[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.