COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR ORDINANCE NO. 220866
title
Sponsor: Councilwoman Parks-Shaw
Amending Chapter 2, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances, entitled "Boards, Commissions and Committees," by enacting a new Division 23, consisting of Sections 2-970.65 through 2-970.72 entitled "Houseless Advisory Commission” to help the City coordinate and improve the services provided to persons experiencing houselessness; directing the City Manager to work with said commission; and disbanding the Homeless Services Task Force.
body
WHEREAS, the City Council has expressed its concerns regarding the living conditions of persons experiencing houselessness in Kansas City; and
WHEREAS, the City of Kansas City provides financial support and other services directly to persons experiencing houselessness and indirectly through support of many organizations that provide shelter and other services for the houseless and those at risk of becoming houseless; and
WHEREAS, the City of Kansas City supports several community organizations that provide housing, emergency shelter, outreach, counseling, rent and utility payments and other services to Kansas City, Missouri residents; and
WHEREAS, on February 7, 2021, the City created the “Homeless Services Task Force” through Committee Substitute for Resolution 210060 to coordinate and improve the services provided to persons experiencing houselessness; and
WHEREAS, because the issue of houselessness has numerous impacts throughout the city and throughout several City departments, and in recognition of the valuable work performed by the Homeless Services Task Force, the City Council desires to create a codified Houseless Advisory Commission; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That Chapter 2, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances, entitled "Boards, Commissions and Committees," is hereby amended by enacting a new Division 23, consisting of Sections 2-970.65 through 2-970.72, entitled "Houseless Advisory Commission" to formally establish an advisory commission to help the City coordinate and improve the services provided to persons experiencing houselessness, said sections to read as follows:
DIVISION 23. HOUSELESS ADVISORY COMMISSION.
2-970.65. Commission Establishment; Purpose.
There is hereby established a commission to be known as the Houseless Advisory Commission.
2-970.66. Purpose; Duties.
The Commission shall meet to study and address the issue of houselessness in Kansas City, Missouri and serve as an advisory body to the City Council, the city manager and any identified department directors regarding issues of houselessness and how the City can better coordinate and improve the services provided to persons experiencing houselessness and those at risk of becoming houseless. The Commission shall take a holistic approach and include discussions regarding housing, emergency shelter, outreach, counseling, rent and utility payments and any other supportive services.
2-970.67. Membership.
The Commission shall consist of up to seven members appointed by the mayor, with at least one member of the City Council serving on the Commission. Members shall serve without compensation.
2-970.68. Chairperson; Other Officers.
The Mayor shall appoint one member to serve as chairperson. The Commission may nominate and elect a vice-chair and other officers.
2-970.69. Terms.
Each member of the Commission shall be appointed for a two-year term. The Mayor may appoint a member to complete the remaining term of any vacant position. The terms shall be staggered. To effectuate a staggering of terms, three of the initial appointments shall be for one year, while the remainder shall be for two years. Thereafter, all terms shall be for two years.
Sec. 2-970.70. Meetings; Rules and procedures.
The Commission will meet no less than quarterly. The Commission shall have the power to establish the time and place of meetings. The Commission may adopt bylaws, establish a quorum and create other rules and procedures to govern their affairs. The Commission shall recommend to the Mayor the removal of a member for cause or failure to meet the established attendance requirement. The Mayor shall appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of that member’s term.
Sec. 2-970.71. Staff support.
The City Manager shall provide staff support to the Commission.
Sec. 2-970.72. Annual report.
The Commission shall provide an annual report to the Mayor, City Council and City Manager on its activities and recommendations on matters and city programs affecting persons experiencing houselessness in the city. The Commission is authorized to provide additional and more frequent reports.
Section 2. That the City Manager is hereby directed to work with the Houseless Advisory Commission to better coordinate City services provided to persons experiencing houselessness.
Section 3. That the “Homeless Services Task Force” established by Committee Substitute for Resolution 210060 is disbanded upon passage of this ordinance.
end
______________________________________________________
Approved as to form:
______________________________
Bret Kassen
Associate City Attorney