[Adopted 4-21-2015]
The City of Lowell Veterans Commission is hereby established
for the purpose of promoting the local needs of veterans, coordinating
veteran activities through the City, and assisting the City of Lowell's
Veterans Services Department in providing assistance to veterans.
A.
The Commission shall consist of up to 11 members to be appointed
by the City Manager of the City, subject to confirmation by the City
Council. Members on the Commission must be a veteran as defined by
38 U.S.C. § 101 and be a resident of the City.
[Amended 2-23-2016]
B.
Two members shall be appointed to serve for one year, two for two
years, and three for three years and so arranged so that the term
of approximately 1/3 of the members of the Commission expires each
year. Their successors shall be appointed for terms of three years
each or until their successors are appointed and qualified. The City
Manager shall designate the Chairman of the Commission. A quorum of
the Commission shall constitute a majority of appointed members.
[Amended 2-23-2016]
C.
A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of a term shall
be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original
appointment.
D.
Any member of the Commission may, after notice, and a public hearing
if requested, be removed for cause by the appointing authority.
The Lowell Veterans Commission shall be under the overall administrative
supervision of the City Manager, and its members shall serve without
compensation.
It shall be the duty of the Lowell Veterans Commission to:
A.
Coordinate with the various veterans' organizations and associations
in the City for purposes of promoting services for veterans, providing
care and outreach, and promoting the overall well-being of veterans
and their families.
B.
Propose and coordinate activities with the City and local veterans'
organizations that aid local veterans suffering from physical ailments,
mental illness, substance abuse, unemployment, and homelessness.
C.
Research and report to the City Manager of the needs for local veterans.
D.
Assist the City Manager, the Veterans Services Department, and City
officials and employees in aiding veterans so that they receive the
services and benefits they are entitled to under federal and state
law.
E.
Assist in the coordination of special events held by the City that
honor veterans or involve the participation of veterans, such as parades,
ceremonies, memorial services, and tributes.
F.
Encourage civic outreach and promote educational opportunities and
programs involving veterans.
G.
Plan and coordinate local volunteer activities that provide aid and
comfort to local and state servicemen on duty or returning from active
duty.
A.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, word, or other
portion of this article is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional
or invalid, in whole, or in part, by any court of competent jurisdiction,
such portion shall be deemed severable, and such unconstitutionality
or invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions
of this article, which remaining portions shall continue in full force
and effect.
B.
All provisions of the Code of the City of Lowell, as amended, which
are consistent with this article shall continue in effect, but all
provisions of said Code inconsistent herewith are repealed.
C.
This article shall take effect immediately upon its passage in accordance
with the provisions of Chapter 43 of Massachusetts General Laws.
