[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of
the City of Chicopee 10-20-2009 by Ord. No. 09-25.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 97,
Veterans Service Department, adopted as Ch. 47 of the 1976 Code.
A.
There is hereby established a chapter establishing a Department of
Veterans' Services, creating the position of Director of Veterans'
Services, setting forth the powers and duties of the Director of Veterans'
Services and establishing personnel procedures.
B.
Unless a different construction is clearly required by the context, the words and phrases appearing in this chapter shall be construed in conformity with meanings established by MGL c. 115, § 1.
C.
This chapter is established under MGL c. 115 and shall be known and
may be cited as the "Department of Veterans' Services of the
City of Chicopee."
The Department of Veterans' Services shall consist of a Director of Veterans' Services ("Director") as provided by MGL c. 115, § 10 who shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by a majority of the City Council for a one-year appointment period each April. The Director shall employ such other employees as shall be required and appropriated for.
[Amended 9-21-2011 by Ord. No. 11-35]
The Director of Veterans' Services shall be responsible
for developing policy and directing and coordinating veteran services,
such as furnishing information, advice and assistance to veterans
and their dependants as may be necessary to enable them to procure
the benefits to which they are or may be entitled relative to employment,
vocational or other educational opportunities, hospitalization, medical
care, pensions and other veteran's benefits. The Director shall
attend veteran's services and work closely with veterans'
organizations and carry out other duties as may be assigned by the
Mayor that relate to veterans' affairs. The Director shall also
attend meetings of the City Council as requested.
B.
The Director of Veterans' Services shall be certified by the
state Department of Veterans' Services as required by the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. Failure to be certified will prevent the veteran
from continuing to serve as Director.
C.
The Director of Veterans' Services shall have an associate's
degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school,
or equivalent experience. The following abilities shall be preferred
when examining equivalent experience: financial, computer, administrative,
interpersonal communication skills, and social service training or
experience.
A.
An unpaid Veteran Advisory Board ("Board") is hereby created. The Board shall consist of seven members, four of whom shall be veterans as defined in MGL c. 115, § 1. Each member of the Board shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by a majority of the City Council for a three-year term. The Board shall meet at least quarterly with the Director of Veterans' Services.
B.
This Board shall render such assistance to the Director of Veterans'
Services as the Director may request. This advisory board shall be
subject to the published rules and regulations as established by the
Massachusetts Commissioner of Veterans' Services.
