§ 3-3-1905. MISCELLANEOUS POWERS AND DUTIES.

(a)

Powers. The Commission for Women may adopt rules of procedure for the conduct of its business.

(b)

Powers of the Chairman.

(1)

With the approval of the voting members of the Commission, the Chairman of the Commission may appoint committees of at least three Commission members to assist in carrying out the functions and duties of the Commission.

(2)

The Chairman may appoint advisory committees consisting of citizens and at least one Commission member.

(3)

An action of a committee appointed under this subsection may not be deemed an action of the Commission unless expressly ratified by the Commission.

(c)

Duties. The Commission shall:

(1)

When necessary, develop an information and referral system for all services in the county related specifically to the needs of women and recommend other services when a need for other services is determined;

(2)

Research, assemble, analyze, and disseminate pertinent data and educational materials relating to activities and programs which will assist in meeting the needs of women and in the elimination of prejudice and discrimination on account of sex;

(3)

Institute and conduct educational and other programs, meetings, and conferences to promote equal rights and opportunities for all women;

(4)

In performance of its duties, cooperate with interested citizens, community, business, professional, technical, educational, and civic organizations;

(5)

Cooperate with the County Executive and all governmental agencies and boards and commissions and refer to the County Executive and to the proper governmental agencies matters under their jurisdiction;

(6)

Study and investigate by means of meetings, conferences, and public hearings conditions which demonstrate unmet needs of women;

(7)

Advise and counsel the residents of the county, the County Council, the County Executive, and the various departments of the county, state, and federal governments on matters involving the needs of women and on matters relating to discrimination and prejudice on account of sex and recommend procedures, programs, or legislation it considers necessary and proper to promote and ensure equal rights and opportunities for all women;

(8)

Work to remove inequalities due to unmet needs of women in areas including housing, recreation, employment, education, community services, and related matters; and

(9)

Issue annual reports to the County Executive and County Council on:

(i)

The status of women in the county; and

(ii)

The activities of the Commission.

(d)

Records. The Commission shall:

(1)

Keep minutes on file which shall be open to the public during reasonable business hours; and

(2)

On request, submit copies of minutes to the County Executive or a County Council member.

(e)

County agencies to cooperate with the Commission. The County Executive and all governmental agencies, boards, and commissions shall cooperate with the Commission to:

(1)

Ensure that issues will be addressed in the most effective and efficient manner; and

(2)

Avoid duplication of efforts.

(1988 Code, §§ 19-115, 19-116, 19-118, 19-119, 19-120) (Bill No. 31-99, § 3, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 82-99, § 1, 10-22-1999; Bill No. 82-99, § 3, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 70-03, § 39, 7-1-2004)