Chapter 2. Formation Of Commission And Selection Of Commissioners of California Government Code >> Division 3. >> Title 5. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 2.

There is hereby continued in existence in each county a local agency formation commission. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the commission shall consist of members appointed as follows:
  (a) Two appointed by the board of supervisors from their own membership. The board of supervisors shall appoint a third supervisor who shall be an alternate member of the commission. The alternate member may serve and vote in place of any supervisor on the commission who is absent or who disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of a regular county member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular county member until the appointment and qualification of a regular county member to fill the vacancy.
  (b) Two appointed by the cities in the county, each of whom shall be a mayor or council member, appointed by the city selection committee. The city selection committee shall also appoint one alternate member who shall also be a mayor or council member and shall be appointed and serve pursuant to Section 56335. The city selection committee is encouraged to appoint members to fairly represent the diversity of the cities in the county, with respect to population and geography.
  (c) Two presiding officers or members of legislative bodies of independent special districts appointed by the independent special district selection committee pursuant to Section 56332. The independent special district selection committee shall also appoint a presiding officer or member of the legislative body of an independent special district as an alternate member who shall be appointed and serve pursuant to Section 56332. The independent special district selection committee is encouraged to make appointments that fairly represent the diversity of the independent special districts in the county, with respect to population and geography.
  (d) One representing the general public appointed by the other members of the commission. The other members of the commission may also appoint one alternate member who shall serve pursuant to Section 56331. Appointment of the public member and alternate public member shall be subject to the affirmative vote of at least one of the members appointed by each of the other appointing authorities. Whenever a vacancy occurs in the public member or alternate public member position, the commission shall cause a notice of vacancy to be posted as provided in Section 56158. A copy of this notice shall be sent to the clerk or secretary of the legislative body of each local agency within the county. Final appointment to fill the vacancy may not be made for at least 21 days after the posting of the notice.

While serving on the commission, all commission members shall exercise their independent judgment on behalf of the interests of residents, property owners, and the public as a whole in furthering the purposes of this division. Any member appointed on behalf of local governments shall represent the interests of the public as a whole and not solely the interests of the appointing authority. This section does not require the abstention of any member on any matter, nor does it create a right of action in any person.

In Los Angeles County, the commission shall consist of nine members, appointed as follows:
  (a) Two appointed by the board of supervisors from its own membership. The board of supervisors shall also appoint a third supervisor who shall be an alternate member of the commission. The alternate member may serve and vote in place of any supervisor on the commission who is absent or who disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of the regular county member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular county member until the appointment and qualification of a regular county member to fill the vacancy.
  (b) One appointed by the board of supervisors, who shall not be a member of the board of supervisors but who shall be a resident of the San Fernando Valley Statistical Area, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 11093. The board of supervisors shall also appoint an alternate member who shall not be a member of the board of supervisors but who is a resident of the San Fernando Valley Statistical Area. The alternate member may serve and vote in place of the member appointed pursuant to this subdivision if that member is absent or disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of the regular member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular member until the appointment and qualification of a regular member to fill the vacancy.
  (c) Two appointed by the cities in the county, each of whom shall be a mayor or council member, appointed by the city selection committee. The city selection committee shall also appoint one alternate member who shall also be a mayor or council member and shall be appointed and serve pursuant to Section 56335. The city selection committee is encouraged to appoint members to fairly represent the diversity of the cities in the county, with respect to population and geography.
  (d) One appointed by the presiding officer of the legislative body of a city in the county having a population in excess of 30 percent of the total population of the county who is a member of the legislative body of the city. The presiding officer of the legislative body shall also appoint an alternate member who is a member of the legislative body. The alternate member may serve and vote in place of the member appointed pursuant to this subdivision if the member is absent or disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of the regular member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular member until the appointment and qualification of a regular member to fill the vacancy.
  (e) Two presiding officers or members of legislative bodies of independent special districts appointed by the independent special district selection committee pursuant to Section 56332. The independent special district selection committee shall also appoint one alternate member who shall be a presiding officer or member of the legislative body of an independent special district and shall be appointed and serve pursuant to Section 56332. The independent special district selection committee is encouraged to appoint members to fairly represent the diversity of the independent special districts in the county, with respect to population and geography.
  (f) One representing the general public appointed by the other members of the commission. The other members of the commission may also appoint one alternate member who shall serve pursuant to Section 56331.

