(a) Pursuant to Section
1000 of the Santa Monica City Charter, a Commission on Human Services is hereby established. The membership of said Commission shall be appointed by the City Council and shall consist of nine members chosen from the residents of the City. None of the members shall hold any paid office or employment in City of Santa Monica government.
(b) The
nine commissioners shall classify themselves by lot such that two
shall serve terms expiring on the next succeeding July 1st, two shall
serve terms expiring on the second succeeding July 1st, two shall
serve terms expiring on the third succeeding July 1st, and one shall
serve a term expiring on the fourth succeeding July 1st.
(c) The
Commission shall meet on a quarterly basis with the option to meet
more frequently, when necessary, via designation of a special meeting
and in accordance with the Brown Act. Further, the Commission may
establish ad hoc or standing committees that may meet more frequently
than quarterly.
(Added by Ord. No. 2700CCS §
1, adopted 4/26/22)
The Human Services Commission shall have the power and be required
to:
(a) Act
in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining
to the social, economic, and wellness needs of vulnerable community
members, including, but not limited to, marginalized populations,
low-income households, older adults, women and girls (including transgender
women and girls), people of color, and people experiencing homelessness,
specifically maintaining, but not limiting, its focus on the former
Commission for the Senior Community, the former Social Services Commission,
and the former Commission on the Status of Women, including the responsibility
to:
(1) Disseminate City-endorsed educational and informational material
regarding human service resources that may benefit the Santa Monica
community;
(2) Review and recommend to the City Council National, State, and local
legislation which may have an impact on vulnerable communities in
Santa Monica;
(3) Consult and maintain contact with groups and individuals who are
concerned with the challenges and opportunities of vulnerable City
residents, and hold meetings as necessary to receive input from these
groups and individuals;
(4) Recommend to the City Council specific human service programs necessary
to serve the unmet needs of residents of the City, including reviewing
and making recommendations on the City's Human Services Grants Program;
(5) Review the City Manager's proposed budget for human services and
make recommendations to the City Council; and
(b) Support
City efforts to advance social, economic, and racial equity.
(Added by Ord. No. 2700CCS §
1, adopted 4/26/22)
The Human Services Commission shall render written reports on
its activities to the City Council on an annual basis.
(Added by Ord. No. 2700CCS §
1, adopted 4/26/22)