Compton Municipal Code § 2-12 Commission for Women

[Added by Ord. #1490, § 2385]

There is hereby created a commission to be known as the Commission for Women. The Commission shall assist in assuring to all women the opportunity for full and equal participation in the affairs of City government and promote the general welfare of women in the community.

[Added by Ord. #1490, § 2385.1; amended by Ord. #1549; Ord. #2126, § 1]

The Commission for Women shall consist of 15 members appointed by the Mayor and City Council. The members shall serve for a term of four years unless removed by action of 3/5 of the Council.

The Commission shall elect from among its members a president and a vice-president at the beginning of each fiscal year.

The Commission shall meet at least once each month, and each member in attendance shall receive $25 per month. The Commission may create committees to assist in its work; however, no remuneration shall be paid to a Commissioner or committee member in connection with a committee meeting.

[Added by Ord. #1490, § 2385.2; amended by Ord. #1540]

The City Manager shall be responsible for appointing members of the City Hall staff to work with the Commission for Women on an as-needed basis.

[Added by Ord. #1490, § 2385.3]

The Commission for Women shall adhere to all laws, rules, regulations, and Charter provisions.

[Added by Ord. #1490, § 2386]

The Commission for Women shall have the following powers and duties:

a. To advise the Mayor and Council of the needs and problems of the women in the City, with special emphasis given to the women in City government;

b. To maintain an active liaison with citizens' groups interested in the problems facing women;

c. To find new ways of promoting awareness of the changing life patterns, opportunities, and responsibilities of women today;

d. To investigate problems and recommend programs which will provide women in the City a greater opportunity and ability to pursue alternative life styles without discrimination. Such programs may address, but shall not be limited to:

1. Discrimination based on marital status which should not be a proper concern for most employers, potential creditors, landlords, etc.;

2. Programs to retrain women who wish to pursue new careers;

3. Discrimination against women when applying for credit;

4. Special problems of safety for women and particularly those who live alone;

5. Scarcity of adequate housing, especially for the single or divorced women with children;

6. The establishment and expansion of child care services;

7. The availability of assistance to mothers raising children alone in dealing with problems of drugs, delinquency, etc.; and

8. Special problems of elderly women living alone;

e. To suggest to the Mayor and Council methods through which any existing inequities in pay and job opportunities between men and women can be alleviated;

f. To perform other studies and surveys on the status of women as may be specifically requested by the Mayor and Council and provide information and advice thereon; and

g. To submit an annual report to the Council at the end of each fiscal year.

[Added by Ord. #1490, § 2386.1]

No action may be taken by the Commission for Women which action shall conflict or interfere with any lawful power or duty reposed in the several offices, departments, commissions, and boards of the City by the provisions of the City Charter.

The Commission, in exercising any of its powers involving the personnel of any department bureau, or office of the City, shall first advise the City Manager.

The Commissioners or the Executive Secretary shall have the power to administer oaths and affirmations in any investigation or public hearing before the Commission.

[Added by Ord. #1490, § 2387]

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the City that all offices, departments, and bureaus thereof shall cooperate to the fullest extent with the Commission for Women; provided, however, no such office, department, or bureau shall be required to do anything in this connection which would conflict with the lawful and necessary conduct of its duties as provided by law.

[Added by Ord. 1490, § 2387.1]

The Commission for Women shall, whenever practical, coordinate its program with any other similar agency, Federal, State, or otherwise, so as to avoid the duplication of efforts and assure an effective working relationship between the City and other public or private agencies in this field.