(a) There is hereby created the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls, consisting of the Mayor, or his or her designee, one (1) member of Council appointed by Council, or the Council’s designee; one (1) city employee from any office or department, appointed by the Mayor; and twelve (12) persons, who shall include the following:
(1) a representative from the faith community;
(2) a representative from the business community;
(3) a representative from a pre-school, primary, and/or secondary school;
(4) a representative from a college or university;
(5) a representative from a grass-roots organization located in the City;
(6) a representative who is a member of a union;
(7) a representative from a local hospital who is a doctor of medicine;
(8) a representative from a social service agency or who is employed as a social worker;
(9) two (2) college students who attend either community college, technical school or one (1) of the four (4) year Cleveland based universities and live in Cleveland; and
(10) two (2) Cleveland Metropolitan School District (“CMSD”) students between eleven (11) and seventeen (17) years old who live in Cleveland, and have permission from their parent or legal guardian, who shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year.
(b) The appointing authority for those described in division (a) above shall be as follows: the Mayor shall appoint those described in subdivisions (1) through (4); the Council shall appoint those described in subdivisions (5) through (8); and the Mayor and the Council shall each appoint one student described in subdivisions (9) and (10).
(c) Other than the Mayor, or his or her designee, the member of Council or Council’s designee, and the CMSD students, the term of the members shall be three (3) years. However, the terms of the original appointments shall be as follows: the members under subdivisions (a)(1), (a)(3), (a)(5), and (a)(7) shall serve three (3) years, the members under subdivisions (a)(2), (a)(4), (a)(6), and (a)(8) shall serve two (2) years; and the members under subdivision (a)(9) shall serve one (1) year. In the event that a vacancy occurs during the term of any member, the Commission, with Mayoral and Council approval, shall appoint a successor to serve the unexpired portion of that term.
(Ord. No. 1006-2023. Passed 10-23-23, eff. 10-25-23)
(a) The Mayor shall appoint a chairperson. At the first meeting of the Commission, the chairperson shall appoint from the Commission's membership a vice chairperson and secretary.
(b) The Commission shall meet at least once a month at such time and place as it shall decide. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson at the chairperson's discretion. A simple majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any member who is absent from three (3) consecutive duly-called meetings shall be removed from the Commission unless said member files a written appeal with the Commission and a majority thereof votes to retain said member.
(c) The Commission shall adopt such rules and regulations governing its own conduct as are not in conflict with the Charter or these Codified Ordinances.
(d) The Commission may establish one (1) or more advisory subcommittees to help achieve the goals set forth in this Chapter.
(e) The Commission shall keep minutes of its meetings, a copy of which shall be kept on file in the Mayor's Office. All findings, reports and recommendations of the Commission shall be in writing and shall designate thereon the names of the members concurring therein. A member who does not concur in any such plan, finding, report or recommendation may note thereof the reasons for said member's failure to concur.
(Ord. No. 373-2022. Passed 6-6-22, eff. 6-13-22)
The Commission shall:
(a) Serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor on matters pertaining to the quality of life for black women and girls;
(b) Conduct research and public hearings, and issue reports, including quarterly reports to all members of City Council, on the status of black women and girls in education, economic development, healthcare, justice, and civil rights;
(c) Develop, maintain, and share information and referral service to respond to the needs of black women and girls;
(d) Recommend policies, programs, or legislation to ensure equality rights and opportunities for all women;
(e) Solicit grants or contributions on behalf of the City in furtherance and purposes of the Commission; and
(f) Any other responsibility requested by the Mayor.
(Ord. No. 373-2022. Passed 6-6-22, eff. 6-13-22)