City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: April 12, 2022
Agenda Item: 7.B
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Denise Anderson Warren, City Clerk, Records and Election Services Department
Subject: Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 2.48 of the SMMC consolidating the Commission on the Senior Community, Commission on the Status of Women, and the Social Services Commissions into a newly named Commission and repealing Chapters 2.56 and 2.60
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce for first reading an Ordinance amending Chapter 2.48 of the SMMC consolidating the Commission on the Senior Community, Commission on the Status of Women, and the Social Services Commissions into a newly named Commission, determined by Council, and repealing Chapters 2.56 and 2.60.
Discussion
At the December 14, 2021 City Council meeting, the ad hoc committee for boards and commissions reported to City Council its recommendation to consolidate the Commission for the Senior Community, the Social Services Commission, the Commission on the Status of Women, and the Disabilities Commission into one new Commission. City Council approved the consolidation of the Commission for the Senior Community, the Social Services Commission and Commission on the Status of Women into one commission, but decided the Disabilities Commission should remain a standalone commission due to the specific needs it fulfills for the community it serves. The new commission is recommended to have a new name to distinguish it from the previous commission. One Council Ad Hoc member recommended the “People Commission.” Staff recommends the “Human Services Commission” to reflect the City’s organizational structure and mission of the commission (i.e. the Housing and 2 of 3
Human Services Division would then be responsible for staffing the Housing Commission and the Human Services Commission).
Powers and Duties
The new Human Services Commission (HSC) would focus on all matters pertaining to the social, economic, and wellness needs of vulnerable community members, including marginalized populations, low-income households, older adults, women and girls (including transgender women and girls), people of color, and people experiencing homelessness. As the current commissions sunset, Sections 2.48 (Commission for the Senior Community), 2.56 (Commission on the Status of Women), and 2.60 shall be retired from the Municipal Code. The new ordinance provides an opportunity to update pertinent activities of these three commissions (e.g., tracking regional, state, and national legislation, inviting community and stakeholder input on social services, providing input to City Council on budget items), and reimagining their purpose in a more holistic manner. These specific duties can be found in the proposed draft ordinance for the newly formed Human Services Commission (Attachment A).
The new commission will be tasked with soliciting community input regarding focused areas and developing an overall work plan for the commission, making use of timelimited ad hoc committees to address discrete work efforts and emerging community needs.
Structure
The new commission shall consist of nine members, with priority being given to existing members of the three commissions who wish to apply for the new commission. The new commission shall be structured as a working commission, with commission members expected to lead temporary ad hoc committees. Each ad hoc committee would consist of one or two commissioners as well as non-commissioners with subjectmatter expertise, lived experience, or a strong interest in the ad hoc committee’s focus.
City Council liaisons and emeritus members could also assist with ad hoc committees.
Ad hoc committees will prepare recommendations for the commission’s consideration. 3 of 3
Transitioning Provision
The proposed ordinance contains transition provisions to allow for staggered terms of Commissioners following their initial appointment. The nine commissioners shall classify themselves by lot, such that four shall serve terms expiring on the second succeeding July 1st and shall serve terms expiring on the fourth succeeding July 1st. The current bodies will cease to exist as separate bodies after June 30, 2022. The new Human Services Commission would become effective on July 1, 2022.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of adoption of the proposed ordinance.
Prepared By: Nikima Newsome, Assistant City Clerk
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Proposed Ordinance
B. Written Comments