[HISTORY: Adopted by the Special Town Meeting of the Town of Fairhaven 11-19-2024 STM by Art. 14. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A Commission on Disability (hereinafter referred to as "Commission") is established to cause the full integration and participation of people with disabilities in Fairhaven.
A. 
The mission of the Commission is to identify and eliminate architectural, procedural, attitudinal and communication barriers in the town, ensuring that all residents have equitable access to services. The Commission works to design, advocate, co-ordinate and implement services that address the needs of people with disabilities, while educating the community and enlisting their support and participation. The Commission aims to work with other agencies and organizations to support the needs of people with disabilities within the state and federal guidelines, making Fairhaven a more inclusive and equitable place for all. The mission reflects the Commission's unique commitment to disability rights advocacy, community education, and collaboration towards a shared goal of accessibility.
B. 
The Commission shall serve as part of the network of Commissions on Disability, coordinated by the Massachusetts Office on Disability.
C. 
The purpose of this chapter is to establish principles and procedures for the governance of this Commission.
The powers and duties of the Commission shall include those authorized by MGL c. 40, § 8J as well as the following:
A. 
Explore challenges experienced by people with disabilities in Fairhaven and come up with ways to resolve these challenges.
B. 
Coordinate activities with other local groups organized to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
C. 
Review and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services and activities of departments and agencies of the Town of Fairhaven as they affect people with disabilities.
D. 
Work in cooperation with the department heads and agencies of the Town of Fairhaven to bring maximum participation of people with disabilities.
E. 
Initiate, monitor, and promote legislation at the Town, state and federal level which advances the equal status of people with disabilities and ensure that appropriate regulations are adopted and enforced pursuant to such legislation.
F. 
Encourage public awareness of disability issues.
G. 
Provide information, referral, guidance and advice to individuals, businesses, organizations, and public agencies in all matters pertaining to disability.
H. 
Recruit and recommend prospective members to the Select Board for appointment. The Commission will solicit nominations and ensure that said nominations are consistent with the membership policies defined in § 5-3 below.
I. 
File an annual report, which will be integrated into the Town's annual report.
J. 
Receive gifts of property, both real and personal, in the name of the Town subject to the approval of the Select Board, such gifts to be manage and controlled by the Commission for the purposes set forth in MGL c. 40, § 8J.
K. 
Take such actions as the Commission considers appropriate to ensure the equal access status of people with disabilities.
A. 
The Commission shall consist of nine members appointed by the Select Board. The majority of members will consist of people with disabilities; a minimum of one of the members will be a member of the immediate family of a person with disabilities, and one member shall be either an elected or appointed official of the Town.
B. 
The members serving at the time of adoption of this chapter will continue as members of the Commission until the expiration of their respective terms. Thereafter, all members shall serve staggered three-year terms.
C. 
Resignation shall be made by notifying the Select Board in writing.
D. 
Any member may, after a public hearing if so requested, be removed for cause by the Select Board. If any member is absent from five regularly scheduled meetings in any one calendar year, a recommendation shall be made to the Select Board that such member be removed from the Commission, unless all absences have been excused in advance of the meeting, for good cause, by the Chairperson. Such unexcused absences shall constitute cause for removal.
E. 
A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term by the Select Board.
F. 
No member may make statements or representations or join activities on behalf of the Commission unless authorized in advance by the Commission.
A. 
The officers shall include a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary.
B. 
Officers shall be voted annually by the majority of the Commission in accordance with the Town handbook.
C. 
Duties:
(1) 
The Chairperson shall:
(a) 
Develop the agenda.
(b) 
Preside over all meetings.
(c) 
Appoint subcommittees.
(d) 
File notice of all meetings with the Town Clerk's Office for posting at least 48 hours before each meeting and send such notice to all members.
(e) 
Keep records of all financial matters.
(f) 
Develop a budget in coordination with the Commission.
(2) 
The Vice Chairperson shall perform all the functions of the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson.
(3) 
The Secretary shall:
(a) 
Keep records of all meetings, attendance, minutes, and correspondence.
(b) 
Send draft minutes of the prior meeting to the members at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at which they will be approved or amended.
A. 
Regular meetings shall be held a minimum of 10 times a year.
B. 
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the membership.
C. 
Meeting minutes will be approved at the next available meeting.
D. 
Special meetings can be called by the Chairperson or by any three members.
E. 
The Commission will follow Roberts Rules of Order as a guide, providing reasonable accommodations as required.