Chapter 2-11 — SENIOR SERVICES COMMISSION

A senior services commission consisting of seven members is established. The seven members shall be appointed by the city council.

(Ord. 559 (part), 2006: Ord. 486 § 1, 1998: Ord. 346 § 1, 1986: Ord. 124 § 1 (part), 1974)

(Ord. No. 639, § 2(exh. A), 6-8-2015)

At least five members of the commission shall reside in the city. At least a majority of the commission shall be at least 60 years of age.

(Ord. 562 (part), 2007: Ord. 486 § 2, 1998: Ord. 124 § 1 (part), 1974)

(Ord. No. 639, § 2(exh. A), 6-8-2015)

The term of office of each member is two years. Each member serves until a successor is appointed.

(Ord. 562 (part), 2007: Ord. 486 § 3, 1998: Ord. 124 § 1 (part), 1974)

(Ord. No. 627, § 6, 1-13-2014)

A member of the commission may be removed by a majority vote of the council. A vacancy is filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A person appointed to fill a vacancy serves for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(Ord. 124 § 1 (part), 1974)

If a member of the commission is absent without cause from three successive regular meetings of the commission, the office becomes vacant automatically. The commission shall immediately notify the council of the vacancy. A member is not absent without cause if his absence is (a) due to illness; or (b) unavoidable and the member gives the administrative aide notice before the day of the meeting of the member's absence and the reason for the absence.

(Ord. 394 § 1, 1992: Ord. 124 § 1 (part), 1974)

No member of the commission shall receive any compensation for his service.

(Ord. 124 § 1 (part), 1974)

The commission shall hold regular meetings, at least every other month, and at such times and places as it shall determine.

(Ord. 486 § 4, 1998: Ord. 124 § 1 (part), 1974)

The city council shall appoint the first chair and vice-chair of the commission following creation of the commission. Thereafter, at the first commission meeting in January, the commission shall elect a chair and vice-chair from among its members. The chair and vice-chair serve for a term of one year and until the successor of each is appointed and qualified.

(Ord. 562 (part), 2007: Ord. 394 § 2, 1992: Ord. 124 § 1 (part), 1974)

The commission shall adopt rules and bylaws for the transaction of its business and shall keep a public record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations.

(Ord. 124 § 1 (part), 1974)

A majority of the voting members of the commission (four) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

(Ord. 559 (part), 2006: Ord. 486 § 5, 1998: Ord. 124 § 1 (part), 1974)

(Ord. No. 639, § 2(exh. A), 6-8-2015)

(a)

Chair. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the commission. The chair shall appoint all committees of the commission and shall perform all of the duties necessary or incidental to the office.

(b)

Vice-chair. The vice-chair shall fulfill all duties of the chair in the absence or inability of the chairperson to act.

(Ord. 562 (part), 2007: Ord. 394 § 3 (part), 1992: Ord. 124 § 1 (part), 1974)

It shall be the responsibility of the commission to identify those unique needs of the city's residents aged 60 or over which might be met, in whole or in part, by the city, and to make reports and recommendations, from time to time, to the city council concerning appropriate action the city might take with respect to such needs. Specifically, and without limitation, the commission shall:

(a)

Identify the needs of the aging in the community and create a citizen awareness of these needs;

(b)

Encourage the improvement of standards of public and private services to the aging and the coordination among organizations providing these services by offering advice and assistance thereto; collect, maintain and interpret information and statistics on the aging for the use of citizens and organizations in the city; encourage the preparation of publications and the distribution of studies and research pertaining to the aging;

(c)

Advise the city council on all matters affecting the aging in the community;

(d)

Render advice and assistance to other city commissions, to the city staff and to private agencies on matters affecting the aging;

(e)

Support and work with Lafayette Senior Services Center coordinator to develop programs which will make the center a highly visible facility where seniors can obtain information, services and opportunities for education and socializing;

(f)

Promote and support the senior transportation program and the senior housing program;

(g)

Liase with local, county, and regional forums and organizations which address topics of interest to seniors.

(Ord. 562 (part), 2007: Ord. 394 § 3 (part), 1992: Ord. 124 § 1 (part), 1974)