[Adopted 3-13-2001 (§§ 2-123 to 2-125 of
the 1988 Code)]
[Amended 12-9-2008]
A Lowell Commission on Disability is hereby
established pursuant to MGL c. 40, § 8J for the purpose
of coordinating or carrying out programs designed to assist Lowell
residents with disabilities in the City of Lowell in addressing their
needs and concerns, so as to cause their full integration and participation
in all respects in the City of Lowell. The Lowell Commission on Disability
shall consist of not less than five nor more than nine members, who
are residents of the City of Lowell, who shall be appointed by the
City Manager, subject to confirmation by the City Council. A majority
of the Commission members shall consist of residents with disabilities.
One member shall be a member of the immediate family of a person with
a disability and one member shall be either an elected or appointed
official of the City of Lowell. The term of the first members of said
Commission shall be for one, two or three years, and so arranged so
that the term of 1/3 of the members expires each year, and their successors
shall be appointed for terms of three years each, or until their successors
are appointed and qualified. Any member of said Commission may, after
notice, and a public hearing if requested, be removed for cause by
the appointing authority. 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. The Chairperson, and any other officers
established by and from the Commission, shall be chosen by a majority
vote of said Commission members.
The Lowell Commission on Disability shall be
under the overall administrative supervision of the City Manager,
and the members thereof shall serve without compensation.
It shall be the duty of the Lowell Commission
on Disability to:
A.
Research local problems of residents with disabilities.
B.
Advise and assist City officials and employees in
ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that
affect residents with disabilities.
C.
Coordinate or carry out programs designed to meet
the problems of residents with disabilities in coordination with programs
of the Massachusetts Office on Disability.
D.
Review and make recommendations about policies, procedures,
services, activities and facilities of departments, boards and agencies
of the City of Lowell as they affect residents 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 or related purposes.
Said Commission shall keep records of its meetings
and actions and shall file an annual report with the City Clerk and
the City Manager.
A.
The Commission shall have at least 10 meetings annually.
B.
Said Commission may receive gifts of property, both
real and personal, in the name of the City of Lowell, subject to the
approval of the City Council under MGL c. 44, § 53A,
such gifts to be managed and controlled as provided in said statute
by said Commission for the purposes of the Lowell Commission on Disability.
The Lowell Handicapped Commission, the predecessor
of the Lowell Commission on Disability, is hereby abolished and its
existing functions and authority are hereby vested in the Lowell Commission
on Disability.
