[Adopted 4-26-1988 as §§ 2-56 to 2-62 of the 1988 Code]
A. 
Under the authority of legislation enacted by the commonwealth, MGL c. 40, § 8F, there is hereby created, in the City, a Consumer Advisory Commission, the members of which shall be appointed by the City Manager and which shall consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of five members, who must be citizens and residents of the City.
B. 
The initial members of the Consumer Advisory Commission shall be appointed, respectively, for a term of one, two and three years. Thereafter all such appointments, except to fill vacancies, shall be for a term of three years or until a successor is appointed and qualified. All appointments for the purpose of filling vacancies occurring otherwise than by expiration of term of office shall be for the unexpired term. Members of the Commission shall serve without pay.
One of the members of the Consumer Advisory Commission, having been appointed by the Manager, shall be chosen by the Manager to serve as Chairman of such Commission.
The Consumer Advisory Commission may appoint such clerks or other employees as it may require, which clerks and other employees shall serve without pay.
The Consumer Advisory Commission shall hold regular meetings at least quarterly and shall designate the time and place thereof and shall have the power to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of business within its jurisdiction and shall keep a record of its proceedings. Three members shall constitute a quorum. A vacancy in the Commission shall occur when any member shall fail to be present at four consecutive regular meetings or 25% of such meetings in any fiscal year, unless such absence is excused by the Commission and the reason therefor entered in the proceedings.
A. 
The powers and duties of the Consumer Advisory Commission shall be exercised and performed as provided in this section and in conformity with the laws of the commonwealth.
B. 
The Commission shall be charged with conducting investigations and research into matters affecting consumer interests and education and with advising and reporting the results of such investigations and research to the general public as well as to local government authorities and law enforcement agencies.
The Consumer Advisory Commission shall have the power to call upon any other department of the City government for assistance in performing its duties, and it shall be the duty of such other department to comply with a proper request of such Commission. Any question as to what constitutes a proper request for assistance shall be decided by the City Council.
The Consumer Advisory Commission shall submit an annual report of its activities to the City and shall send a copy thereof to the Consumers' Council of the commonwealth.