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ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 2, CHAPTER 2.94 OF THE STOCKTON MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE STOCKTON ARTS COMMISSION TO REDUCE COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP SIZE
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion to:
1. Adopt an Ordinance amending Title 2, Chapter 2.94 of the Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) relating to the Stockton Arts Commission to reduce the Commission membership size from fifteen (15) members to seven (7) members; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to take all appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this action.
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Summary
The proposed amendment to the Stockton Municipal Code reduces the membership size of the Stockton Arts Commission from fifteen (15) members to seven (7) members, including one (1) Youth Commissioner. The adjustment is designed to improve meeting efficiency, ensure consistent quorum achievement, and better reflect the size and structure of the City Council.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Stockton Arts Commission, established under SMC Chapter 2.94, serves as an advisory body to the City Council in matters related to arts, culture, and public art programming. The Commission’s responsibilities include developing an annual arts plan, recommending public art funding, and supporting initiatives that promote arts accessibility and cultural vitality throughout the City.
Previously, the City’s arts bodies consisted of twenty-four (24) positions, fifteen (15) on the Stockton Arts Commission and nine (9) on the Public Art Advisory Committee. Over the years, declining resources and ongoing vacancies made it difficult to maintain full participation across both groups, and the Public Art Advisory Committee gradually became inactive. As a result, the number of active members naturally consolidated to the fifteen (15) Stockton Arts Commission members who continue to perform the core responsibilities today.
The Commission currently consists of seats for fifteen (15) members appointed by the Mayor and City Council. Over time, this large membership size has created challenges in maintaining full representation and achieving quorum, occasionally delaying Commission actions and votes.
Present Situation
To enhance governance alignment and operational efficiency, staff recommends reducing the membership size from fifteen (15) to seven (7) members. The Commission currently has seven (7) active members, including the Youth Commissioner, and this proposed size mirrors the structure of the Stockton City Council while promoting a more manageable and engaged advisory body.
The proposed changes within Section 2.94.040 (“Membership”) of the Stockton Municipal Code, as reflected in Attachment A - Proposed Ordinance - Redline, include:
1. Reduction of Membership Size: From fifteen (15) to seven (7) members, including one (1) Youth Commissioner.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There is no direct fiscal impact on the General Fund related to this action.
Attachment A - Proposed Ordinance - Redline