A Commission on Disability, known as the "Disability Commission" and hereafter called the "Commission," is established to cause the full integration and participation of people with disabilities in the City.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Framingham 1-5-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-006 as Art. II, Sec. 23, of the General Ordinances. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Said Commission shall consist of seven members appointed by the Mayor. The Commission membership will be consistent with MGL c. 40, § 8J.
A.
The terms of the members of said Commission shall be so arranged that the terms of 1/3 of the members expire each year, and members shall be appointed for terms of three years each.
[Amended 4-30-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-025]
B.
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.
C.
The Chair and other officers shall be chosen by a majority vote of said Commission members.
[Amended 4-30-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-025]
The duties and functions of the Commission shall be as follows:
A.
Research local problems of people with disabilities.
B.
Advise and assist municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities.
C.
Coordinate or carry out programs designed to meet the problems of people with disabilities in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD).
D.
Review and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services, activities and facilities of departments, boards and agencies of the City as they affect people with disabilities.
E.
Provide information, referrals, guidance and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability.
F.
Coordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes.
Said Commission shall keep records of its meetings and actions and shall file an annual report, which shall be printed in the City's Annual Report, and shall have at least 10 meetings annually.
The Commission may receive gifts of property, both real and personal, in the name of the City, subject to the approval of the Mayor and Council pursuant to MGL c. 44, § 53A, such gifts to be managed and controlled by said Commission for the purposes of this chapter.