DEPARTMENT: Department of Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Amended City/County Joint Commission on Elderly Affairs Bylaws
SUMMARY:
This ordinance approves amendments to the bylaws of the City/County Joint Commission on Elderly Affairs.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City/County Joint Commission on Elderly Affairs (JCEA) was formed in 2002 by the City of San Antonio and Bexar County and is charged to serve in an advisory capacity on issues related to seniors; advocate for seniors in the community; and serve as a clearinghouse for information on elderly issues, programs and services. The Commission includes 11 City appointees (one from each council district and the Mayor), five Bexar County appointees (one from each county precinct and the County Judge), and the Executive Director of the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), who serves in an ex-officio position.
Since 2002, the JCEA has worked to identify the needs of seniors in Bexar County, report these needs to local elected officials, and offer public policy recommendations designed to enhance the quality of life for community seniors. The JCEA also works collaboratively with community agencies to advocate for improvements in service delivery and educates the community on available resources.
City Council previously approved bylaw revisions for the JCEA on July 21, 2005, September 4, 2008 and August 16, 2012. The Commission, by a majority vote, approved amendments to its bylaws at its September 8, 2015 meeting.
ISSUE:
The proposed amendment to the bylaws are intended to further clarify policies for Commission members and revise the Commission’s Code of Conduct to comply with statement and governing body ethics codes. These changes also add language to define quorum requirements and establish a process to replace commission members after 3 consecutive absences. Revisions also establish requirements for media related contacts.
The Commission will present its recommendations to Bexar County Commissioners’ Court after consideration by the City of San Antonio City Council.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should amendments to the bylaws not be approved, the Commission would continue to operate under their current approved bylaws, which are not congruent with the City’s terms of service and quorum policy.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this item.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of amendments to the bylaws of the City/County Joint Commission on Elderly Affairs