[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Smithtown 8-8-2023 by L.L. No. 13-2023.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law also superseded former Ch. 36, People with Disabilities Advisory Board. adopted as Handicap Advisory Board, 11-16-1978 by L.L. No. 1-1978; amended in its entirety 5-20-2021 by L.L. No. 3-2021.
The Town Board of the Town of Smithtown hereby finds and declares it to be in the best interest of the citizens of the Town of Smithtown to create and provide for the appointment of a Disabilities Advisory Board to advise and recommend to the Town Board such policies and programs which may aid the disabled people of the Town of Smithtown.
The Board shall be known as the "Disabilities Advisory Board" and shall consist of up to 15 members whom the Town Board shall appoint for one-year terms, except for the Chairperson, who shall have a two-year term. The Chairperson of the Board shall be designated by the Town Board from among the members appointed to the Board. A vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment.
The Disabilities Advisory Board shall:
A. 
Meet monthly and submit an agenda for each meeting to the Town Board at least two business days before the scheduled meeting date;
B. 
Advise the Town Board regarding the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities concerning appropriate Town action;
C. 
Make recommendations to, and cooperate with, proper Town authorities, departments, and agencies concerning issues involving persons with disabilities;
D. 
Ensure nondiscrimination and full participation of persons with disabilities in aspects of community life within the Town;
E. 
Implement, or cause to be implemented by the appropriate public agency, the provision of adequate public services, including social, educational, recreational, and other necessary services for persons with disabilities;
F. 
Keep informed regarding relevant state and federal laws and regulations and obtain and disseminate information on existing services available to persons with disabilities;
G. 
Appoint advisory groups and committees necessary to extend the efforts and purposes of the Board; and
H. 
Investigate, research, and collaborate with other entities, when appropriate, to fund projects consistent with pursuing the Board's endeavors.
The members of the Disabilities Advisory Board shall serve without compensation. The Town Board, however, may appropriate in the annual budget of the Town a sum of money to provide to the Disabilities Advisory Board funds to defray the costs and expenses incurred by it in the performance of its duties set forth hereinabove, such appropriation to be a charge upon the taxable property of the Town of Smithtown outside the incorporated villages contained therein.