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An Ordinance Amending Chapter 35 (Creating the Senior Citizen Advisory Council)
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WHEREAS, the Corporate Authorities of the Village of Romeoville have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to create an advisory council to be known as the Senior Citizen Advisory Council to recognize the contributions, needs, and perspectives of residents aged sixty-two (62) and older and to further the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of senior residents; and
WHEREAS, the Senior Citizen Advisory Council shall advise the Village Board and staff on policies, programs, services, and infrastructure affecting older adults, promote civic participation and strengthen coordination among public, private, and nonprofit partners serving seniors.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE VILLAGE OF ROMEOVILLE, WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS; THAT:
SECTION 1: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are hereby incorporated into this Ordinance as if fully set forth herein.
SECTION 2: AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 35-CREATION OF NEW CHAPTER 35.230 ET. SEQ. All heretofore adopted Village Ordinances codified at Chapter 35 of the Village Code are hereby amended by the addition of the following text, to be codified as and for a new Chapter 35.320 et. seq.:
35.230 Establishment; Purpose. There is hereby created and established a Council, to be known as the Senior Citizen Advisory Council (“Council”), consisting of up to seven (7) members but not more than eleven (11) members to be appointed by the Village President for terms of one year with the advice and consent of the Village Board of Trustees. . Members serve at the pleasure of the Village President and Board and may be removed for cause, including non-attendance, misconduct, or conflict-of-interest violations, following notice and opportunity to respond. A majority of the members of the Council shall be residents of the Village aged 62 or over at the time of appointment, but up to two seats may be filled by representatives of organizations serving seniors. Any vacancies occurring in the membership of the Council shall be filled by appointment by the Village President with the advice and consent of the Village Board for the balanced of the unexpired term. The Village President may designate a trustee to serve as a non voting Board Liaison to the Council. The Village Manager shall assign a staff liaison to the Council to support its operations. Members of the Council shall be subject to and comply with the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act and Village ethics, anti-discrimination, and harassment policies.
35.231 Authority of Council. The Council is hereby established as an advisory body to the Village Board. It shall not have regulatory or adjudicatory authority and shall operate in accordance with this chapter, applicable law, and any bylaws adopted by the Council pursuant hereto.
35.232 Duties and Responsibilities of the Council. The Council shall:
(A) Review and recommend programs related to:
(1) transportation and mobility;
(2) housing and aging-in-place;
(3) health, wellness, recreation, and social inclusion;
(4) public safety and emergency preparedness;
(5) access to information, digital inclusion, and Village communications.
(B) Identify gaps in services, barriers to access, and opportunities to collaborate with other stakeholders; and
(C) Support outreach to diverse senior populations, including veterans, persons with disabilities, and seniors with limited English proficiency.
35.233. Meetings. The Council shall meet at least four times per year, but may meet more frequently as needed, and shall hold its meetings at the Romeoville Village Hall. The Council may also call additional special meetings from time to time as necessitated by the business of the Council. All meetings and records4 of the Council shall be open to the public, and shall be conducted in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, as applicable.
SECTION 3: SEVERABILITY. That the various provisions of this Ordinance are to be considered severable and if any part or portion of this Ordinance shall be held invalid by any Court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 4: CONFLICTS. All prior Ordinances and Resolutions, or parts thereof in conflict or inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby expressly repealed only to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency.
SECTION 5: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication in pamphlet form as provided by law.