In Sacramento County, the commission shall consist of seven members, appointed as follows:
  (a) Two appointed by the board of supervisors from their own membership. The board of supervisors shall appoint a third supervisor who shall serve as an alternate member of the commission. The alternate member may serve and vote in place of any supervisor on the commission who is absent or who disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of the regular county member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular county member until the appointment and qualification of a regular county member to fill the vacancy.
  (b) One appointed by the City of Sacramento who is a member of the city council, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. The mayor shall also appoint, subject to confirmation by the council, an alternate member who is a member of the city council. The alternate member may serve and vote in place of the regular city member if the city member is absent or disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of the regular city member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular city member until the appointment and qualification of a regular city member to fill the vacancy.
  (c) One appointed by the cities in the county, who is a mayor or council member appointed by the city selection committee. The city selection committee shall also appoint one alternate member who shall also be a mayor or council member and shall be appointed and serve pursuant to Section 56335. The city selection committee is encouraged to appoint members to fairly represent the diversity of the cities in the county, with respect to population and geography.
  (d) Two presiding officers or members of legislative bodies of independent special districts appointed by the independent special district selection committee pursuant to Section 56332. The independent special district selection committee shall also appoint one alternate member who shall be a presiding officer or member of the legislative body of an independent special district and shall be appointed and serve pursuant to Section 56332. The independent special district selection committee is encouraged to appoint members to fairly represent the diversity of the independent special districts in the county, with respect to population and geography.
  (e) One representing the general public, appointed by the other six members of the commission. The commission may also appoint an alternate public member who may serve and vote in the place of the regular public member if the regular public member is absent or disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of the regular public member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular public member until the appointment and qualification of a regular public member to fill the vacancy.

In Santa Clara County, the commission shall consist of five members, appointed as follows:
  (a) Two appointed by the board of supervisors from their own membership. The board of supervisors shall appoint a third supervisor who shall serve as an alternate member of the commission. The alternate member may serve and vote in place of any supervisor on the commission who is absent or who disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of the regular county member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular county member until the appointment and qualification of a regular county member to fill the vacancy.
  (b) One appointed by the city in the county having the largest population, who is a member of the legislative body of the city, appointed by the city council. The city council shall also appoint an alternate member who is a member of the legislative body of the city. The alternate member may serve and vote in place of the regular city member if the city member is absent or disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of the regular city member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular city member until the appointment and qualification of a regular city member to fill the vacancy.
  (c) One appointed by the cities in the county, who is a mayor or council member appointed by the city selection committee. The city selection committee shall also appoint one alternate member who shall also be a mayor or council member and shall be appointed and serve pursuant to Section 56335. The city selection committee is encouraged to appoint members to fairly represent the diversity of the cities in the county, with respect to population and geography.
  (d) One representing the general public, appointed by the other four, or, if the commission is enlarged pursuant to Section 56327.3, the other six, members of the commission. This member shall not be a resident of a city which is already represented on the commission. The commission may also appoint an alternate public member, who shall not be a resident of a city represented on the commission, and who may serve and vote in the place of the regular public member if the regular public member is absent or disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of the regular public member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular public member until the appointment and qualification of a regular public member to fill the vacancy.

In Santa Clara County, the commission shall be enlarged by two members if, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 56821), the commission orders representation of special districts upon the commission.

(a) In San Diego County, the commission, which consists of seven members, augmented pursuant to Section 56332, shall be additionally augmented by the appointment of an eighth member and that member shall, notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 56325, be a member of the legislative body of the city in the county having the largest population, appointed by the legislative body of that city.
  (b) The legislative body of the city shall appoint an alternate member at the same time and in the same manner as it appoints the regular member appointed pursuant to subdivision (a). If the regular city member is absent from a commission meeting, or disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the regular city member for that meeting. If the office of the regular city member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular city member until the appointment and qualification of a regular city member to fill the vacancy.

(a) In Kern County, the commission, which consists of seven members, augmented pursuant to Section 56332, shall be additionally augmented by the appointment of an eighth member and a ninth member.
  (b) The eighth member shall, notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 56325, be a member of the legislative body of the city in the county having the largest population, appointed by the legislative body of that city. The legislative body of the city shall appoint an alternate member at the same time and in the same manner as it appoints the eighth regular member. If the regular city member is absent from a commission meeting, or disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the regular city member for that meeting. If the office of the regular city member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular city member until the appointment and qualification of a regular city member to fill the vacancy.
  (c) The ninth member shall represent the general public, but shall not be a member of the governing body of any local agency. The ninth member shall be appointed by the four members of the commission appointed by the county supervisors and the independent special district selection committee. Those commission members may also appoint an alternate public member, who is not a member of the governing body of any local agency, who may serve and vote in the place of the regular public member appointed pursuant to this subdivision if that regular public member is absent or disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of the regular public member appointed pursuant to this subdivision becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of that former regular public member until the appointment and qualification of a regular public member pursuant to this subdivision to fill the vacancy.

