(A) Purpose. The purpose of the Commission shall be to ensure women who are residents of the city the full realization of their rights as citizens.
(Prior Code, § 32.270)
(B) Definitions. For the purposes of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The word SHALL is always mandatory and not merely directory.
COMMISSION. The City Women’s Commission, as created in this subchapter.
COMMISSIONER. Any duly appointed member of the City Women’s Commission.
DIRECTOR. The Director of the City Women’s Commission.
PERSON. Includes one or more individuals.
(Prior Code, § 32.271)
(C) Creation; membership and staff.
(1) There is established in the city the City Women’s Commission to carry out the provisions of this subchapter. The Commission shall consist of no less than 15 and no more than 21 members. All the members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor based on the recommendations from the Commission, subject to approval by the Common Council.
(2) All Commissioners appointed under the authority of the Mayor, whose terms have not expired, shall continue to serve for the term of their appointment. Thereafter, the term of service shall be three years. Each member of the Commission shall continue to serve until reappointed or until a successor is appointed.
(3) Failure of any Commissioner to attend three public meetings without a valid excuse in a calendar year period shall constitute an automatic resignation from the Commission. A valid excuse may include: death, illness, vacation, family emergency, infrequent employment related absences, and conflicts in class enrollments.
(4) Upon the death or resignation of any Commissioner, a successor shall be appointed by the Mayor based on the recommendation of the Commission, subject to approval by the Common Council, to serve the unexpired term.
(5) Any resignation shall be in writing to the Mayor with a copy to the Chairperson of the Commission.
(6) The members of the Commission shall serve without compensation, however, they may be reimbursed for expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with appropriations made by the Common Council.
(7) The Commission shall have the authority to appoint and terminate a director and other staff as may be authorized by the Common Council, subject to approval by the Mayor.
(Prior Code, § 32.272)
(D) Powers and duties.
(1) (a) The Commission shall elect one of its members as Chairperson and may elect other officers and appoint committees and advisory committees as it may deem necessary to carry out its responsibilities.
(b) The Commission shall meet at least once each month and may hold special meetings as the Chairperson or the Commission deems necessary.
(c) A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. No official action shall be taken by the Commission except by an affirmative vote of a majority of members present.
(2) The Commission shall have the following powers, duties, and responsibilities:
(a) Create public awareness and understanding of responsibilities, needs, contributions, and the potential of women as homemakers, workers, and active participants in community life, and of the importance of each of these roles in the changing society; and to combat sex stereotyping in each of these roles;
(b) Act as a central clearing house and coordinating body for governmental and non-governmental activities and information relating to the status of women;
(c) Maintain contracts with the appropriate local, state, federal, and international agencies concerned with the status of women;
(d) Cooperate with and encourage participation among the various agencies, organizations, units of government, and the community in the programs and conferences of the Commission;
(e) Seek improvement in:
1. Public and private employment policies and practices within the city in regard to women;
2. State labor laws pertaining to hours, wages, and working conditions of women;
3. Legal rights of women in regard to political and civic responsibilities, property rights, and family relations; and
4. Policies and practices with respect to education and counseling of women for nonstereotyped roles.
(f) Seek new and expanded services for women as individuals, wives, mothers, and workers;
(g) Recommend legislative and administrative action, equal treatment, and opportunities for women;
(h) Submit an annual report with recommendations to the Mayor and the Common Council; and
(i) Establish by-laws as the Commission may deem necessary to carry out its powers, duties, and responsibilities not inconsistent with this subchapter. The by-laws may include but is not limited to addressing the following:
1. Rules and procedures of regular and special meetings;
2. Creation of standing, advisory, or other committees;
3. Rules and procedures for election of officers;
4. Duties and powers of officers and committees;
5. Selection criteria and procedures relating to prospective Commission and staff members;
6. Policy relating to excused absences and leave of absences;
7. By-law amendment procedure; and
8. Any other related matters.
(Prior Code, § 32.273)
(Ord. 3538, passed - -1991)