[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Wolcott 12-5-1978 by Ord. No. 40. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
A Commission for Individuals with Special Needs of the Town of Wolcott is hereby created. The Commission shall be composed of 12 members who shall be electors of the Town of Wolcott and who shall be appointed by the Mayor without regard for political affiliation. No less than one of said members shall be a person with a disability. The Commission shall designate one member of the Commission as Chairperson. The Chairperson shall serve for one year beginning January 1 and until the Commission designates his successor.
B. 
In addition to the 12 Commissioners, the Mayor, the Director of Health or the Executive Director of the Health District of which the Town of Wolcott is a member, and the Chief of Police will act as ex-officio members.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
COMMISSION
The Commission for Individuals with Special Needs.
PERSON WITH A DISABILITY
See the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.).
A. 
One who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities (such as employability);
B. 
A person who has a record of such impairment; or
C. 
A person who is regarded as having such an impairment.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
Initially, four of the members shall be appointed for a term of one year; four members for a term of two years; and four members for a term of three years. Their successors shall in all cases be appointed by the Mayor for a term of three years, and all appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired terms. Any member of the Commission may be removed by the Mayor for cause.
The members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for their services.
The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
A. 
To initiate and/or conduct continuous studies and surveys to determine the conditions, needs and problems of persons with a disability in the community in relation to architectural barriers, transportation, public education and publicity, housing, employment, recreation, health and other matters.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
B. 
To serve as a clearing house for information and to advertise, prepare, print and distribute publications designed to promote the official purposes of the Commission.
C. 
To monitor and ensure compliance, enforcement and implementation of existing federal and state statutes intended to aid persons with a disability.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
D. 
To act as an advocacy and coordinating agency to bring about new and expanded programs and services for persons with a disability.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
E. 
To make an annual report, on or about April 1 of each year, to the Mayor and the Town Council of the Commission's activities, together with its recommendations for administrative and legislative action by the Town of Wolcott, in addition to any other periodic reports and recommendations which the Commission may choose to make.