[Added 2-11-2020 by G.O. No. 2157]
There is hereby established the Westfield Access and Inclusivity Council of the Town of Westfield having the powers and duties hereinafter enumerated.
[Added 2-11-2020 by G.O. No. 2157]
(a) 
The AIC shall be comprised of nine voting members who shall be selected by the Mayor and approved by the Town Council. In addition to the nine voting members, the AIC shall also utilize resident volunteers, recommended by the AIC and approved by the Mayor, who shall demonstrate a strong personal interest in matters affecting individuals with disabilities and shall assist with events and projects on an as-needed basis. In addition, the Mayor and Emeritus Co-Chairs of the AIC shall serve as advisory members and shall have the right to participate in all meetings of the AIC.
(b) 
In addition to the foregoing, there shall be two alternate members who shall be permitted to vote only in the absence of a regular member. The Mayor shall also appoint one member of the Town Council to act ex officio as the liaison between the AIC and the Town Council.
(c) 
The members shall serve without compensation and must be residents of the Town of Westfield, except that they shall be entitled to be reimbursed for their reasonable, preapproved expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, and within the budgetary limitations of the AIC.
(d) 
The Mayor, with the approval of the Town Council, shall name one member of the AIC as Chairperson to serve for a term of one year.
[Added 2-11-2020 by G.O. No. 2157]
(a) 
All regular members shall serve for a term of one year and may serve for not more than two consecutive terms. All terms shall begin on January 1 of each year, except that the initial appointments made upon passage of this division at the inception of the AIC shall begin from the date of appointment. Any vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment was filled.
(b) 
Any member of the AIC may be removed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Town Council, for neglect of duty, misconduct or malfeasance in office, after being given a written statement of the charges and an opportunity to be heard thereon by the Town Council. In the event of a vacancy, the Mayor, with the approval of the Town Council, shall appoint another person to fill the unexpired term of such vacancy.
(c) 
In addition, cause for removal may be found where a member is absent without prior notification to the Chairperson from three consecutive meetings or from 50% of the AIC's regularly scheduled meetings for a year. The Chairperson shall report to the Town Council at the end of November of every year as to such absenteeism.
[Added 2-11-2020 by G.O. No. 2157]
The AIC shall:
(a) 
Obtain and disseminate on a Town-wide basis information pertaining to individuals with disabilities.
(b) 
Recommend to the Mayor and Town Council methods and procedures to aid and assist individuals with disabilities.
(c) 
Gather and present to the Mayor and Town Council such facts, information, and data as may help and assist the Mayor and Town Council in their deliberations pertaining to matters touching on or concerning individuals with disabilities.
(d) 
Submit annually to the Mayor and Town Council a report on its activities for the preceding year.
(e) 
Work with the Mayor and Town Council to obtain feedback from the community and recommend ways to improve communication between diverse members while fostering relationships and sharing cultures and ideas.
(f) 
To build relationships with: 1) Town of Westfield municipal departments such as the Police and Recreation Departments; 2) other municipal inclusivity advisory boards; 3) the County of Union's Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs; and 4) private nonprofit organizations for the purpose of promoting access and inclusivity within the Town of Westfield.
(g) 
Promulgate, adopt and approve internal rules and bylaws for the AIC as it deems necessary and proper to carry out the purposes and objectives of this division.
[Added 2-11-2020 by G.O. No. 2157]
(a) 
The Town Council may annually appropriate funds for the use of the AIC, and such funds may be expended on the authority and approval of the Town Administrator.
(b) 
The AIC shall develop a budget for the ensuing calendar year and present the same to the Town Council on or before the first day of March, which budget shall give the details of the money considered necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of this division and show the amount allocated for various required services.
(c) 
The Town Council shall have the right to approve such budget in whole or in part or to fix such amount which in its opinion is adequate and proper for the purpose of the AIC and appropriate that amount for such purpose.
(d) 
The AIC shall conduct its affairs and policies each year within the amount appropriated by the Town Council for such purposes and at no time shall expend more than the sum so appropriated.
[Added 2-11-2020 by G.O. No. 2157]
(a) 
Regular meetings of the AIC shall be held at the call of the Chairperson, provided that a meeting may also be called upon the written request of five regular members of the AIC. At least two days' notice of any such meeting shall be given to all regular and alternate members unless such notice is waived in writing.
(b) 
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the regular members of the AIC except that in the absence of a regular member an alternate member may take the place of a regular member in establishing said quorum.
(c) 
Alternate members may participate in discussions of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member of the AIC. A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member is to vote, Alternate Number One shall vote.