Explanation
1. Background
This legislation establishes and codifies the Columbus Advisory Commission on Disability Issues (the “Commission”).
The Committee on Disability Issues was formally established in 1999 by operation of Ordinance No. 896-99, adopted by Columbus City Council on April 19, 1999, and signed into law by the Mayor on April 20, 1999. Among the Committee’s purposes was to advise and make recommendations to the Mayor and Council as to issues involving citizens with disabilities. Over time, the committee became known as the Columbus Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (“CACDI”). Since its establishment, CACDI has endeavored to identify actions, make recommendations, and support programs that assure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and other disability-related legislation, both on the federal and state levels. CACDI is staffed by the City’s ADA Coordinator, who is located within the Department of Human Resources.
CACDI submits this legislation for City Council’s consideration to increase the visibility and accessibility of CACDI’s mission. Approximately 13% of the total population of the City of Columbus lives with a disability. CACDI has been an advocate for the disability community in Columbus for decades. By codifying CACDI’s role and establishing the Columbus Advisory Commission on Disability Issues, City Council aims to bring greater visibility and attention to disability issues within the City.
This legislation also authorizes the Commission to conduct its meetings in person or by means of teleconference, videoconference, or other similar electronic technology, or by a combination of in-person and electronic means. Such authorization is integral to the work of the Commission to provide a greater level of access not only to Commission members with disabilities, but also to the general public and disability community to be able to meaningfully participate in Commission meetings.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this contract will be available within Fund 1000, the General Fund.
Title
To establish the Columbus Advisory Commission on Disability Issues; to enact Chapter 175 of the Columbus City Codes; to repeal Ordinance No. 0896-99; to authorize the Director of the Department of Human Resources to enter into contract with contractors necessary to support the work of the Columbus Advisory Commission on Disability Issues (the “Commission”) in accordance with Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes; and to authorize the expenditure of up to $10,000.00 from the General Fund to pay for said contract(s). ($10,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus recognizes the importance of promoting and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, including those with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, people with disabilities represent 13% of the total population in the City of Columbus, a significant and underserved constituency; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for a dedicated body to advise the City on issues affecting individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus needs to better understand people with disabilities, the disability landscape, and the needs of people with disabilities in order to better the quality of outcomes in service delivery and to extend the conversation about disability issues within the City; and
WHEREAS, the establishment and codification of a Columbus Advisory Commission on Disability Issues will provide a formal mechanism for the City to receive input and recommendations from individuals with disabilities and other stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Human Resources to enter into contract with various contractors to support the work of the Columbus Advisory Commission on Disability Issues and for the provision of services described above in the amount of up to $10,000.00; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of up to $10,000.00 from the General Fund to pay for the contract(s); NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That there is hereby enacted Chapter 175 of the Columbus City Codes to read as follows:
175.01. Establishment.
There is hereby established the Columbus Advisory Commission on Disability Issues (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission").
175.02. Purpose.
The purpose of the Commission is to:
A. Advise the Mayor’s office, City Council, and City departments on policies, programs, and services that affect individuals with disabilities.
B. Advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities within the community.
C. Promote awareness and understanding of disability issues among residents and businesses in Columbus.
D. Recommend strategies to improve accessibility and inclusivity in public and private spaces.
175.03. Membership.
The Commission shall consist of eleven (11) members, appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council.
Members shall include individuals with disabilities, family members of individuals with disabilities, representatives from disability advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders with relevant expertise and experience. The Mayor ,City Attorney, President of City Council, each of the City’s various departments, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Columbus Public Health shall each appoint one (1) city employee to serve as a non-voting advisor to the commission.
Of the eleven (11) members so appointed, three (3) shall serve an initial term for (1) year, four (4) for two (2) years and four (4) for three (3) years and thereafter appointments shall be for three (3) year terms.
Removal of members for neglect of duty, absence, misfeasance, malfeasance, etc. will be performed pursuant to by-laws of the commission.
Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments and for the unexpired portion of the term.
175.04. Officers.
The Commission shall elect by majority vote of the membership a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and Historian from among its members to serve a term of two (2) years. The Chairperson shall preside over meetings of the Commission, and the Vice-Chairperson shall preside in the absence of the Chairperson.
175.05. Meetings.
(A) Voting members of the Commission shall meet at least six (6) times annually and at such other times as determined by the Chairperson or a majority of the members. Non-voting members shall attend at least four (4) meetings annually.
(B) All meetings shall be open to the public. The Commission may conduct its meetings in person or by means of teleconference, video conference, or any other similar electronic technology, or by a combination thereof. The Commission shall ensure that the public has access to the discussions and deliberations of the Commission when Commission meetings are conducted in whole or in part by means of teleconference, video conference, or any other similar electronic technology to the same extent that the public would have been able to attend an in-person meeting of the Commission, and commensurate with the method which the Commission is utilizing.
(C) A majority of the voting members of the Commission presently appointed and serving shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Members attending meetings by means of teleconference, video conference, or any other similar technology shall be considered present for the purposes of transacting business. The Commission shall ensure that the public is able to hear the discussions of each Commission member, whether the member is participating in person or electronically.
175.06. Duties and Responsibilities.
The Commission shall:
A. Provide recommendations on proposed City policies, programs, legislation and services that impact individuals with disabilities.
B. Review information and data related to quality outcomes of city services for individuals with disabilities.
C. Gather information on issues affecting individuals with disabilities in Columbus.
D. Organize and participate in public awareness campaigns and educational programs related to disability issues.
E. Submit an annual report to the Mayor and City Council summarizing the Commission's activities and recommendations.
175.07. Staff Support.
The Department of Human Resources shall designate appropriate staff to provide administrative and technical support to the Commission.
SECTION 2. That Ordinance No. 0896-99 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. That the Director of the Department of Human Resources be, and hereby is, authorized to enter into contract with contractors, such as American Sign Language interpreters and other contractors, to facilitate the work of CACDI, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes.
SECTION 4. That the expenditure of $10,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 1000 (General Fund), Subfund 100010 (General Fund Operating), Dept-Div 4601 (Human Resources), in Object Class 03 (Purchased Services) per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest time permitted by law
SECTION 6. That the enforcement of this ordinance shall commence from and after 180 days following the adoption of this ordinance by City Council.