Transportation and Public Space (TAPS) Committee

Rules and Procedures

The Transportation and Public Space (TAPS) Committee is a subcommittee of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 5F. The Committee's primary mission is to advise the Commission on issues relating to public space permit applications, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), some Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) concerns, and other public transportation or public space-related proposals.

These Rules and Procedures provide a framework for the Committee to effectively advise the Advisory Neighborhood Commission. By adhering to these guidelines, the Committee will promote transparency, inclusivity, and community engagement in its work.

Article I. Objectives

1. Review and evaluate public space permit applications and make recommendations for support or disapproval to the Commission.
2. Develop transportation and public space-related letters and resolutions for the Commission's consideration.
3. Engage with community stakeholders to gather input and feedback on transportation and public space-related matters.

Article II. Membership

1. The Committee Chair shall be a Commissioner or a resident appointed by the ANC Chair, and approved by a majority vote of the Commission.
2. Members shall be appointed by the ANC Chair, in consultation with the Committee Chair, and approved by a majority vote of the Commission.
3. Members shall serve for a term of one (1) year and may be reappointed.
4. Members may be removed by a majority vote of the Commission.
5. The Commission may establish procedures for automatic removal of committee members for excessive absences.

Article III. Meetings

1. The Committee shall hold regular meetings at a frequency determined by the Committee Chair, but no less than once per quarter.
2. Special meetings may be called by the Committee Chair or upon request of at least two (2) Committee members.
3. All meetings shall be open to the public and shall adhere to the requirements of the Open Meetings Act.
4. The Committee Chair shall provide a minimum of one (1) week's notice for all regular meetings and a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours' notice for special meetings.

Article IV. Voting

1. Each Committee member, including the Committee Chair, shall have one (1) vote.
2. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Committee members.
3. All Committee decisions and recommendations require a majority vote of the members present, provided a quorum is present.
4. In the case of a tie vote, the motion shall be considered defeated.

Article V. Procedures for Reviewing Public Space Permit Applications

1. Upon receipt of a public space permit application, the Committee Chair shall schedule the application for review at the next regular meeting or a special meeting.
2. The applicant shall be invited to present their proposal and answer questions from the Committee and the public.
3. The Committee shall consider the public's input and may request additional information from the applicant or other relevant parties.
4. Following discussion, the Committee shall vote on a recommendation to support, oppose, defer, or take no position on the application.
5. The Committee Chair, or a Committee member designated by the Chair, shall present the recommendation to the Commission at its next regular meeting for a vote.

Article VI. Procedures for Developing Letters and Resolutions

1. Any Committee member may propose a letter or resolution related to transportation and public space issues.
2. Proposed letters or resolutions shall be submitted via email to all members of the Committee at least seven (7) days before the meeting during which they will be discussed.
3. The Committee may suggest amendments digitally between the submission and meeting.
4. The Committee shall discuss the proposed letter or resolution during its meeting, and may make amendments by a majority vote of the members present.
5. The Committee shall vote on whether to recommend the letter or resolution for Commission consideration.
6. The Committee Chair, or a Committee member designated by the Chair, shall submit the recommended letter or resolution to the Commission at its next regular meeting for a vote.

Article VII. Amendments to Rules and Procedures

1. Amendments to these rules and procedures may be proposed by any Committee member.
2. Proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to the Committee Chair, who shall distribute the proposal to all Committee members at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting at which the amendment will be considered.
3. Amendments require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Committee members present, provided a quorum is present.

Article VIII. Public Participation and Engagement

1. Public input and feedback are crucial to the Committee's mission. All Committee meetings shall include an opportunity for public comment on agenda items and general transportation and public space-related matters.
2. The Committee may organize public forums, workshops, or other events to gather community input on specific transportation and public space issues or proposals.
3. The Committee shall work collaboratively with other community organizations, stakeholders, and government agencies to address transportation and public space-related concerns.

Article IX. Record Keeping and Reporting

1. The Committee Chair or their designee shall maintain minutes of each meeting, including a record of attendance, discussions, decisions, and votes.
2. Meeting minutes shall be made available to the public upon request and shall be posted on the Commission's website.
3. The Committee Chair, or a Committee member designated by the Chair, shall provide a brief report on the Committee's activities and recommendations at each regular Commission meeting.