Types of Boards & Commissions
There are several types of City Boards and Commissions: Charter Commissions, Committees, and Boards; Municipal Code Committees; Standing Committees; and Ad hoc Committees. Charter Commissions were created by the City Charter on April 22, 1927. Municipal Code Committees are created by Ordinance, and are outlined in the City's Municipal Code. Standing Committees consist of citizens only, or a mixed group of council members and citizens. Their assignment is not necessarily permanent, but a standing committee may exist to address issues arising more or less continually in an area of interest to the Council. The City Council has appointed and created various ad hoc committees over the past years. These committees are utilized as advisors to the City Council on specific matters that do not logically fall into commissions' or committees' traditional areas of concern. Ad hoc committees are considered to have a short life span and culminate their work with a recommendation to the Council.

Role of Commissions, Committees, and Boards
The strength and success of Pacific Grove City Government is, to a large degree, reflective of the quality of service performed by volunteers. While the nature of decision-making has required the separation of tasks to various commissions, it is viewed that all of the City volunteers serve to a common end and are not restricted by departmentalism in the advice to the Council. Actions taken by committees may be appealed to the City Council.

Commissions, committees, and boards use common rules, although each has a different role within the City organization. Term lengths and limits vary with different commissions. These positions are voluntary and non-paid.

Charter commission members must be a registered elector of the City and may not be a member of any other Charter board or commission and shall not hold any position in the City Government.

All terms commence on February 1st and vary from two to four years in length, depending on the commission. Unexcused absence from three consecutive regular meetings may be considered as cause for removal by the Council.

Applications for Prospective Commissioners
Each year, the City solicits applications from persons interested in actively participating in local government. From time to time, there are vacancies caused by mid-term resignations. Applications can be obtained at City Hall or can be printed from the Adobe Acrobat link below. Information regarding application deadlines and submissions may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk's Office at (831)648-3106/3181.

Applicants are encouraged to emphasize their background to match those needed for a particular board or commission. The Mayor reviews the applications, consults with committee chairs and council members regarding committee requirements, and then makes recommendations to the City Council. Appointments must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Council.

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