There is hereby created the Accessibility Advisory Board (hereinafter referred to as “the board”), consisting of seven members. All members of the board shall be appointed by the mayor with the consent of the governing body. Membership shall at all times include no less than three members with a disability. Other persons having experience in working with the disabled and those with expertise in accessibility issues will be given preference for appointment to the board. The members of the board shall serve without compensation.

(Ord. 4068, Sec. 1)

Of the members first appointed to the board, two members shall be appointed for terms of one year, two members shall be appointed for terms of two years and three members shall be appointed for terms of three years. Thereafter, members shall be appointed for terms of three years. Vacancies shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term of the vacating member. Continued absence of any member from regular meetings of the board shall, at the discretion of the city commission, constitute cause for the removal of such member by the city commission.

(Ord. 4068, Sec. 2)

The board shall meet at least quarterly and at other times when necessary. A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum. An affirmative vote by a majority of the members present at a duly called and constituted meeting of the board shall be sufficient to take action.

(Ord. 4068, Sec. 3)

The board shall elect from among its membership a chair, a vicechair and a secretary. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the board. The vice-chair shall preside in the absence of the chair. The secretary shall record the minutes and other official transactions of the board. Each officer shall serve for a term of one-year and until his or her successor is elected. Any officer may serve successive terms.

(Ord. 4068, Sec. 4)

The purpose of the board shall be as follows:

(a)   To advise and make recommendations to the city manager and the city commission on such matters related to the accessibility of public property for the handicapped as may be referred to the board from time to time.

(b)   To evaluate projects and activities, both public and private, and to advise city staff on matters related to handicapped accessibility.

(c)   To provide technical assistance to the city on matters related to the disabled population.

(d)   To review city plans for projects prior to implementation as to issues of handicapped accessibility.

(e)   To serve as advocates for citizens with disabilities.

(f)   To serve as a resource to the city commission and to city staff on policy and/or procedure in relation to matters affecting disabled persons.

(g)   To review federal and state regulations and guidelines on handicapped accessibility and to report its findings to the appropriate city department or division, or to the city commission.

(h)   To hear complaints regarding access or alleged discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision by the city of local governmental services which have been submitted to the city’s ADA coordinator for resolution and which have not been resolved thereby to the satisfaction of the complainant, and to carry out those functions delegated to the board under the city’s grievance procedure established in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(Ord. 4068, Sec. 5)