[Ord. of 11-9-1982; Ord. of 10-22-1991; Ord. of 8-24-2010]
The North Adams Commission on Disabilities is hereby established
and shall consist of seven members who shall be residents of the City.
Such members shall serve without compensation.
[Ord. of 11-9-1982]
The Mayor shall appoint the members of the Commission with the
consent of the Council, one member of which shall be designated by
the Mayor as Chairperson. In the first year the Mayor shall appoint
three members to one-year terms, two members to two-year terms and
two members to three-year terms. All subsequent terms shall be three
years in length and so arranged that the terms of not more than three
members shall expire each year on the first day of December. If for
any reason a vacancy occurs in the membership of the Commission, the
vacancy shall be filled forthwith by the Mayor with Council approval
for the unexpired term.
[Ord. of 11-9-1982]
Beginning in December 1983, and every year thereafter, the Commission
shall elect the Chairperson from among its own number. The Chairperson
shall annually appoint a member to serve as Secretary. If the Secretary
is absent from a meeting, the Chairperson shall designate another
member to function as Secretary for that meeting. If the Chairperson
is absent from a meeting, the Secretary shall assume the chair. If
both the Secretary and the Chairperson are absent, the member with
the most seniority shall assume the chair. A majority of the Commission
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
[Ord. of 11-9-1982; Ord. of 10-22-1991]
(a)
The North Adams Commission on Disabilities shall meet at such times
as may be necessary for the proper exercise of its powers and duties.
Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson, provided that forty-eight-hour
notice is given the other Commission members either in writing or
by telephone contact. The Chairperson is responsible for setting the
agenda for each regular and special meeting.
(b)
An affirmative vote of four members is required for any motion to
pass. The Chairperson may limit presentations from interested parties
and guests, provided that he/she does so prior to the beginning of
the debate and/or presentation, and provided that a minimum of 10
minutes be given each side debating or presenting an issue. The Commission
may make such additional rules and regulations for its own government
and in relation to its officers and members as it may deem expedient
and proper. On all matters of parliamentary procedure not provided
for in these rules or by law or ordinance, Robert's Rules of Order
shall govern.
[Ord. of 11-9-1982; Ord. of 10-22-1991]
(a)
The North Adams Commission on Disabilities shall perform such duties
as the City Council by ordinance may from time to time prescribe.
The North Adams Commission on Disabilities shall analyze, evaluate
and set priorities for all requests laid before it for aid and/or
services to the various handicapped service agencies in North Adams
and such other handicapped service agencies as the Commission may
determine to be within its jurisdiction. It is the duty of the North
Adams Commission on Disabilities to encourage the effective and efficient
operation of handicapped service agencies within its jurisdiction.
The North Adams Commission on Disabilities is empowered to explore
all areas of funding for the handicapped and to serve as an advocacy
group for the needs and concerns of the handicapped.
(b)
The Commission may hold hearings; upon execution by the City's chief
executive, may enter into contracts with individuals, organizations
and institutions for services furthering the objectives of the Commission's
program; may accept gifts, contributions and bequests of funds from
individuals, foundations and from federal, state and other governmental
bodies for the purpose of furthering the Commission's program; and
may do and perform any and all acts which may be necessary or desirable
to carry out the purpose of this section.
[Ord. of 11-9-1982; Ord. of 10-22-1991]
The North Adams Commission on Disabilities shall keep a detailed
record of its acts and proceedings and shall make an annual report
to the Mayor in connection with such record.
