Establishment. Whereas the Council on Aging Board of Directors and
the Department of Human Services Board of Directors now operate under
one budget, for the purpose of efficient operation, it is now voted
and approved by each to merge into one governing body to be known
as the "Department of Human Services Board of Directors."
Purpose. The Board shall serve to mobilize the resources of the community,
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the federal government, and all
agencies and subdivisions thereof to provide funding to address gaps
in services in the area of health and safety, as well as in-home and
leisure-time activities, for its citizens 60 years of age and older.
The Board shall endeavor to foster mutual understanding and respect
among all racial, religious, or ethnic groups devoted to the reduction
of crime and violent activities, and the development of programs to
address the root causes of these problems, and shall serve as a resource
for questions or problems relating to both private and public sectors
for appropriate referrals.
The Board shall consist of seven members with staggered terms
of four-, three-, two-, and one-year intervals and who will serve
without compensation. Said appointees will be appointed by the Mayor,
subject to confirmation by the Municipal Council. The Board shall
consist of four senior citizens age 60 and over (mandated by the Executive
Office of Elder Affairs), one with expertise in the field of human
services, one with expertise in the field of substance abuse prevention
services, and one with expertise in the area of human relations, including
some knowledge and experience in cultural diversity, the terms of
which shall be as follows: three four-year terms, two three-year terms,
one two-year term, and one one-year term.
Vacancies on the Board. As a matter of policy, regular attendance
is expected of all members. In the event of absence of any member
for three consecutive meetings, except for reasons of health or extenuating
circumstances as duly reported to the Chairperson or the Director
in advance of meetings, the Board shall request resignation of that
member. On the occasion of six absences during any calendar year,
the Board shall recommend that the appointing authority dismiss such
a member from the Board.
The Director, who shall serve as ex officio member of the Board,
shall be appointed by the Mayor for a term of four years. Salary shall
be determined by the Mayor in accordance with the City of Taunton
Management Association's department head and assistant department
head salary grid.
The
Director shall possess a bachelor's degree in the field of human services
with at least five years' management and grant writing experience
in the human services field.
The
Director shall administer, plan, develop, implement, and supervise
a comprehensive program of activities which will endeavor to satisfy
the physical, social, economic, and psychological needs of the citizens
of Taunton.