A. There is created and established an independent salary commission.

B. The salary commission shall review and establish the salaries of elected officials and shall exercise the powers and perform the duties set forth by RCW 35.21.015, as now existing or hereafter amended.

C. The salary commission shall consist of five members, to be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council.

D. A member of the commission shall serve for a three-year term without compensation and shall be a U.S. citizen and a resident of the city for at least one year preceding the appointment. The initial members shall be appointed for staggered terms of one, two or three years.

E. No member of the commission shall be appointed to more than two terms.

F. A member of the commission shall not be an officer, official, or employee of the city or an immediate family member of an officer, official, or employee of the city. For purposes of this section, “immediate family member” means the parents, spouse, siblings, children, or dependent relatives of an officer, official, or employee of the city, whether or not living in the household of the officer, official, or employee.

G. No member of the board shall be involved in litigation against the city during their term of appointment.