§ 2-59. The South Bend Advisory Commission on Black Males.

(a)

Legislative findings:

The 1992 Final Report of the Indiana General Assembly's Interim Study Committee set forth statistical information Black males in America addressing among other things the effects of poverty, violence, and drug abuse resulting in homicides, arrests, prison population, higher death rates, and overall survival. In 1993, the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males recommended legislative remedies to address such critical social problems (IC 12-13-12-1 et seq.).

(1)

The Common Council of the City of South Bend acknowledges that if a segment of our residents and community are not doing well, that this affects the overall well-being of our entire community.

(2)

Statistical studies detailing the status of black males reveal startling and disturbing conditions and trends which are impeding progress toward full participation in the mainstream of our society.

(3)

Poverty, violence, drug abuse, debilitating health problems, and the under-education, underemployment and unemployment of black males promote self-destructive behaviors and create a myriad of community problems.

(4)

There is a need in the City of South Bend to create practical proposals and workable remedies in the areas of employment, education, health and criminal justice to reduce the problems which black males face.

(b)

Establishment, Duties and Responsibilities:

(1)

The South Bend Advisory Commission on Black Males is established.

(2)

The South Bend Advisory Commission on Black Males shall make a systematic local study of the following:

a.

The conditions described in Subsection (a) of this section;

b.

The reasons for the existence of those conditions.

(3)

This Commission shall propose measures to alleviate and correct the underlying causes of the conditions described in Subsection (a) of this section.

(4)

This Commission may study other topics suggested by the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males and topics suggested by the Chairperson of the local Commission.

(5)

This Commission shall receive suggestions or comments pertinent to the issues that the Commission studies, as well as from other governmental agencies, public and private organizations and private citizens.

(6)

This Commission shall have the authority to enter into memorandum of understandings which would require approval of the Common Council, and may appoint committees as needed.

(c)

Relationship Between the State Commission and the Local Commission: Principles of cooperation shall govern the relationship of the South Bend Advisory on Black Males with the State Commission on the Social Status of Black Males. The State Commission and the local Advisory Commission shall make every effort to:

(1)

Assist each other to reach the common goals associated with the purpose of this section.

(2)

Communicate to avoid duplication of efforts and/or interference with activities.

(3)

Exchange information.

(d)

Commission Membership: The South Bend Advisory Commission on Black Males shall consist of fifteen (15) members who must be bona fide residents of the City of South Bend, namely:

(1)

One (1) member of the South Bend Common Council, and one (1) member from the St. Joseph County Council, who are not members of the same political party, and who are appointed by their Council President;

(2)

Two (2) members of the local clergy appointed by the Common Council;

(3)

The local Superintendent of public instruction or the Superintendent's designee;

(4)

The Director of the local Civil Rights agency or the Director's designee;

(5)

The Director of the local Department of Community and Economic Development or the Director's designee;

(6)

Two (2) business persons appointed by the Common Council, one (1) of which must be a minority business person;

(7)

The Chief of Police or the Chief's designee;

(8)

A youth member from South Bend's Youth Advisory Council;

(9)

The Mayor or the Mayor's designee;

(10)

A representative from the health care community who shall be appointed by the Common Council;

(11)

A representative involved with juvenile outreach programs and/or juvenile intervention programs who shall be appointed by the Common Council; and

(12)

A representative of the public, who shall be appointed by the Common Council.

(e)

Governing Regulations of the Commission—Terms of Office, Removal, Vacancies, Officers Meetings, Quorum, Quarterly Updates and Annual Report:

(1)

All individuals appointed shall have an active interest in addressing the overall purposes and goals of the Commission.

(2)

All members shall serve without compensation.

(3)

All members shall serve for a term of two (2) years.

(4)

A member of the Commission may be removed by the member's appointing authority for absenteeism or for cause during his or her term.

(5)

The appointing authority shall fill a vacancy on the Commission by appointing a new member for the unexpired term.

(6)

The Commission shall provide quarterly updates to the Community and Economic Development Committee of the South Bend Common Council.

(7)

At the first meeting of each year, the members of the Commission shall elect one (1) member to be the Commission's Chairperson, one (1) member to be the Commission's Vice-Chairperson, and one (1) member to be the Recording Secretary

(8)

The Commission shall meet on a minimum of a quarterly basis and is subject to notice of such meetings pursuant to the Open Door Law of the State of Indiana.

Indiana's Open Door Law is set forth at IC 5-14-1.5-1 et seq.

(9)

Minutes of all meetings shall be sent to the City Clerk and Mayor's office within thirty (30) days following such meeting.

(10)

Eight (8) members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum.

(11)

Issue an annual written report summarizing the results of each of the above-described duties and responsibilities, and provide recommendations for improvement. The Commission shall submit such report to the South Bend Common Council at its first regular meeting in May of each year under Special Business. The City shall, at its expense, provide copies of such reports to each Commission member, all appointing authorities, and make copies of the same available to members of the public through the City Clerk's Office.

(Ord. No. 8878-98, § I; Ord. No. 10082-11, § I, 4-11-11)