The board will consist of no more than 12 members excluding alternate members. Individuals will complete an application process to seek appointment to the board. Members will be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by city council to serve two-year terms. After the board is constituted, a member who anticipates periodic conflicts with the meeting schedule may request to have an alternate member appointed by the mayor. When appointing alternates, the mayor will consider individuals recommended by the board and other eligible applicants. Alternates shall not function as board members unless the primary member is unable to attend a particular meeting. When not serving as replacements for a member, alternates are encouraged to listen to meeting proceedings or to otherwise remain informed on the business before the board. Alternates who are serving in the place of an absent board member shall be counted if needed to establish a quorum and shall be entitled to function as a primary member for the duration of the meeting. In order to provide for staggered terms, the mayor shall initially assign a one-year term for four members, with the remaining members assigned a two-year term. Members may serve for no more than two full two-year terms. Those serving as alternates shall serve for terms that are identical to those of the board members for whom they are alternates. Members shall be residents of Whatcom County for at least one year prior to appointment or reappointment as a member of the board. Any vacancy in the membership of the board or among alternates shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, with the replacement serving the remainder of the unexpired term. Membership will include at least one representative from each of the following sectors of the community: