§ 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.