Urban Transportation Issues Committee

The TPO created the Urban Transportation Issues Committee, a citizen’s advisory group, to increase information exchange between members of the TPO Executive Board, TPO Technical Committee, and transportation planners and the general public. UTIC consists of eleven (11) individuals representing diverse community interests and geography. The TPO Executive Board appoints these members to serve two-year terms.

Bylaws of the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization
Urban Transportation Issues Committee

Adopted by the TPO Executive Board December 17, 1999

ARTICLE I - Name
The name of this committee shall be the Urban Transportation Issues Committee (UTIC).

ARTICLE II - Purpose
The Urban Transportation Issues Committee (UTIC) of the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) shall provide the TPO Executive Board and Technical Committee input of public opinion regarding the urban area transportation system.

ARTICLE III - Membership

1. The UTIC shall be composed of eleven citizens representing a broad section of the population including representation of the transportation disadvantaged within the urban area. The Mayor and Vice-Mayor of Knoxville shall appoint three members, the Mayor of Farragut shall appoint one member, the Mayor of Knox County shall appoint three members, the Mayor of Blount County shall appoint two members, and the Mayors of Alcoa and Maryville shall collectively appoint two members;
2. Staggered terms of 1, 2, and 3 years were established by the TPO Executive Board for Committee members commencing on July 1, 1994. From then on, each member will be appointed for a 2-year term. Members may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms;
3. Members are expected to attend meetings regularly. Any member who is absent without notice from more than three (3) meetings per calendar year shall be considered for removal from the Committee. By majority vote, the Committee shall send a letter to the appropriate appointing body recommending that the individual continue on the committee or be removed due to a lack of participation;
4. Any vacancy on the UTIC shall be filled by appointment of a new member to fill the existing term. Appointments shall be made by rules in Article III, Section 1;
5. No member shall receive compensation or reimbursement for unapproved expenses in regard to his/her service on behalf of the Committee.

ARTICLE IV - Organizational Duties
The duties of the Urban Transportation Issues Committee should consist of the following:

1. Review plans and programs and identify transportation issues and concerns in accordance with the purpose of the Committee;
2. Make recommendations to the TPO Executive Board and Technical Committee regarding transportation plans and issues.

ARTICLE V - Officers and Members Duties

1. The UTIC shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair at the first regular meeting of the calendar year. The officers shall be elected for a term of one (1) calendar year. The officers shall be installed and begin service at the same meeting. Any officer is eligible to serve a maximum of two terms;
2. The Chair shall act as official spokesperson for the UTIC, however, this shall not abridge any individual’s right to freedom of speech on their own behalf;
3. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair;
4. Should the office of Chair or Vice Chair become vacant, the Committee shall elect successors to these positions. The newly elected Chair or Vice Chair shall serve for the unexpired term of said office.

ARTICLE VI - Meetings

1. UTIC shall meet quarterly;
2. No action of the UTIC will become official unless a quorum is present. A quorum will be 51% of the membership (6 members). A majority vote shall be required from members present to carry a motion;
3. Special meetings, including special public meetings of the committee, may be called at the discretion of the Chair when it is deemed to be in the best interest of the Committee. Any five (5) members of the UTIC may petition the Chair to call special meetings. Written notice shall be sent at least 5 days prior to the called meeting.
4. The meetings of the UTIC shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. However, any rules adopted by the committee, including these bylaws, shall prevail when in conflict with Robert’s Rules of Order.
5. The agenda of the meetings of the UTIC shall be as follows: Each meeting shall be held to ninety (90) minutes and include presentation of one special topic for discussion, an update of ongoing projects, and a time for open discussion. A member may petition the Chair to place an item on the agenda at least seven (7) days before the scheduled date for such meeting. The order of business at all regular meetings shall be as identified above.

ARTICLE VII - TPO Director
The TPO Director shall serve as permanent Secretary to the UTIC, coordinate and schedule all meetings thereof, record proceedings and prepare minutes, prepare resolutions as adopted, and disseminate said minutes and resolutions as appropriate.

ARTICLE VIII - Amendments to the Bylaws
These Bylaws can be amended at any regular meeting of the UTIC by a two-thirds vote of the entire membership, provided that the amendment has been submitted in writing at the previous regular meeting.