational & fun activities for Saratoga youth.