Frederick County disability commission reviews by-laws and proposes two-year officer cycles, workgroups and onboarding

After lunch at its Jan. 11 retreat, the Frederick County Commission on Disabilities reviewed its by-laws and discussed internal governance changes and next steps.

Kevin Welker, chair, led a by-laws review and recommended only minor adjustments; he proposed a two-year turnaround for officer positions and the creation of workgroups to do implementation work outside the full commission meetings. The commission noted that the recording secretary will prepare minutes and agendas, and members were asked to begin identifying replacements for two departing members.

The group set outreach and reporting items for the annual report including a Deaf History PSA and Disability PRIDE recognitions. Evan and Lisa were publicly recognized for their service to the commission and onboarding of new members (Emily Kranking, Jackie Kanekuni, Bob Gunter and Mark Florimbio) was noted.

Members also discussed social media postings to increase visibility and confirmed the Centers for Independent Living hearing in Annapolis on Feb. 26 as a near-term advocacy milestone. The retreat adjourned at 1:00 p.m.; according to the minutes Kevin Welker moved adjournment, Bob Gunter seconded and Dave Drezner voiced approval; no formal vote tally was recorded in the minutes.

The commission’s regular meeting schedule and liaison roles were reiterated in the minutes; the listing names the County Council liaison and county staff liaison and indicates the commission meets on the second Monday of each month except August and December.