Title
Ordinance to Amend and Re-Enact Article II of Chapter 41.1 of the City Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia Entitled “Wetlands” to Amend the Requirement Regarding the Number of Alternate Members to be Appointed to the Wetlands Board
Purpose
Background Statement:
The purpose of this amendment is to provide greater flexibility in appointing alternate members to the Hampton Wetlands Board.
Section 28.2-1303(A) of the Code of Virginia specifies that local wetlands boards shall appoint at least one but no more than three alternate members to the board. The City of Hampton’s current ordinance, Section 41.1-3 of the City Code, requires the appointment of two alternate members to the Board. This amendment revises that provision to authorize the appointment of at least one, but no more than two, alternate members. This change allows the City Council to determine the appropriate number of alternates based on the operational needs of the Board at any given time.
In practice, the Hampton Wetlands Board has maintained consistently high attendance among its regular members, and the first alternate member is rarely requested to serve. By allowing the appointment of only one alternate member when deemed sufficient, this amendment enhances administrative flexibility while maintaining the Board’s ability to function effectively and ensure quorum at all meetings. This change remains consistent with state code.
Recommendations:
Rec
Staff Recommendation:
Approval
Body
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia that Article II of Chapter 41.1 of the City Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia be amended and re-enacted as follows:
CHAPTER 41.1 - WETLANDS
ARTICLE II. - WETLANDS BOARD
. . .
Sec. 41.1-3. - Wetlands board generally.
The wetlands board of the city is hereby created, consisting of Seven (7) residents of the city appointed by the city council. All board members' terms shall be for five (5) years. The chairman of the board shall no...
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