If there is no city in the county, the commission shall consist of five members, appointed as follows which may be further augmented pursuant to Sections 56332 and 56332.5:
  (a) Three appointed by the board of supervisors from their own membership. The board of supervisors shall appoint a fourth supervisor who is an alternate member of the commission. The alternate member may serve and vote in place of any supervisor on the commission who is absent or who disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of a regular county member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular county member until the appointment and qualification of a regular county member to fill the vacancy.
  (b) Two representing the general public appointed by the other three members of the commission. Appointment of the public member and alternate public member shall be subject to the affirmative vote of at least one of the members selected by each of the other appointing authorities.

When appointing a public member pursuant to Sections 56325, 56326, and 56329, the commission may also appoint one alternate public member who may serve and vote in place of a regular public member who is absent or who disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting of the commission. If the office of a regular public member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular public member until the appointment and qualification of a regular public member to fill the vacancy. No person appointed as a public member or alternate public member pursuant to this chapter shall be an officer or employee of the county or any city or district with territory in the county, provided, however, that any officer or employee serving on January 1, 1994, may complete the term for which he or she was appointed.

If two or more members are absent or disqualify themselves from participating in a meeting of the commission, any alternate member who is authorized to serve and vote in the place of a member shall only have one vote.

(a) The independent special district selection committee shall consist of the presiding officer of the legislative body of each independent special district. However, if the presiding officer of an independent special district is unable to participate in a meeting or election of the independent special district selection committee, the legislative body of the district may appoint one of its members as an alternate to participate in the selection committee in the presiding officer's place. Those districts shall include districts located wholly within the county and those containing territory within the county representing 50 percent or more of the assessed value of taxable property of the district, as shown on the last equalized county assessment roll. Each member of the committee shall be entitled to one vote for each independent special district of which he or she is the presiding officer or his or her alternate as designated by the governing body. Members representing a majority of the eligible districts shall constitute a quorum.
  (b) The executive officer shall call and give written notice of all meetings of the members of the selection committee. A meeting shall be called and held under one of the following circumstances:
  (1) Whenever the executive officer anticipates that a vacancy will occur within the next 90 days among the members or alternate member representing independent special districts on the commission.
  (2) Whenever a vacancy exists among the members or alternate member representing independent special districts upon the commission.
  (3) Upon receipt of a written request by one or more members of the selection committee representing districts having 10 percent or more of the assessed value of taxable property within the county, as shown on the last equalized county assessment roll.
  (c) The selection committee shall appoint two regular members and one alternate member to the commission. The members so appointed shall be elected or appointed members of the legislative body of an independent special district residing within the county but shall not be members of the legislative body of a city or county. If one of the regular district members is absent from a commission meeting or disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting, the alternate district member may serve and vote in place of the regular district member for that meeting. Service on the commission by a regular district member shall not disqualify, or be cause for disqualification of, the member from acting on proposals affecting the special district on whose legislative body the member serves. The special district selection committee may, at the time it appoints a member or alternate, provide that the member or alternate is disqualified from voting on proposals affecting the district on whose legislative body the member serves.
  (d) If the office of a regular district member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular district member until the appointment and qualification of a regular district member to fill the vacancy.
  (e) A majority of the independent special district selection committee may determine to conduct the committee's business by mail, including holding all elections by mailed ballot, pursuant to subdivision (f).
  (f) If the independent special district selection committee has determined to conduct the committee's business by mail or if the executive officer determines that a meeting of the special district selection committee, for the purpose of appointing the special district members or filling vacancies, is not feasible, the executive officer shall conduct the business of the committee by mail. Elections by mail shall be conducted as provided in this subdivision.
  (1) The executive officer shall prepare and deliver a call for nominations to each eligible district. The presiding officer, or his or her alternate as designated by the governing body, may respond in writing by the date specified in the call for nominations, which date shall be at least 30 days from the date on which the executive officer mailed the call for nominations to the eligible district.
  (2) At the end of the nominating period, if only one candidate is nominated for a vacant seat, that candidate shall be deemed appointed. If two or more candidates are nominated, the executive officer shall prepare and deliver one ballot and voting instructions to each eligible district. The ballot shall include the names of all nominees and the office for which each was nominated. Each presiding officer, or his or her alternate as designated by the governing body, shall return the ballot to the executive officer by the date specified in the voting instructions, which date shall be at least 30 days from the date on which the executive officer mailed the ballot to the eligible district.
  (3) The call for nominations, ballot, and voting instructions shall be delivered by certified mail to each eligible district. As an alternative to the delivery by certified mail, the executive officer, with prior concurrence of the presiding officer or his or her alternate as designated by the governing body, may transmit materials by electronic mail.
  (4) If the executive officer has transmitted the call for nominations or ballot by electronic mail, the presiding officer, or his or her alternate as designated by the governing body, may respond to the executive officer by electronic mail.
  (5) Each returned nomination and ballot shall be signed by the presiding officer or his or her alternate as designated by the governing body of the eligible district.
  (6) For an election to be valid, at least a quorum of the special districts must submit valid ballots. The candidate receiving the most votes shall be elected, unless another procedure has been adopted by the selection committee. Any nomination and ballot received by the executive officer after the date specified is invalid, provided, however, that if a quorum of ballots is not received by that date, the executive officer shall extend the date to submit ballots by 60 days and notify all districts of the extension. The executive officer shall announce the results of the election within seven days of the date specified.
  (7) All election materials shall be retained by the executive officer for a period of at least six months after the announcement of the election results.
  (g) For purposes of this section, "executive officer" means the executive officer or designee as authorized by the commission.

