This bill would create a task force to study improving safety in Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelters. The task force would have nine members and include the DHS commissioner, who would serve as the chairperson, and appointees of the Mayor and the Council Speaker who would have background in homeless services and law enforcement. One appointed member would be a shelter resident. Within one year of the formation of the task force, it would issue a report of its recommendations. The task force would no longer exist after the issuance of the report.
- Filed (End of Session)
History
Int. No. 805
By the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams) and Council Member Brannan
A Local Law in relation to the creation of a taskforce to study improving safety in homeless shelters
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. a. There shall be a task force to study, develop, and recommend changes to the laws, rules, regulations, and policies related to the department of homeless services, specifically in regard to the safety in department of homeless services shelters.
b. Such task force shall consist of nine members. Five members shall be appointed by the mayor, including the commissioner of the department of homeless services or their designee, who shall be the chairperson of such task force, and four members shall be appointed by the speaker of the council, provided that all appointees of such task force shall have backgrounds in homeless services or law enforcement. One of the appointees of the speaker shall be a current homeless shelter resident.
c. Each member shall serve for a term of one year to commence after the final member of the task force is appointed. Any vacancies in the membership of the task force shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A person filling such vacancy shall serve the unexpired portion of the term of the succeeded member. All members shall be appointed to the task force within 60 days of the enactment of this local law.
d. No member shall be removed from the task force except for cause and upon notice and hearing by the appropriate appointing official.
e. Members of the task force shall serve without compensation and shall meet no less often than on a quarterly basis.
f. Within one year of the formation of the task force, such task force shall submit a report of recommendations to improve safety in department of homeless services shelters to the mayor and the speaker of the council and post such report the department’s website.
g. The task force shall terminate upon issuance of the report.
§ 2. This local law takes effect immediately.
OA/AV
LS 398
LS# 2852/Int. 569-2014
12/4/17