[Adopted 8-28-1990 by Doc. 137[1] (Ch. 17 of the 1980 Code)]
[1]
Editor's Note: The title of this article was amended 3-11-1997 by Doc. 55.
[Amended 2-23-1999 by Doc. 38]
There is hereby established under MGL c. 40, § 8J, a Commission on Disability Issues, herein called the "Commission," which shall consist of nine members, each of whom shall be a resident of Haverhill. At least five of the nine members shall be persons with disabilities or deafness and represent as many cross-disabilities as possible. One of such members shall be a member of the immediate family of a disabled or deaf person, and one member of said Commission shall be an elected or appointed municipal official. Commission members shall serve without compensation. All members shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The Commission will be available to consult with the Mayor regarding prospective Commission members.
The terms of the first members of the Commission shall be for one, two or three years and so arranged that the term of one of the members expires each year, and their successors shall be appointed for terms of three years each.
A. 
Any member of the Commission, may, after a public hearing, if so requested, be removed for cause by the Mayor.
B. 
A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment.
[Amended 3-11-1997 by Doc. 55]
The Commission may receive funds, bequests and gifts subject to the approval of the City Council. Any such funds shall be deposited in a separate fund or account and shall be known as the "City of Haverhill Commission on Disability Issues Fund." Control of such fund is hereby vested in said Commission. The Commission shall have the authority to expend such moneys and/or any income thereof, to help finance its activities under this article.
A. 
In addition to those required by law, the Commission may, at its discretion, hold public hearings when it decides that such hearings will be in the public interest.
B. 
Notice of such hearings shall be posted with the City Clerk at least 14 days prior to the established meeting, published in the area newspapers and also announced on local radio and other communication media.
It shall be the function of the Commission to:
A. 
Act as a centralizing force in the City of Haverhill which will deal with all issues relating to citizens with disabilities; provide information, referral, guidance, coordination; and offer and provide technical assistance to other public agencies and private persons, organizations and institutions engaged in activities and programs intended to enhance the quality of living and eliminate prejudice and discrimination against person(s) with disabilities because of their status as a person with a disability or as a minority person with a disability.
B. 
Take such action as the Commission considers appropriate to ensure the equal status of person(s) with disabilities of every race, creed, color, sex, national origin, age and familial status and receipt of public assistance.
C. 
Assure that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the City of Haverhill shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity within the City of Haverhill.
A. 
The Commission shall meet at least six times a year.
B. 
The Commission shall keep accurate records of its meetings and actions and shall file an annual report which shall be printed and included in the annual report of the City.
C. 
The Commission shall submit an annual financial report to the City Auditor.
The powers and duties of the Commission shall include the following
A. 
To ensure the equal status of person(s) with disabilities in education, employment, economic, political, health, legal and social spheres.
B. 
To design and implement programs that promote equality for all person(s) with disabilities in the City in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability.
[Amended 7-10-2007 by Doc. 76]
C. 
To initiate, coordinate and monitor the enactment of legislation which promotes equal status of person(s) with disabilities on the City, state and federal levels and to ensure that appropriate regulations are adopted and enforced pursuant to such legislation.
D. 
To participate in an advisory capacity in the hearing of complaints brought alleging discrimination against person(s) with disabilities, including but not limited to the Office of Equal Opportunity and fair housing.
E. 
To obtain from City departments and agencies, information necessary to carry out the functions, purposes, programs and activities of the Commission.
F. 
To review pertinent policies of all departments and agencies of the City as it directly relates to the powers, duties and functions of the Commission.
G. 
To assist in public awareness of person(s) with disabilities through participation in public and media events sponsored by the administration and/or legislative bodies of the City, including but not limited to City-sponsored recreational, educational and developmental activities.
H. 
To be an active and participating member of appropriate organizations dealing with issues affecting person(s) with disabilities.
I. 
To acquire, analyze, use and store disability related statistics and materials for program planning, evaluation and assistance.
J. 
To research local problems of person(s) with disabilities and may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts and pamphlets, etc., necessary to its work.
K. 
Such other powers and duties as may be agreed upon by the Mayor and the Commission, subject to confirmation by the City Council and in accordance with applicable law.