|
DATE: |
February 11, 2025 |
04 |
SUBJECT:Title SAN DIEGO COUNTY COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES BYLAWS FOR APPROVAL (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
On December 3, 2013 (37), the Board of Supervisors renamed the Committee for Persons with Disabilities as a community advisory group to promote the policy of and to provide an open forum for discussion and action for the County of San Diego to assure the self-determination of persons with disabilities, to provide persons with disabilities with the resources and educational services necessary to enable them to achieve their fullest potential, and to provide them with an equal opportunity to participate fully in the social and economic benefits of our society. In the committee meeting on February 21, 2024 (6), a motion was made and seconded to establish bylaws for the committee; the motion passed unanimously.
Section E.7. By-laws of Advisory Committees of Board Policy A-74: Participation in County Boards, Commissions and Committees states that each advisory committee will prepare bylaws, which must be reviewed by County Counsel and approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Today's action seeks Board approval of the Committee’s bylaws. If approved, today's action would approve the bylaws of the Committee (Attachment A). The Committee approved the bylaws for submission to the Board of Supervisors at their meeting on September 18, 2024 (6).
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Approve the Bylaws of the San Diego County Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
County government includes standing and special citizen boards, commissions, committees, and task forces formed to advise the Board of Supervisors and County staff on issues and policy and to serve as links to the community. Boards, commissions, and committees provide an inter-relationship between the residents and the government of the County.
Approving the bylaws for the Committee referenced in this Board Letter provides guidance for individual residents to impart valuable insight and input into the operation of the government related to the population of persons with disabilities.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The County of San Diego has over 100 boards, commissions, committees, and task forces that serve as community voice in the County government. This advisory body is an essential role in resident engagement that allows citizens to participate on issues relating to the welfare and quality of life for persons with disabilities in the County.
This committee is fundamental to the County of San Diego’s ability to navigate complex and dynamic policy challenges, are a conduit to the County Bureaucracy, and a broker to community voice. This board letter supports the County of San Diego Sustainability Goal No.1 by “encourage[ing] people and diverse stakeholders to partner and participate in decisions that impact their lives and communities.” Approving the San Diego County Committee for Persons with Disabilities Bylaws will support continuity of operations and sustainability of impact.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with these recommendations. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
The Committee reviewed and approved the bylaws in the committee meeting on November 10, 2024.
BACKGROUND
On December 3, 2013 (37), the Board of Supervisors renamed the Committee for Persons with Disabilities as a community advisory group to promote the policy of and to provide an open forum for discussion and action for the County of San Diego to assure the self-determination of persons with disabilities, to provide persons with disabilities with the resources and educational services necessary to enable them to achieve their fullest potential, and to provide them with an equal opportunity to participate fully in the social and economic benefits of our society.
The Committee has the responsibility to:
• Study and evaluate County Charter provisions, ordinances, policies and proposed policies, to determine their implication for persons with disabilities.
• Study areas of concern as they pertain to the lives and needs of persons with disabilities. These may include but are not limited to coordination of Client Support Systems, Health, Education, Employment, Recreation, Housing, Transportation and Architectural Barriers Safety Related Matters.
• Conduct workshops for County personnel and community groups.
• Participate in the conduct of public hearings dealing with matters related to persons with disabilities.
• Utilize County resources and facilities to accumulate information for the purpose of furthering the objectives of this Committee.
• Prepare and disseminate information of matters related to discrimination and prejudice.
• Formulate programs or legislation to promote and insure independence, equal rights and opportunities for all persons with disabilities.
• Provide liaison and assistance to County or citizen groups interested in the problems facing persons with disabilities.
• Initiate application for grants from all levels of government and private sources for carrying out the purposes of the Committee.
• Serve as the County’s advisory committee of Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and related rehabilitation matters.
Section E.7. By-laws of Advisory Committees of Board Policy A-74: Participation in County Boards, Commissions and Committees states that each advisory committee will prepare bylaws, which must be reviewed by County Counsel and approved by the Board of Supervisors.
In the committee meeting on February 21, 2024 (6), a motion was made and seconded to establish bylaws for the committee; the motion passed unanimously. The Vice Chair of the Committee for Persons with Disabilities drafted bylaws that have been reviewed and discussed by the Committee. County Counsel reviewed the draft bylaws and made comments and recommendations. The Committee reviewed and adopted recommendations made by County Counsel.
In the committee meeting on September 18, 2024 (6), a motion was made and seconded to approve the Committee bylaws. Five committee members approved, and two abstained. The motion carried.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
This proposed action supports the Sustainability and Equity Initiatives in the County of San Diego’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and its vision for a San Diego that is Building Better Health, Living Safely, and Thriving by supporting and empowering communities or people with disabilities.
Committee activities and goals align with reducing disparities and disproportionality and ensuring access for all through a fully optimized health and social service delivery system and upstream strategies and helping County departments provide programs and services that enhance the community through increasing the well-being of our residents and our environments.
Respectfully submitted,
ebony n. shelton
Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S):
BYLAWS OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES