[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Charlestown 8-10-2004 by Ord. No. 264. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
The Code of Ordinances of the Town of Charlestown (the "Town") is hereby amended by the addition of Chapter 3 entitled "Affordable Housing Commission." The purpose of this ordinance is to establish a commission to foster the production of affordable housing in the Town, to monitor and report on the implementation of the Town's local affordable housing plan, and to ensure an institutional commitment to the provision of affordable housing in the Town.
A.
The Affordable Housing Commission (the "Commission")
shall consist of nine (9) members appointed by the Town Council; seven (7)
of whom shall be regular, voting members and two (2) of whom shall be ex-officio
members. All voting members of the Commission shall be residents of the Town
of Charlestown.
[Amended 3-14-2005 by Ord. No. 272]
B.
Initial appointments for voting members shall be for
the following terms: Three shall be appointed for a three-year term, three
shall be appointed for a two-year term, and one shall be appointed for a one-year
term. Thereafter, as terms expire, reappointments shall be made effective
on September 1st for two-year terms.
[Amended 3-14-2005 by Ord. No. 272]
C.
Ex-officio members to the Commission shall include the
Building and Zoning Official and the Town Planner.
D.
In the event a vacancy shall occur prior to a member
serving the entire appointment period, the Town Council shall fill the vacancy
for the unexpired term.
E.
If any member shall conduct himself/herself in such a
manner as may be deemed detrimental to the Commission or to the best interests
of the Town, the Town Council shall have the right to remove such member.
A majority (4) of the Commission membership may make a recommendation for
removal to the Town Council.
[Amended 3-14-2005 by Ord. No. 272]
Members of the Commission shall serve without pay.
The Commission shall organize annually by electing all of its officers
exclusive of the Chair who shall be designated by the Town Council.
A.
The Commission shall be an advisory body to the Town
Council and other Boards and Commissions of the Town.
B.
The Commission shall make recommendations of actions,
plans, and strategies which shall be presented to the Town Council for its
review and concurrence, after which the Commission may pursue their implementation.
The Commission shall adopt rules and procedures for the performance
of the duties prescribed by law and contained in this chapter.
A.
The Commission shall hold regular meetings at least once
a month and shall be subject to the State's Open Meeting Law.
B.
Special meetings shall be held at the call of the Chair
or upon the request of two of its members.
C.
Any persons or their duly constituted representative
shall be entitled to appear and be heard on any matter before the Commission.
D.
All records of the Commission's proceedings, resolutions
and actions shall be open to public view consistent with the Open Meetings
and Public Records Acts of the Town of Charlestown and the State of Rhode
Island.
E.
All agendas, meeting minutes, reports and records shall
be filed with the Town Clerk in accordance with State law.
F.
Annual progress reports shall be submitted to the Town
Council. Interim reports may also be submitted.
A.
It shall be the duty of the Commission to foster the
production of affordable housing in the Town, to monitor and report on the
implementation of the Town's local affordable housing plan, and to ensure
an institutional commitment to the provision of affordable housing in the
Town.
B.
The Commission shall develop plans and strategies to
promote and aid the promotion and production of affordable housing in the
Town consistent with the Town's Comprehensive Plan and Planning/Zoning
Ordinances.
C.
The Commission's plan shall establish an equitable
balance between market rate and affordable housing.
D.
Maintenance of the Town's rural, natural character
and amenities shall be taken into account for all recommended developments.
E.
The Commission shall cooperate with the Town's Planning
Commission and Zoning Board and all Administrative Departments of the Town.
F.
The Commission shall address desirable short, medium
and long-term goals for the community.
G.
The Commission shall have access to all available plans,
records, surveys and other information on file with any Town department and
may call upon Town departments for aid, advice and assistance in pursuing
its mission.
H.
The Commission may act as a liaison between Town and
State and Federal agencies on matters pertaining to its duties.
I.
The Commission shall provide information, aid and assistance
to any entity seeking to develop, expand or locate affordable housing within
Charlestown, subject to Town Council, Planning Commission or others review
and approval when appropriate.
J.
The Commission may make surveys and compile statistics
in the furtherance of its purpose.
K.
The Commission shall work with the Planning Commission
on any changes to the Town's Comprehensive Plan or Zoning Map deemed
essential to implement its Plan with the ultimate decision in this respect
resting with the Town Council.
L.
The Commission shall perform such other duties consistent
with its purpose and mission.
The Town Administrator, in consultation with the Town Council and the
Commission, shall designate a Department Head who shall attend all Commission
meetings and coordinate Commission activities and needs. The Administrator
shall also arrange clerical support of the Commission consistent with its
activities and needs.
