§ 45-60-1 - Creation of board.
SECTION 45-60-1
§ 45-60-1 Creation of board. – (a) There is created and established a body politic and corporate to be knownas the "Block Island housing board" to carry out the provisions of thischapter. The board is constituted a public instrumentality exercising publicand essential governmental functions, and the exercise by the board of thepowers conferred by this chapter are deemed and held to be the performance ofan essential governmental function of the town of New Shoreham.
(b) The board shall consist of seven (7) members all of whomshall be year-round residents of Block Island.
(c) Three (3) members of the board will be elected at largeon a nonpartisan ballot by the voters of the town of New Shoreham to four (4)year terms. Candidates receiving the three (3) highest vote totals will beelected. In the first election, three (3) members will be elected; the two (2)receiving higher vote counts for four (4) years; one receiving the thirdhighest count to a two (2) year term. In subsequent elections, there will betwo (2) openings, followed two (2) years later with one opening, each for four(4) year terms, provided, however, that the town council of the town of NewShoreham shall appoint these three (3) members until the first regular townelection following the enactment of this chapter.
(d) The New Shoreham town council shall appoint four (4)other members for two (2) year terms. Two (2) members shall represent aconservation group and a housing advocacy group respectively, the third shallbe knowledgeable in real estate in the town. The remaining member shall be fromthe community at large.
(e) Should a board member resign for health or other reasons,the town council will appoint a person to fill the unexpired term of thevacating board member.
(f) Annually, the board shall elect from among its members achairperson and vice-chairperson. The board will appoint a treasurer who willmaintain books of record in conjunction with the town treasurer. The board mayelect any other officers it determines necessary. Meetings shall be heldmonthly, at a time to be determined by the board, at the call of thechairperson, or at the request of four (4) members. Four (4) members shallconstitute a quorum and action taken by the board under the provisions of thischapter may be authorized by a majority of the members present and voting atany regular or special meeting.
(g) The board may appoint and employ an executive director ona full, part-time or contract basis, whose duties may include, but not belimited to:
(1) Supervise and administer allocations made through thetrust fund in accordance with this chapter and with the rules and regulationsof the board;
(2) Act as the chief administrative officer having generalcharge of the office and records;
(3) Act as executive secretary of the board; and
(4) Perform other duties as determined by the board which arein accordance with this chapter and with the rules and regulations of the board.
(h) The board shall hire legal counsel whose selection issubject to the approval for the town of New Shoreham for legal services.