Title
To modify the composition of the Columbus Veterans Advisory Board as established pursuant to Ordinance 2464-97, and to repeal Ordinance 2464-97.
Explanation
This Ordinance is submited to modify Ordinance 2464-97, passed October 20, 1997. The current ordinance limits participation on the board by smaller, local veteran's groups. The new ordinance will allow for greater, more diverse representation by reorganizing the board and expanding the number of seats available to these smaller groups.
Body
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance 2464-97, the City of Columbus clarified the composition of the Columbus Veterans Advisory Board which advises the Mayor and the City Council of the needs of American Veterans and the necessity of establishing and maintaining public appreciation for the contributions of veterans to society; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus encourages the business and civilian communities to recognize and make use of the myriad talents and skills the American veteran posses; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of an advisory board on veterans affairs will enable the City of Columbus to enhance the position of the veterans in the community; and
WHEREAS, after the establishment of the Columbus Veterans Advisory Board, it came to the attention of the Board members that the current ordinance regulating the establishment and the functioning of the Board required modifications; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That there is hereby established a Columbus Veterans Advisory Board which shall be comprised of not less than ten (10) or more than thirty-five (35) members who shall be appointed by the Mayor upon approval of City Council. The Coordinator of Veterans Affairs of the City of Columbus shall serve as a member of the Board with voting power.
Section 2. Of the thirty-five (35) member Board, the veteran membership shall be honorably discharged veterans who shall be members of a veteran's organization as recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs within the City of Columbus or Franklin County; a representative of the local Veterans Affairs Healthcare facility who shall be an honorably discharged veteran; and there shall be no more than nine (9) associate members from local organizations not listed with Department of Veterans Affairs.
Section 3. That the Board will convene at the request of the Mayor and once during each quarter of the calendar year and will prepare reports and make recommendations as needed for submission to council. The Board is not restricted to holding additional meetings in the accomplishment of the responsibilities outlined herein.
Section 4. The Board will elect from its members a chairman, a vice-chairman, and a secretary. Said chairman shall have the right to cast a vote on Board business only in the event of a tie.
Section 5. That each veterans organization and associate member organization may submit to the Mayor a list of no more than (3) candidates from which the Mayor may select one as a representative on the board. The term of office shall be two (2) years.
Section 6. That the Board shall not involve itself in political affairs of the City of Columbus or endorse or attempt to support a political candidate for office.
Section 7. That all members of the Board shall serve without compensation and without clerical staff and personnel provided by the City.
Section 8. That Ordinance 2464-97 passed October 20, 1997, be and is hereby repealed.
Section 9. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.