13-D
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action to appoint two members of the City Council to review and consider a request from Dr. Sue ElHessen to form a Bellflower Citizen’s Advisory Commission on Disability.
DATE: August 28, 2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On August 4, 2023, staff received a proposal from Dr. Sue ElHessen, a Commissioner for the California Commission on Disability Access (CCDA) and Bellflower resident, to form a Bellflower Citizen’s Advisory Commission in the City of Bellflower. Dr. Sue ElHessen’s proposal for the Commission is attached for reference. Staff is recommending establishing an ad hoc committee comprised of two Councilmembers to review, consider and make recommendations regarding issues expressed by Dr. ElHessen.
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Create an ad hoc committee consisting of two Council Members to review and consider a request from Dr. Sue ElHessen to form a Bellflower Citizen’s Advisory Commission on Disability; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENT
Proposal from Dr. Sue ElHessen………….…………………………………………………2
1 Proposal to develop a CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMISSION ON DISABILITY (CACOD)
PURPOSE
CACOD's purpose is to advise the Mayor, City Council and City Manager on the concerns and issues affecting people with disabilities in the community.
MISSION
CACOD consists of community members from the City of Bellflower and representatives from public and private agencies, which provide services to disabled citizens within the city. The commission will be composed of a total of 9 members, all appointed by the Mayor Pro Tem of Bellflower and confirmed by the City Council.
WHO WE SERVE
CACOD serves anyone having a physical or mental impairment, which substantially limits functioning in one or more major life activities, or a person who has a record of such impairment. A "life activity" is defined as any mental or physical function or activity, which creates a substantial barrier to such things as employment, housing, transportation, recreation, or health services.
WHAT WE DO
• Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council and City Manager; • Assemble information on issues affecting people with disabilities in the areas of employment, health services, housing, transportation, and recreation, and other life activities; • Recommend ways to eradicate access barriers to a full and productive life for people with disabilities;
• Facilitate coordination between existing and proposed programs for persons with disabilities; • Carry out studies as assigned by the City Council.
WHEN WE MEET
CACOD will meet once a month on the second in person at the City Hall Council Chambers. All meetings are open to the public and participation is encouraged.
Public participation is invited at the beginning of each CACoD meeting and allows time (limited to 3 minutes) for members of the public to address the commission on items listed on the agenda AND matters of public business not listed on the agenda, but within the purview of CACoD. The public can participate in the meeting by attending in person or virtually via Zoom.
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