Rhode Island § 45-60-1 - Block Island Housing Board

§ 45-60-1. Creation of board.

(a) There is created and established a body politic and corporate to be known as the “Block Island housing board” to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The board is constituted a public instrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions, and the exercise by the board of the powers conferred by this chapter are deemed and held to be the performance of an essential governmental function of the town of New Shoreham.

(b) The board shall consist of seven (7) members all of whom shall be year-round residents of Block Island.

(c) Three (3) members of the board will be elected at large on 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 be elected. In the first election, three (3) members will be elected; the two (2) receiving higher vote counts for four (4) years; one receiving the third highest count to a two (2) year term. In subsequent elections, there will be two (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 New Shoreham shall appoint these three (3) members until the first regular town election 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 a conservation group and a housing advocacy group respectively, the third shall be knowledgeable in real estate in the town. The remaining member shall be from the 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 the vacating board member.

(f) Annually, the board shall elect from among its members a chairperson and vice-chairperson. The board will appoint a treasurer who will maintain books of record in conjunction with the town treasurer. The board may elect any other officers it determines necessary. Meetings shall be held monthly, at a time to be determined by the board, at the call of the chairperson, or at the request of four (4) members. Four (4) members shall constitute a quorum and action taken by the board under the provisions of this chapter may be authorized by a majority of the members present and voting at any regular or special meeting.

(g) The board may appoint and employ an executive director on a full, part-time or contract basis, whose duties may include, but not be limited to:

(1) Supervise and administer allocations made through the trust fund in accordance with this chapter and with the rules and regulations of the board;

(2) Act as the chief administrative officer having general charge of the office and records;

(3) Act as executive secretary of the board; and

(4) Perform other duties as determined by the board which are in accordance with this chapter and with the rules and regulations of the board.

(h) The board shall hire legal counsel whose selection is subject to the approval for the town of New Shoreham for legal services.