Seniors Advisory Committee Mandate
Terms Of Reference Of The Seniors Advisory Committee
Mandate
- Identify and report to the Mayor and Council on issues that affect seniors in the City of Windsor, including:
a) Acting as a liaison for seniors in the City of Windsor and reporting to and advising City Council on ways to enrich and enhance the health and quality of life of all seniors in this community
b) Soliciting input and acting as a public forum for issues that affect local seniors
c) Identifying barriers to access by seniors to City services and programs
d) Forming partnerships in the community to educate, inform and improve quality of life for seniors
e) Addressing other issues as identified by the Seniors Advisory Committee from time to time
- Make recommendations and provide advice to Mayor and Council regarding strategies that could be used by City administration to address the needs of seniors in the City of Windsor.
Mission Statement
The Seniors Advisory Committee will be a communication link to City Council and Administration for the purpose of improving the quality of life for seniors in Windsor.
Values
The Committee believes that all seniors should have a right to multiple opportunities for healthy aging and a full range of supports to assist them.
Responsibilities
- To liaise between City Council and representatives associated with the committee and where appropriate advise City Council
- To liaise and where appropriate advise Municipal staff in all departments who are responsible for the direct delivery of services and programs to seniors
- To advocate on behalf of seniors concerns affecting policies, services and facilities for seniors delivered by and funded by all levels of government
- To liaise with other Advisory Groups and other organizations when there are matters of mutual concern
- To prepare and submit an Annual Report and Recommendations to City Council for action
- To promote and advocate, wherever appropriate, the concept of healthy aging by encouraging improved and responsive programs and services in a timely fashion
- To increase the awareness of City Council and Administration of the issues, concerns and challenges faced by seniors from a diversity of backgrounds such as race, colour, religion, culture, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, family status, place of origin, marital status and disability
- To ensure that a variety of outreach methods are utilized in order to reach seniors from diverse communities
Committee Membership
A member of S.A.C. is defined as an individual appointed by the Striking Committee of City Council such other means of appointment as City Council may adopt.
In accordance with Council Resolution M175-82, membership is restricted to individuals residing within the City of Windsor. Council may waive this provision at its sole prerogative.
The membership of the S.A.C. will be comprised of a cross-section of individual seniors, representatives of seniors' groups and agency representatives who are committed to working towards the betterment of life for seniors in our community.
The membership of the S.A.C. will include a maximum of thirteen (13) voting members, as well as two (2) City Councillors and resource personnel from the City of Windsor who will be non-voting members of the committee.
Any and all agencies or groups that champion seniors may be recommended for membership. The committee will initially be composed from a list of volunteers that have shown interest in the endeavour. There should be an appropriate balance on the committee between the senior advocates and the agencies that serve them.
Term Limits
The Striking Committee appoints members for a minimum term of two (2) years and may be reappointed for two (2) terms. Council may waive this provision in accordance with city practice.
Executive
The Executive will be comprised of Co- Chairs (one (1) male and one (1) female), a Treasurer, all elected by a majority of the voting membership and the two (2) City Councillors. Each must serve a minimum term of one (1) year and if re-elected may serve for a maximum of three (3) years.
The Secretary is a designated representative of Council Services (City of Windsor) who should consistently attend meetings and supply guidance to the Committee as required.
Attendance at Meeting - S.A.C.
The full Committee will meet once a month at a standard time and place to be set by the Committee. The Committee may meet more frequently should a majority of the members deem it necessary.
In order to facilitate the goals of this Committee, members are encouraged to attend monthly meetings. A member who misses more than (3) three meetings per year without a valid reason will be contacted by the Chairperson of the S.A.C. regarding their absence.
A member shall cease to be a member of S.A.C.:
- Upon delivery of their resignation in writing to the Chairperson of S.A.C.
- Upon death of the member
- If he or she misses (3) three meetings without a valid reason
- If he or she is convicted of an indictable offence for which a pardon has not been granted
- If they are a representative of an agency and that agency ceases to exist or if they are no longer employed or affiliated with that agency
Quorum
- Executive meetings: Fifty percent of the Executive must be present.
- General meetings: Fifty percent plus one of the general voting membership must be present at a meeting.
- If there ceases to be a quorum, business then in progress will be suspended until sufficient members constituting a quorum are present.
Rules of Order
Elections and meetings will be conducted according to Bourinot's Rules of Order and the City of Windsor Procedural By-law.
Sub-Committees
The S.A.C. may establish Ad-Hoc sub-committees. The membership will be appointed by the S.A.C. The Chair of any sub-committee must be a member of the S.A.C.
Staff Resource
City of Windsor administrative staff shall act as resources to the Committee and as such, do not have voting privileges. Clerical and resource assistance is provided by Council Services (City of Windsor). Any additional staff (i.e. casual help) deemed necessary will be hired by and responsible to the Committee through the Executive.
Lead Department/Reporting Relationship
The Chairpersons or designates are the official spokespersons for the Committee.
All subcommittees report directly to the S.A.C. Community and Protective Services will be the lead service area for the S. A. C. The S. A. C. will report through the General Manager of Community and Protective Services to City Council, however, depending on the issue, may report through another Standing Committee where appropriate.
Council Services Department
350 City Hall Square West, Room 203
Windsor, Ontario N9A 6S1
Canada
Phone: For general information, call 311. For detailed inquiries, call the Committee Coordinator at (519) 255-6222 ext. 6430.
Fax: (519) 255-6868
E-mail: clerks@city.windsor.on.ca