STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance and Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: December 8, 2021
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity and Inclusion
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 2, “Administration” of the Dallas City Code, Article XXI-a, to: (1) create a commission on disabilities; (2) provide the functions, terms, and meetings of the commission on disabilities; (3) provide definitions; (4) provide the duties and responsibilities of the commission on disabilities; (5) provide a saving clause; (6) provide a severability clause; and (7) provide an effective date - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
The Commission on Disabilities will be responsible for advising and making recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, Department Directors, and the individual designated by the Mayor to head the Mayor's initiative on disabilities on issues pertaining to the full spectrum of needs, rights, and privileges of people with disabilities. The Commission on Disabilities is charged with developing programs to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities; developing programs to address accessibility issues; developing community-based programs to enhance the quality of life for Dallas residents who have disabilities; developing programs to address the issues pertaining to alcoholism and drug abuse; developing programs to take full advantage of all federal, state and local funding opportunities; developing programs to ensure adequate housing for people with disabilities; and developing programs to ensure accessible communications for people with disabilities.
The Commission on Disabilities will advise the City Council on City-related issues and provide a forum for voicing the concerns of and meeting the needs of the City’s diverse disability community.
All members shall be appointed for an initial term to expire on June 14, 2023. Thereafter, nominations shall begin in September and each subsequent odd-numbered year, and members appointed shall serve a two-year term beginning on October 1.
A technical resource panel of up to eight non-voting members will be nominated by the City Manager and appointed by the City Council. This panel is charged with using its expertise and experience in disability matters to assist the commission on disabilities to the fullest extent possible in the review of all issues coming before the commission on disabilities.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Workforce, Education, and Equity Committee was briefed on “Consider an Amendment to the Dallas City Code to Create a Commission on Disabilities” on October 12, 2021.
The Workforce, Education, and Equity Committee was briefed by memorandum on “Consider an Amendment to the Dallas City Code to Create a Commission on Disabilities” on November 8, 2021. <https://cityofdallas.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=9943443&GUID=B1B5B998-6492-4B13-88E7-76AF8E9A48DD>
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.