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Commission on Disability
EVAN PENNELLA| | ASSOCIATE | |
Meetings
- 7 p.m.
- 4th Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. with the exception of November and December.
- Location varies, check the meeting notice on the town calendar.
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Agendas
View Most Recent Agenda
View all meeting minutes
Members
The commission shall consist of 7 members. A majority of said commission members shall consist of people with disabilities, 1 member shall be a member of the immediate family of a person with a disability and 1 member of said commission shall be either an elected or appointed official of that city or town. The terms of the first members of said commission shall be for 1, 2, or 3 years, and so arranged that the term of 1/3 of the members expires each year, and their successor shall be appointed for terms of three years each. After the initial term, all seats will be appointed for 3 year terms.
- Seat 1: Initial term - 3 years
- Seat 2: Initial term - 3 years
- Seat 3: Initial term - 3 years
- Seat 4: Initial term - 2 years
- Seat 5: Initial term - 2 years
- Seat 6: Initial term - 1 years
- Seat 7: Initial term - 1 years
Purpose
The Commission on Disability is charged with performing the duties as described in the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40 section 8J.
Specifically, the commission shall:
- Research local problems of people with disabilities;
- Advise and assist municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities;
- Coordinate or carry out programs designed to meet the problems of people with disabilities in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts office on disability;
- Review and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services, activities and facilities of departments, boards and agencies of said city or town as they affect people with disabilities;
- Provide information, referrals, guidance and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability;
- Coordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes.
The commission shall keep records of its meetings and actions and shall file an annual report which shall be printed in the city or town annual report and shall have at least 10 meetings annually. The commission shall be considered a public body for purposes of the open meeting law and public records law.
Member Removal
Any member of the commission may be removed for cause by the Town Manager. If the Town Manager recommends removal, the member may request a public hearing by the Select Board. Any such request shall be in writing and submitted to the board within 10 days of the Town Manager's recommendation. If no such request is received, the Town Manager's recommendation shall constitute a final decision.
A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term by the Town Manager, with the approval of the Select Board.
Associate Members
Two Associate Members are appointed by the Commission on Disability to serve in an advisory capacity, as long as is mutually agreeable. They do not contribute to a quorum and do not vote, but are involved in all other activities of the Commission. The Commission welcomes the energy and knowledge that Associates contribute to its mission.
Gifts of Property
The commission may receive gifts of property, both real and personal, in the name of the Town of Westford, subject to the approval of the Select Board, such gifts to be managed and controlled by the commission for the purposes set forth in this charge.