Chapter 2.108
COMMISSION ON DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Sections:

2.108.010    Created and sustained.

2.108.020    Purpose.

2.108.030    Functions, operation, and composition.

2.108.040    Organization – Meetings.

*Prior legislation: Ords. 2000-041, 2005-001 and 2008-029.

2.108.010 Created and sustained.

The Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence was created in 1998 by ordinances adopted by the Bellingham City Council and the Whatcom County Council. The Whatcom County Council affirms the important work of the commission, confirms the expanded scope of the commission, and recognizes the commission as a joint undertaking by the city and Whatcom County. As a joint undertaking between the city and Whatcom County, the ongoing work of the commission will be supported through an interlocal agreement between the city and Whatcom County. Additional government agencies may become parties to the interlocal agreement as appropriate. The name of the commission shall be the City of Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence. (Ord. 2019-012 Exh. A; Ord. 98-072 § 1).

2.108.020 Purpose.

The purpose of the commission is to provide leadership in the community’s effort to address domestic and sexual violence. The purpose of the commission will be further detailed in the interlocal agreement with the city of Bellingham. (Ord. 2019-012 Exh. A; Ord. 98-072 § 1).

2.108.030 Functions, operation, and composition.

The functions of the commission, including data collection, researching best practices, development of tools, providing training, obtaining financial and other resources, and advising local agencies, will be further outlined and detailed in an interlocal agreement providing for cooperation and coordination with Whatcom County. The guidelines for operation and the specific composition of the commission will be further detailed in the interlocal agreement. (Ord. 2019-012 Exh. A; Ord. 98-072 § 1).

2.108.040 Organization – Meetings.

Meetings of the commission shall be open and accessible to the public. The commission shall determine its own meeting schedule but shall meet at least once each quarter. Written records of meetings, resolutions, findings and recommendations shall be kept and such records shall be public. The commission shall adopt its own rules and procedures which shall be public record. The city and county shall provide funding for the commission as the city and county deem necessary for the commission to perform its duties. The commission shall elect a chairperson from among its members who shall preside at its meetings. (Ord. 2019-012 Exh. A; Ord. 98-072 § 1. Formerly 2.108.050).