Title
Ordinance supplementing the Pittsburgh Code, Title Two, Fiscal, Article V, Special Funds, by adding Chapter 235, entitled "Stimulus Oversight and Reinvestment in New Growth Committee."
Body
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1. The Pittsburgh Code, Title Two, Fiscal, Article V, Special Funds, is hereby supplemented by adding Chapter 235, as follows:
CHAPTER 235: STIMULUS OVERSIGHT AND REINVESTMENT IN NEW GROWTH COMMITTEE.
§235.01 Purpose
(a) There shall be a body known as the Pittsburgh Stimulus Oversight and Reinvestment in New Growth Committee ("the Committee"), which shall act solely as an advisory body to Council, with support and advice from the City Controller, in regards to the optimal use of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("ARRA") funds. The Committee will provide accountability and oversight of the City's Stimulus Tracker website, adopt a priority standard, and provide transparency and details on the value of projects on infrastructure, energy, and sustainable employment for Pittsburgh's economy.
§235.02 Committee Membership
(a) The Committee shall have seven (7) members, with the following qualifications:
(b) At least one (1)certified engineer in mechanical or civil engineering with a background in infrastructure or energy, at least one (1)community planner with experience in neighborhood development, at least one (1) economic development specialist with experience in regional job growth, at least one (1) community leader with experience in under-served communities, workforce development, equal access and similar national programs, at least one (1) community leader with experience in worker's rights, workplace safety, wage equality, and labor organization; and at least one (1) certified environmental specialist with experience in green buildings, green jobs and technology
(c) Each member shall submit the name of one City resident to the Mayor and he shall choose five that meet the above criteria
(d) The Mayor shall appoint two (2) at-large members to serve on the Committee. The Mayor's at-large members must also be City residents.
(e) Members shall serve for a term of four (4) years. Members' terms shall expire with the terms of their respective Members of Council and terms of at-large members shall expire with the Mayor's term.
(f) No individual while a member of the Committee shall:
(1) Hold or campaign for any other public office.
(2) Hold office in any political party or political committee.
(3) Hold a position of employment or appointment with any municipal government, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or any board or commission formed by the City.
(4) Have a relationship with any company doing business with the city or submitting for work through ARRA.
(g) All appointed members shall serve without compensation.
(h) The committee shall represent the diversity of the City.
(i) A chairperson and vice chairperson of the Committee shall be elected by a roll call vote of a majority of the members appointed and voting at the first scheduled meeting of the Committee.
(1) The chairperson so elected shall serve for a term of one (1) year from the date of the chairperson's election. Thereafter, a new chairperson shall be elected by Committee members on the anniversary of the initial Committee meeting.
(2) A vacancy in the position of chairperson and/or vice chairperson of the Committee shall be filled by a roll call vote of a majority of the members appointed and voting at the meeting called for that purpose.
(j) Vacancies on the Committee, whether by reason of resignation or otherwise, shall be filled within thirty (30) days by the Mayor for an at-large member and by City Council for a member nominated by Council. The member appointed to fill such vacancy shall serve for the duration of the vacated term.
(k) Council members shall submit all nominations to the President of Council no later than July 17, 2009 and the Mayor shall submit all final appointments to City Council by July 31, 2009.
§235.03 Rules and Procedures
(a) Any action to be taken by the Committee shall require the concurrence of a simple majority of the members of the Committee present and voting. If action is taken without a quorum being present, any member may, at the next regularly scheduled meeting, request reconsideration of such action.
(b) The Committee shall have the following specific functions:
(1) Advise Council regarding general policy relating to the expenditure of ARRA funds.
(2) Report to Council on matters that may constitute violation of this Chapter.
(3) Provide a written advisory position to City Council prior to City Council taking a preliminary vote on the spending of any ARRA funds.
(c) The Committee may appear before Council in accordance with Council's direction and in accordance with its rules in proceedings before Council on matters pertaining to the use of ARRA funds.
(d) The Committee shall report all findings and file all reports with both City Council and the City Controller.
(e) All staff assistance to the Committee shall be provided by the City Controller's office at the discretion of the City Controller.
(f) Minutes of Committee meetings or records of any Committee actions shall be available for public inspection in the office of the City Clerk during normal business hours.
(g) The Committee shall meet at least once every month and as needed to meet all critical deadlines.
(h) All meetings of the Committee shall be open to the public.
(i) The Committee shall receive from each Council Member and the Mayor a list of priorities and needs for the City of Pittsburgh.
§235.04 Sunset Provision
This Chapter shall require Council to review the Committee and vote to reenact, amend, or eliminate this Committee on or before December 31, 2011.