TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Steven Lederer, Director of Public Works
REPORT BY: Mark Witsoe, A.A.E., Airport Manager
SUBJECT: Amendments to the Airport Advisory Commission Bylaws
RECOMMENDATION
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Adopt a Resolution to amend the Airport Advisory Commission Bylaws, effective immediately. (No Fiscal Impact)
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BACKGROUND
The Airport Advisory Commission’s Bylaws provide the rules and procedures for the conduct of the Commission’s meetings and business. The last substantive update of the Airport Advisory Commission Bylaws occurred in 2019. The 2019 Bylaws have been used for the last 6 years and continue to govern how the Commission conducts its meetings.
An update to the 2019 Bylaws is being proposed to clarify participation, establish better continuity in the terms of Commissioners, and align the conduct of business to the Board policies.
In summary, the proposed changes include:
1) Updating the language on Commissioner qualifications to be consistent with County policy and to ensure that Commissioners have knowledge and appreciation of General Aviation;
2) Updating the names of each seat on the Airport Advisory Commission with their group and industry representation;
3) Establishing a two year limit on the number of annual terms for serving as Commission Chair;
4) Establishing the Airport Manager as the Commission Secretary;
5) Staggering the terms of the Commissioners so that continuity improves while preserving the opportunity to serve;
6) Updating the language on Commissioner termination;
7) Shifting the notifications of absences to the Commission Secretary;
8) Updating the language on parliamentary procedure, public comment, and the conduct of the Commission meetings; and
9) Other minor language edits to improve consistency.
On June 6, 2025, the proposed bylaw updates were agendized for consideration by the Airport Advisory Commission, but the meeting was cancelled due to lack of a quorum. On August 4, 2025, the updated bylaws were agendized for consideration by the Airport Advisory Commission, and the matter was tabled for further review. The Bylaws were recommended unanimously by the Airport Advisory Commission in a 6-0 vote on October 6, 2025.
Section 8 of the Napa County Policy Manual relating to the establishment of County boards, commissions and committees requires that rules and regulations for the conduct of business of the various commissions must be adopted by the Board of Supervisors. Attachment A is the current version of the Airport Advisory Commission Bylaws with redline proposed revisions. Attachment B is the resolution to amend the Airport Advisory Commission Bylaws along with a clean version of the proposed changes.
Once the Board adopts the Airport Advisory Commission’s Bylaws, they will be disseminated to the Commission and posted on the County’s website so members of the public will have a full and complete understanding of the Commission’s purpose and meeting protocol.
Requested Action: Adopt a resolution amending the Napa County Bylaws Manual Part II, Section 3, Airport Advisory Commission, effective immediately.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
The Airport Advisory Commission’s current Bylaws were last updated in 2019 and are outdated. An update to the Bylaws is warranted and will improve the function and representation of the Commission. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Consequences if not approved: |
The Airport Advisory Commission will continue to operate under the 2019 Bylaws. |
Additional Notes: Strategic Initiative: Elevate County Service and Workforce Excellence
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.