Committees & Commissions

Measure H Citizens’ Oversight Committee

On November 6, 2018, Los Banos voters enacted Measure H, the Los Banos Essential City Services ½-Cent Sales Tax Measure. Measure H identified spending priorities for public safety, recreation, and administrative fiscal stability. Approval of Measure H required the City Council to establish a Citizens’ Oversight Committee.

Purpose of the Committee

The purpose of the Committee is to review, make recommendations, and annually report on the revenue and expenditure of funds from the ½-cent sales tax adopted by Measure H. This provides for citizen oversight, transparency, and accountability related to the expenditure of tax revenues generated by Measure H.

The Committee’s responsibilities are limited specifically to Measure H. Revenues from other sources fall outside the scope of the Committee’s responsibilities.

The Committee consists of five members appointed by the City Council. Terms are staggered so that the terms of three members end in even-numbered years and the terms of two members end in odd-numbered years.

Committee Responsibilities

The specific duties of the Committee include:

1. Reviewing and making recommendations regarding Measure H funds.
   The Committee reviews, comments on, and makes recommendations to the City Council regarding the use of Measure H funds each year prior to adoption of the annual budget and Measure H annual expenditure plan. The Finance Director presents the Committee’s recommendations and comments during the budget workshop, and the City Council considers them prior to budget adoption.
2. Reviewing the Annual Performance Report.
   Finance staff presents the Committee with an Annual Performance Report that includes the status of revenues received and expenditures for the most recently completed fiscal year. The Committee reviews the report and presents its findings to the City Council at a public meeting. Reports are made available to the public on the City’s website.

Committee Members

Questions?

For questions regarding the Measure H Citizens’ Oversight Committee, please contact the Finance Department.

Measure P Citizens’ Oversight Committee

In November 2004, Los Banos voters enacted Measure P, the Los Banos Police, Fire, Public Safety/911 Special Transactions (Sales) and Use Tax.

Measure P provides additional funding for public safety personnel, supplies and services, capital outlay items, equipment, facilities, and technology improvements over the term of the tax.

Measure P revenues are divided equally between two funds: one for the Police Department and one for the Fire Department. Measure P also established a 20-year expenditure plan outlining funding for public safety infrastructure and personnel.

Purpose of the Committee

Approval of Measure P required the City Council to establish a Citizens’ Oversight Committee. The Committee reviews revenues generated and expenditures made from the ½-cent sales tax adopted through Measure P and provides its findings to the City Council.

The Committee provides its findings through semi-annual reports that include information regarding Measure P revenues and expenditures.

Committee Membership

The Committee consists of seven members. The Police Chief and Fire Chief jointly nominate committee members, and nominees are appointed by the City Council by majority vote.

Members must be registered voters within the City of Los Banos and serve three-year terms.

Meetings

The Committee meets semi-annually or as often as necessary to accomplish the objectives of Measure P.

Committee Members

Questions?

For questions regarding the Measure P Citizens’ Oversight Committee, please contact the Los Banos Fire Department or Los Banos Police Department.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Public Works Director and City Council on matters related to public recreation, including the management, operation, and care of City parks and playgrounds.

The Commission studies the recreational needs of the community and considers ways the City can meet those needs through parks, facilities, programs, and events.

Commission Responsibilities

The Parks & Recreation Commission assists the City by:

• Advising the Public Works Director and City Council on matters related to public recreation, parks and playgrounds.
• Studying the current and future needs of the City related to recreation and park facilities, programs and events, and making recommendations to the City Council and City Manager.
• Counseling the Public Works Director and City Manager in connection with preparation of the annual budget for the Parks & Recreation Division, including City parks, and making recommendations through the Public Works Director.
• Assisting with the planning of recreation programs for City residents and helping promote public interest and participation.
• Encouraging cooperation with public and private agencies and organizations interested in recreation and parks.

Commissioners are appointed by the City Council and serve two-year terms.

Meetings

The Parks & Recreation Commission meets on the third Tuesday of January, April, July, and October at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 520 J Street, Los Banos, California.

Commission Members

Questions?

For questions regarding the Parks & Recreation Commission, please contact the Public Works Department.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission performs duties established by the City’s zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and other applicable provisions of the Los Banos Municipal Code. Its responsibilities include matters related to zoning, land use, development, subdivisions, and the use of property within the City.

The Planning Commission studies the City’s current and future land use needs and provides recommendations to the City Council. The City Council may also provide direction and assign matters to the Planning Commission for consideration.

Commission Responsibilities

The Planning Commission’s responsibilities include:

• Reviewing matters related to zoning, land use, development, and subdivisions within the City.
• Studying the City’s land use and development needs.
• Advising and making recommendations to the City Council regarding the establishment, modification, or change of zoning districts.
• Considering regulations governing the uses of property within zoning districts.
• Performing other duties established by applicable ordinances, statutes, rules and regulations, or delegated by the City Council.

Commission Membership

The Planning Commission consists of five members. Four members represent individual City Council districts and serve four-year terms. One at-large member serves a two-year term. Commissioners must reside within the City limits.

Meetings

The Planning Commission meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 520 J Street, Los Banos, California.

Commission Members

Questions?

For questions regarding the Planning Commission, please contact the Community & Economic Development Department.

Traffic Safety Committee

The City of Los Banos Traffic Safety Committee was established in 1992 pursuant to Los Banos Municipal Code Section 4-5.05. The Committee reviews traffic safety matters that fall under the City’s authority and provides an interdepartmental forum for evaluating traffic-related proposals and requests.

Committee Membership

The Traffic Safety Committee includes representatives from the following:

• Public Works Department
• Community & Economic Development Department
• Police Department
• Fire Department
• Planning Commission

Committee Responsibilities

The Committee is responsible for initiating or reviewing proposals and requests related to traffic controls that fall under the lawful discretionary authority of the City. These matters may include:

• Traffic control signs
• Traffic signals
• Street and pavement markings
• Speed zones
• Prohibited or restricted parking zones
• Other related traffic control matters under the City’s authority

Tree Commission

The Tree Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Parks & Recreation Commission and Public Works Department regarding the importance, planting, and maintenance of trees throughout the community.

The Commission was established as part of the City’s commitment to the Tree City USA program and has helped Los Banos maintain its recognition as a Tree City USA community since 1991.

Commission Responsibilities

The Tree Commission works closely with the Public Works Department and assists the City by:

• Making recommendations regarding the planting and maintenance of trees.
• Studying the current and future needs of the City related to trees in public spaces, commercial areas, and residential neighborhoods.
• Providing recommendations to the Parks & Recreation Commission and Public Works Department on tree-related matters.
• Educating residents about the importance of trees and proper tree planting and maintenance.

Meetings

The Tree Commission meets quarterly on the second Wednesday of February, May, August, and November at 5 p.m. at City Hall, located a 520 J Street, Los Banos, California.

Commission Members

Tree Care Resources

The following resources provide additional information about tree selection, planting, maintenance, and the Tree City USA program:

• Arbor Day Foundation for information about selecting, planting, and caring for trees.
• Tree City USA for information about the Tree City USA program and recognition standards.