Explanation
This ordinance amends Columbus City Code to establish the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission. On January 16, 2006 Mayor Michael Coleman and Councilmember Kevin L. Boyce convened an African American male summit. The impetus for this summit was to determine the nature of the issues causing the disproportionate increase in homicide rates, high-school dropout rates, as well as the growing population trends for African American males in the Columbus area. 76% of the murder victims in 2005 were African American males as were 72% of the suspects, while 69% of these suspects were under 30 years old. The Commission will evaluate activities and programs that currently exist throughout the community, develop an action plan, host an annual convening of stake-holders, and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council.
The Commission will maintain a minimum of the following 4 subcommittee areas:
· Prevention - Coordinate prevention and rehabilitation programs to reduce the incidence of violence for African American males.
· Business - Promote business ownership and entrepreneurial efforts, employ African American males.
· Educational/Social Development - Create opportunities for social development, educational improvement, and mentoring resource access.
· Faith Base - Coordinate services with existing resource opportunities with faith-based organizations, social service agencies, and community entities.
Fiscal Impact:
NA.
Title
To enact a new Chapter of Columbus City Codes, 1959, to establish the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission.
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council and the Mayor believe that rising crime rates and violence bring extraordinary challenges to African American males in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, one approach to improve outcomes for African American males is through the creation of the Columbus African American Empowerment Commission to advise community leaders, including the Mayor, Columbus City Council, County Commissioners, the educational community, business, faith, non-profit sectors and philanthropic communities on policies, programs and legislation that can positively impact African American males in Columbus and Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish Chapter 160 in the Columbus City Codes, 1959, to establish the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission; Now, Therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
SECTION 1. That the following Chapter 160 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, be and hereby is adopted by this Columbus City Council:
Chapter 160 COLUMBUS AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE EMPOWERMENT COMMISSION
160.01 Establishment
160.02 African American Male Empowerment advisory board.
160.03 Organization of the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission.
160.04 Functions and duties of the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission.
160.05 Functions and duties of the Columbus African American Male Empowerment advisory board.
160.01 Establishment.
There is hereby created and established an entity known as the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission (AAMEC). The members shall be appointed in such manner and number as detailed in Chapter 160.03 and shall serve without compensation. The Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission will develop a plan and coordinate efforts to improve outcomes for African American males and provide, leadership for the community and advise the Mayor, Columbus City Council, the educational community, business, faith, non-profit sectors and philanthropic communities on policies, programs and legislation that impact African American males in Columbus and Franklin County.
160.02 African American Male Empowerment advisory board.
There is hereby established an African American Male Empowerment advisory board, which shall meet and organize by electing a chair, a vice chair and a secretary. The African American Male Empowerment advisory board may adopt by-laws or rules of procedure to govern the conduct of its business which may include provisions for regular or special meetings, voting procedures, amendment of its by-laws or rules, minutes of meetings, or any other procedural matters the advisory board deems necessary to regulate for the conduct of its business.
The African American Male Empowerment advisory board shall meet as often as set forth by the designated facilitating agency when necessary to conduct business and shall adopt, by majority rule, such rules as it shall deem expedient to conduct business. Such rules shall be adopted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order.
160.03 Organization of the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission.
There is hereby established an African American Male Empowerment Commission composed of thirteen (13) members: The mayor shall appoint six (6) members, City Council shall appoint six (6) members, and the remaining member by joint appointment of the Mayor and City Council, all with the concurrence of council in accordance with Section 61 of the Columbus City Charter. Of the thirteen (13) members so appointed, four will be appointed as co-chairs with an initial term of one year. The mayor and City Council shall appoint two each. Of the remaining nine appointed members, three (3) shall be one (1) year appointments, three (3) members for two (2) years and three (3) members for three (3) years. Thereafter, appointments shall be for three (3) year terms. Each of these thirteen (13) members shall have demonstrated interest/or experience in issues or programs relevant to the Empowerment of African American males. Vacancies caused by death, resignation, or otherwise, shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments are made.
160.04 Functions and duties of the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission.
a) Develop a mission statement for the African American Male Empowerment Commission;
b) Access activities and programs available to meet the needs of African American males in the city;
c) Develop an action plan that the African American Male Empowerment Commission and the city should follow to address issues and concerns facing Columbus African American males;
d) Establish a structured means by which the African American Male Empowerment Commission will coordinate with other agencies.
e) Work to collaborate and coordinate with other agencies;
f) Convene an annual meeting to report on conditions.
160.05 Functions and duties of the Columbus African American Male Empowerment advisory board.
a) Advise the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission on activities and programs available to meet the needs of African American males in the city;
b) Monitor the action plan developed by the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission in addressing issues and concerns facing Columbus' African American males;
c) Monitor the means by which the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission will coordinate with other agencies.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.