Union City Municipal Code Ch. 2.25 Senior Citizens Commission

Note: Prior ordinance history: Ords. 277-87, 428-94, 506-97, 511-98, 623-04, 639-04, 678-06, 680-06, 684-07.

It is the purpose of the City Council to create and maintain a social environment in which all senior citizens can live in an independent, healthful and productive manner. The City recognizes the role that older adults can play in finding meaningful and creative solutions to the problems of the elderly and values the contributions that they can make to the community at large.

(Ord. 820-16 § 4, 2016)

There is created in the City a Senior Citizens Commission to consist of five members plus two alternates which shall be designated as the Senior Citizens Commission of the City. All Senior Citizen Commissioners and alternates must be dues paying members of the Ralph & Mary Ruggieri Senior Center.

(Ord. 820-16 § 4, 2016; Ord. 2025-001, 3/11/2025)

The term of office of the members of the Senior Citizens Commission shall be four years. The term of office for the five current members shall expire consistent with the terms of office at the time of appointment. In the event of a vacancy or term expiration of a Commissioner or alternate, the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, shall appoint successors to fill any vacancies for a term of four years or the unexpired portion thereof. Each Senior Citizens Commissioner so appointed shall serve until his/her successor is duly appointed and qualified. Annually, during the month of August, the Senior Commission shall elect from among its members a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson to serve for one year.

(Ord. 820-16 § 4, 2016; Ord. 2025-001, 3/11/2025)

On annual vacancy or upon vacancy of a Chairperson and/or a Vice-Chairperson, the Senior Citizens Commission shall elect a Chairperson and/or a Vice-Chairperson, to serve at the pleasure of the Senior Citizens Commission. A Secretary shall be designated for the recording of minutes of the Senior Citizens Commission and to keep a record of its resolutions, proceedings and transactions. The Secretary shall be the Community and Recreation Services Director or appointee and shall not be a member of the Commission entitled to vote.

(Ord. 820-16 § 4, 2016)

The Senior Citizens Commission shall fix the time and place of regular and special meetings of the Commission, which shall occur at least once each quarter. All meetings shall be open to the public.

(Ord. 820-16 § 4, 2016)

The Senior Citizens Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

A. To formally assess the needs of the elder community, the resources available to meet these needs and where deficiencies exist and to create a citizen awareness of these needs;

B. Encourage improved standards of services to the aging and encourage establishment of needed new services for the aging, both public and private, and in so doing encourage coordination among organizations providing services to the aging in the community and provide advice and assistance thereto; in cooperation with other agencies collect, maintain, and interpret information and statistics on the aging for the use of citizens and organizations in the City; encourage preparation of publications and results of study and research;

C. Advise the City Council on service, funding opportunities and on all matters affecting the aging in the community;

D. To work with various agencies, public and private, in developing programs to meet the assessed needs of seniors;

E. To monitor legislative developments concerning senior citizens;

F. To initiate and encourage educational and other appropriate activities which tend to promote an understanding of the needs, problems of the elderly and aging process;

G. To conduct informational hearings on matters affecting the aging in the community;

H. Through voluntary means, to encourage coordination of all senior services, public and private, and to foster communication among the providers of senior citizens services to the residents of Union City;

I. To perform such other functions and render such reports and recommendations as may be directed by the City Council;

J. In prescribing the duties and functions of the Commission set out in this section, it is not the intent of this Council to duplicate or overlap the functions, duties or responsibilities heretofore or hereafter assigned to any other City Board or Commission or to a City department. As to such functions or responsibilities set forth in this section which are partially or wholly the responsibilities of another Board or Commission or department of the City, the Commission will render assistance and advice to such Board, Commission/department as may be required.

(Ord. 820-16 § 4, 2016)