If the commission does not have representation from independent special districts on January 1, 2001, the commission shall initiate proceedings for representation of independent special districts upon the commission if requested by independent special districts pursuant to this section. If an independent special district adopts a resolution proposing representation of independent special districts upon the commission, it shall immediately forward a copy of the resolution to the executive officer. Upon receipt of those resolutions from a majority of independent special districts within a county, adopted by the districts within one year from the date that the first resolution was adopted, the commission, at its next regular meeting, shall adopt a resolution of intention. The resolution of intention shall state whether the proceedings are initiated by the commission or by an independent special district or districts, in which case, the names of those districts shall be set forth. The commission shall order the executive officer to call and give notice of a meeting of the independent special district selection committee to be held within 15 days after the adoption of the resolution in order to appoint independent special district representation on the commission pursuant to Section 56332.

When a commission is enlarged to seven members as provided in Section 56332, the public members appointed pursuant to Sections 56325 and 56329 shall thereafter be appointed by members of the commission representing cities, counties, and special districts. Those appointments shall be made at the times and in the manner provided in Section 56334.

The term of office of each member shall be four years and until the appointment and qualification of his or her successor. Upon enlargement of the commission by two members, as provided in Section 56332, the new members first appointed to represent independent special districts shall classify themselves by lot so that the expiration date of the term of office of one new member coincides with the existing member who holds the office represented by the original two-year term on the commission and the term of office of the other new member coincides with the existing member who holds the office represented by the original four-year term on the commission. The body which originally appointed a member whose term has expired shall appoint his or her successor for a full term of four years. Any member may be removed at any time and without cause by the body appointing that member. The expiration date of the term of office of each member shall be the first Monday in May in the year in which the term of the member expires, unless procedures adopted by the commission specify an alternate date to apply uniformly to all members. However, the length of a term of office shall not be extended more than once. Any vacancy in the membership of the commission shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the body which originally appointed the member whose office has become vacant. The chairperson of the commission shall be selected by the members of the commission. Commission members and alternates shall be reimbursed for the actual amount of their reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in attending meetings and in performing the duties of their office. The commission may authorize payment of a per diem to commission members and alternates for each day while they are in attendance at meetings of the commission.

In each county containing two or more cities, regular and alternate city members to the commission shall be appointed by the city selection committee organized in the county pursuant to and in the manner provided in Article 11 (commencing with Section 50270) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 1. Regular members of the commission shall be appointed by the city selection committee pursuant to Sections 56325, 56326, and 56327. The city selection committee shall appoint one alternate member to the commission in the same manner as it appoints a regular member. If one of the regular city members is absent from a commission meeting, or disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of that regular city member for that meeting. Except in the case of a member appointed pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 56326 or subdivision (b) of Section 56327, a city selection committee, may, at the time it appoints a member or alternate, provide that the member or alternate is disqualified from voting on proposals affecting the city which the member or alternate represents. If the office of a regular city member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular city member until the appointment and qualification of a regular city member to fill the vacancy.

Each commission may adopt regulations with respect to disqualification of members or alternates from participating in the review of a proposal. In the absence, however, of those regulations, Section 56332 or 56335 shall apply. The representation by a member or alternate of a city or district shall not disqualify, or be cause for disqualification of, the member or alternate from acting on a proposal affecting the city or the district, and any regulation providing for the disqualification of a city or district representative for that reason is null and void.

A city, county, or district officer may serve as a member of the commission while holding office as a city, county, or district officer. If a member who is a city, county, or district officer ceases to be an officer of a city, county, or district during his or her term, his or her membership on the commission shall be considered vacant.