Founding

The Neighborhood Council was founded under Resolution No. 24-13, which states the City recognizes that:

• its democracy is enriched by the active participation of an informed citizenry; and
• it is in the best interest of the City to strengthen neighborhood participation in City governance where such participation exists, and to encourage and support neighborhood participation in City governance where it does not yet exist; and
• a Neighborhood Council would provide a structure for increased citizen participation in the governance of the City and building cooperation and improved communication between citizens and City officials; and
• a Neighborhood Council would provide an arena for residents to come together, share information, and make recommendations to the City government on neighborhood or city-wide issues.

Composition

The Neighborhood Council shall consist of nine regular members.  Board members shall be registered electors and serve without compensation.  Members of the Neighborhood Council shall be residents of the City of New Smyrna Beach.  City employees and members of other City advisory boards may not serve as members of the Neighborhood Council.

Members shall be appointed by the City Commission.  Each City Commissioner shall nominate one regular member for appointment.  Each appointee must reside in the zone represented by the Commissioner nominating member.  The Mayor shall nominate two regular members for appointment, who shall be residents of the City.  The Vice Mayor shall nominate one regular member for appointment, who shall reside in the zone represented by the Vice Mayor.  The Vice Mayor shall also nominate one regular member for appointment, who shall be a resident of the City.

The nine members of the Neighborhood Council shall serve two year terms at the pleasure of the City Commission and may be removed from the Neighborhood Council by the City Commission with or without cause.  If the position of a member becomes vacant for any reason, the City Commission shall appoint another qualified person to serve the unexpired term of the vacated position.  The Neighborhood Council shall work with the City Manager or the City Manager’s designee.

Duties

The Neighborhood Council shall be charged with:

•  providing advisory recommendations to the City Commission, Planning and Zoning Board, Historic Preservation Commission, or any other Board regarding neighborhood issues with city-wide implications; and
• reporting on concerns and interests of the residents in the neighborhoods and in the City as a whole on a regular basis; and
• serving as the liaison between the City and the neighborhoods to assist the City with disseminating information on development proposals, initiatives, and projects; and
• working to increase citizen participation in the governance of the City; and
• encouraging opportunities to increase neighborhood communication, interaction, and problem-solving; and
• serving in an advisory capacity on issues brought forth by the City Commission for its deliberation and recommendation; and
• performing such other duties and assignments as requested by the City Commission or City Manager.

Meetings

The Neighborhood Council meets on the fourth Monday of each month.  All meetings shall be open to the public and minutes shall be kept as provided by the Florida Open Meetings Law.