Chapter 2.52
HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION

Sections:

2.52.010    Created – Objective.

2.52.020    Membership.

2.52.030    Meetings – Rules.

2.52.040    Duties and responsibilities.

2.52.010 Created – Objective.

As of September 1, 2007, there is created a Human Services Commission. The objective of the Human Services Commission is to advise the Mayor and Council on all matters concerning human services planning and funding. (Ord. 2494 § 1, 2007).

2.52.020 Membership.

A. Qualifications. Members shall consist of individuals who have an interest in human services as evidenced by knowledge, support and experience. At no time shall a member of the Commission also be employed by, or serve on the board of directors of, a human service agency delivering services to City residents. Members shall be selected without respect to political affiliations and shall serve without salary or compensation.

B. Number of Members – Terms. The Commission shall consist of 7 members, each of whom shall be appointed for a term of 4 years. Terms shall expire the first day of May of each appropriate year. Initial terms shall be staggered as follows:

One position expiring May 1, 2008

Two positions expiring May 1, 2009

Two positions expiring May 1, 2010

Two positions expiring May 1, 2011

After expiration of the initial terms, subsequent appointees shall serve a regular 4-year term.

C. Alternate Members. Up to 2 alternate members shall be appointed to serve in the absence of regular members. Alternates shall be selected by using the same qualifications specified under subsection A of this section. Alternate members shall serve for terms of 2 years. Initial terms shall be staggered as follows:

One position expiring May 1, 2008

One position expiring May 1, 2009

After expiration of the initial terms, subsequent alternate appointees shall serve a 2-year term.

D. Appointment. The Commission shall consist of 7 members appointed by the Mayor with confirmation of the City Council. The Mayor may assign representatives from 1 or more departments of the City to serve as ad hoc and nonvoting members of the Commission.

E. Removal. Members of the Commission may be removed by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the City Council, for neglect of duty, conflict of interest, unexcused absence from 3 consecutive regular meetings of the Commission, or for any reason deemed sufficient by a majority of the City Council. The decision of the City Council shall be final and there shall be no appeal therefrom.

F. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring other than through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the unexpired terms in the same manner as for appointments as provided in this section. (Ord. 2494 § 1, 2007).

2.52.030 Meetings – Rules.

A. The Commission shall organize and elect from its members a chairperson, vice-chairperson and such other officers as the Commission may deem necessary. A majority of membership shall constitute a quorum. Action may be taken by a majority of the members present, when a quorum exists.

B. The Commission shall determine a regular meeting schedule (time, place and frequency) as necessary and shall meet at least once a month. All regular meetings shall be open to the public.

C. The Commission shall adopt such by-laws, rules and regulations as are necessary for the conduct of its business as the Commission deems expedient; and shall keep a written record of its proceedings which shall be a public record. (Ord. 2494 § 1, 2007).

2.52.040 Duties and responsibilities.

The Commission shall have the power and responsibility to perform the following functions:

A. The Commission shall in all matters be advisory to the City Council.

B. The Commission shall provide the public with opportunities to be involved in the Commission’s activities.

C. The Commission’s work shall be governed by the adopted human service policies. The Commission shall advise the City Council as to changes or refinements to these policies as needed.

D. The Commission shall review all requests for funding of human services in light of the guidelines contained in the human services policies and make recommendations to the City Council.

E. The Commission shall develop recommendations on priorities for the allocation of City resources to meet identified needs.

F. The Commission shall actively pursue the goal of regional cooperation in the planning, funding and delivery of human services.

G. The Commission shall conduct studies and provide recommendations to the City Council on emerging issues and concerns in the area of human services.

H. The Commission shall review and make comment on City actions which may affect the availability of human services in the City. (Ord. 2494 § 1, 2007).