450 federal commission – next steps

“The commission, consisting of fourteen members, will plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities appropriate for the commemoration.”
H.R.146, SEC. 7404

With passage of a federal St. Augustine 450th Commemoration Commission, the appointment process begins.

All will be formally appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. The appointees and recommending units: three by the St. Augustine City Commission; one by the Mayor; three by the Governor; five by Members of Congress; one by the Chancellor of the University System of Florida, and one employee of the National Park Service experienced in St. Augustine. The five congressional appointees will be state residents.

Among elements in the legislation, appointments will be completed within the next four months, the commission will meet at least three times each year, elect a chairperson and vice chairperson annually, may accept gifts and contributions, appoint subcommittees, and provide grants up to $20,000 each to communities and nonprofit organizations for program development.

The commission cannot purchase real property, and its members serve without compensation, except for travel and per diem expenses.

The chairperson will nominate an executive director, who can be paid up to $127,000 under federal guidelines. A budget of $500,000 a year will be available. The commission will terminate on December 31, 2015.