Title
Approve and adopt amendments to the Bylaws of the Commission on Disabilities.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and adopt amendments to the Bylaws of the Commission on Disabilities.
SUMMARY:
On September 29, 2025, the Commission on Disabilities approved the revised Bylaws, as recommended by an ad hoc committee previously appointed by the Chairperson of the Commission on Disabilities.
DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Commission on Disabilities, previously referred to as the Monterey County Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Commission, was established pursuant to Resolution No. 01-073, as amended by Resolution 11-257. The County of Monterey Commission on Disabilities is comprised of members representing each Supervisorial District, Department Heads, cities within Monterey County, and various community-based organizations that represent the interests and concerns of people with disabilities.
The primary function of the Commission on Disabilities is to advise the Board of Supervisors regarding matters and issues relating to equal access to employment, public services, communications, and public accommodations for people with disabilities.
On March 24, 2025, the Commission on Disabilities considered revisions to its Bylaws, and the Chairperson added the item to the next agenda. On May 19, 2025, the Chairperson appointed an ad hoc committee to revise the bylaws. On September 29, 2025, the Civil Rights Office presented the revisions as outlined and agreed upon by the ad hoc committee, and the Commission approved the revised bylaws. The considered revisions give voting power to all commissioners, create term limits for commissioners, and update attendance procedures.
Attachment A is the current version of the Bylaws, Attachment B is the proposed Bylaws of the Commission, and Attachment C is a redline of the proposed revised Bylaws.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel reviewed and approved the revised Bylaws as to form.
HOUSING IMPACTS:
___Reduces constraints on Housing Development
___Increases constraints on Housing Development
X Neutral
___Not applicable [N/A]
The Bylaws state that the Commission shall have one representative from the County of Monterey Department of Housing and Community Development for the purpose of addressing housing, permitting, and other related matters. However, currently, there is no direct impact on housing constraints.
HOUSING CONSTRAINTS:
N/A.
FINANCING:
Commissioners of the Commission on Disabilities serve without compensation. Commissioners can request mileage reimbursement if they choose to do so. However, changes to the Bylaws will have no financial impact on the County’s general fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
_X_ Well-Being and Quality of Life
The revised Bylaws confirm that the purpose of the Commission on Disabilities is to advise the Board of Supervisors on issues relating to residents and employees with disabilities, which is related to the Housing and Services strategies outlined in the County of Monterey strategic plan. Specifically, the Commission on Disabilities is concerned with improving services and County operations as they relate to residents and employees with disabilities, including housing, employment, and access to services.
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_X_ Safe and Resilient Communities
The Commission on Disabilities receives presentations from County departments and outside agencies regarding how their operations are made accessible to residents and employees with disabilities. This specifically includes strategies for Disaster Planning and Emergency Response.
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
_X__ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
The Commission on Disabilities also looks at equal opportunity in employment, which is related to the strategies under the Hiring, Retention, and Employee Resources.
Prepared by: Natalie Alfaro, Senior Analyst, x6626
Approved by: Juan P. Rodriguez, Civil Rights Officer, x6614
Attachments:
Board Report
Attachment A - Current Bylaws of the Commission on Disabilities
Attachment B - Proposed Amended Bylaws of the Commission on Disabilities - Clean Version
Attachment C - Proposed Amended Bylaws of the Commission on Disabilities - Redline Version
(Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board)