Title
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A SENIOR COMMISSION AND AMENDING THE COMMERCE CITY REVISED MUNICIPAL CODE RELATIVE TO SUCH COMMISSION
Body
Summary and Background Information: The creation of a Commerce City Senior Commission has been identified during numerous City Council retreats as a community need. In 2016, a group of interested residents and senior center patrons approached the city manager's office to explore how to advance this long-standing opportunity. City staff met with a dedicated stakeholder group for four months to identify the mission, roles and responsibilities of a commission, structure, and desired outcomes. The group also visited the four-year-old City of Centennial's Senior Commission to understand how they operate.
A senior commission aligns with City Council's stated goal of engaging the public to encourage community involvement, communication and to build trust. A senior commission provides a cohesive voice for the city's older adult community - similar to the existing youth commission - and moves the needle on the associated outcome of participatory and inclusive community. The work of the stakeholder group was presented during the April 10 study session, including estimated cost and implementation strategies. The proposed ordinance reflects the discussion. Approval will allow the city clerk's office to solicit commission participants in May, with meetings of the Senior Commission beginning in late June/July.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Director of External Affairs Halstead
Staff Member Presenting: Director of External Affairs Halstead
Financial Impact: $2,000
Funding Source: General Fund
Staff Recommendation: Approve ordinance as presented.