The commission shall have the power and it shall be its duty:
(a) To research, assemble, analyze and disseminate pertinent data and educational materials relating to activities and programs which will assist in meeting the needs and solving the problems of the aging; to cooperate with public and private agencies, organizations and individuals in identifying and solving the problems of the aging; and to develop and conduct, as appropriate, in cooperation with county government, other services and programs dealing with the problems and needs of the aging.
(b) To review plans of primary concern to the aging that are developed by other commissions, agencies, offices and departments of the county government.
(c) To develop an information and referral system for all services in the county related specifically to the needs of the aging.
(d) To institute and conduct educational and other programs, meetings and conferences to promote the welfare of the aging. In the performance of its duties, the commission shall cooperate with all interested citizens, community, business, professional, technical, educational, health and civic organizations.
(e) To cooperate with the county executive and all governmental agencies concerned with matters within the jurisdiction of the commission.
(f) To study and investigate by means of public or private meetings, conferences and public hearings, conditions which may result in unmet needs or in discrimination or prejudice because of age.
(g) To advise and counsel the residents of the county, the county council, the county executive and the various departments of county, state and federal governments on matters involving the needs of the aging, and to recommend such procedures, programs or legislation as it may deem necessary and proper to promote and ensure equal rights and opportunities for all persons, regardless of their age.
(h) To work to remove the unmet needs or discrimination or prejudice on the basis of age in such areas as housing, recreation, employment, education, community services and related matters.
(i) To adopt such rules and procedures as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this article; to keep a record of its activities and minutes of all meetings; such records and minutes shall be on file and shall be open to the public at reasonable business hours upon request.
(j) To prepare and submit to the county executive a budget to include the recommended appropriation for its own operation. In submitting a recommended budget for carrying out the operation of the commission, the county executive shall take into consideration the recommendations of the commission, and if requested by the commission, grant a hearing to the commission. (1974 L.M.C., ch. 52, § 2; 1977 L.M.C., ch. 30, § 14.)
