During the March 4, 2013, Work Session, Assistant City Administrator Bruce McCandless gave a presentation on creating a Billings Parking Commission. Cities are statutorily allowed, but not required, to have Parking Commissions. However, the language of the City Charter requires boards, commissions, and committees to be advisory only, “unless specifically required by federal or state law, or interlocal agreement.” Parking Commissions are not “required” by state law, so the Charter must be amended in order to create a Commission with administrative authority. Billings voters must approve all Charter amendments. The City Council asked staff to draft an ordinance that proposes the Charter amendment and places the issue on the ballot at the next municipal election.

The proposed amended Charter would allow the City Council to create a board, commission or committee with administrative duties if allowed by federal or state law, or interlocal agreement. If voters approve the amendment, the City Council would have the option of forming a Parking Commission.

The Council may approve, disapprove or amend the proposed Ordinance.

Other than the cost of referring this Charter amendment to the electors, there is no other financial impact to the City.

Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a public hearing and approve the ordinance that proposes a Charter amendment that allows the City Council to create boards, commissions and committees with administrative authority, if allowed by federal or state law or inter-local agreement.