Title 2 of the Ontario Municipal Code establishes general regulations applicable to the Planning, and Recreation and Parks Commissions. The Library and Museum Board of Trustees, and the Citizens Housing and Community Development Committee, also convene in an advisory capacity to the City Council. Other Board and Commissions are appointed at Council's direction for specific purposes as needed. The Members of the Boards and Commissions referenced above are appointed by the City Council for three-year terms except for the Planning Commission which is four years. These are volunteer positions for which members receive minimal or no compensation.
Secretarial assistance is provided to commissions, boards or committees by departmental staff.
The City of Ontario was incorporated as a general law city on December 10, 1891. As a general law city, Ontario has no authority to act unless it can point to a specific grant of power either in the constitution or statutes of the State of California. California Govenment Code Ontario adopted the City Council-City Manager system of local government. Under this system, the City Council provides policy direction and a professional manager is appointed by City Council to administer the government. The City Manager serves at the pleasure of the City Council and is appointed, or removed, by a majority vote of three out of the five council members.