[Ord. 1172, 10/9/1967, § 1; as amended by Ord.
2062, 6/8/2009; and by Ord. 2155, 9/12/2016]
There is hereby established the Human Relations Commission of
the Borough of Pottstown composed of seven members, consisting of
at least five residents of the Borough of Pottstown. Up to two members
may be residents of contiguous municipalities. The Commission shall
be nonpartisan, and each Commission member shall be required to successfully
pass a criminal background check and child abuse history clearance.
All of the Commissioners shall be appointed by the Borough Council.
They shall serve without compensation. The Council may remove any
member of the Commission with cause assigned.
[Ord. 1172, 10/9/1967, § 2; as amended by Ord.
2062, 6/8/2009; and by Ord. 2155, 9/12/2016]
Members of the Human Relations Commission who are appointed
shall serve for four-year terms. The initial appointment shall be
staggered so that one Commission member shall expire each year. Any
vacancy during a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the
same manner as the original appointments.
[Ord. 1172, 10/9/1967, § 3; as amended by Ord.
2062, 6/8/2009; and by Ord. 2155, 9/12/2016]
Meetings of the Human Relations Commission shall be at the call
of the Commission Chairman and at other such times the Commission
may determine. Unless otherwise noted, all such meetings shall occur
at Borough Hall. Notice of the meetings shall be sent to all members
at least 48 hours in advance. A quorum of members shall consist of
four Commissioners.
[Ord. 1172, 10/9/1967, § 4; as amended by Ord.
2155, 9/12/2016]
The Commission shall elect one of its members as Chairman, and
may elect such other officers, within the group, as it may deem necessary
and may adopt such rules of procedure, as well as substantive rules
and regulations as are necessary to accomplish the duties prescribed
in §§ 915 and 916 of this Part.
[Ord. 1172, 10/9/1967; as amended by Ord. 1949, 9/9/2002,
§ 1; and by Ord. 2155, 9/12/2016]
The Commission shall have the authority to perform the duties
set forth in § 916 of this Part, and to serve as a venue
and forum for impacted persons to feel safe, and to speak freely and
privately without fear of judgment. When the Commission is acting
as a referral group for complaints of alleged discrimination, the
Commission shall have jurisdiction so long as at least one of the
parties maintains appropriate minimum contacts, which shall include,
but not be limited to, property ownership or residency with the Borough
of Pottstown. In addition, the Commission shall facilitate educational,
reinforcement and interactive programs and workshops on various subjects,
including, but not limited to, anti-bullying, cultural differences,
acceptance and respect, and celebrating differences.
[Ord. 1172, 10/9/1967, § 5; as amended by Ord.
1949, 9/9/2002, § 2; and by Ord. 2155, 9/12/2016]
1.
The Commission shall:
A.
Promote mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among all
racial, cultural, religious, ethnic, nationality and other groups
within the Borough of Pottstown.
B.
Make studies into the status of human relations in the community
at large.
C.
Cooperate with and assist other organizations, public or private,
to improve relationships among the citizens of the Borough of Pottstown
and the greater Pottstown area.
D.
Conduct educational programs, both for its members and in furtherance
of improvements of human relations in the Borough of Pottstown and
adjacent communities.
E.
Conduct limited inquiries required to properly act as a referral
group for complaints of alleged discrimination within the Borough.
Thereafter, the Commission shall refer the complaints to the appropriate
social, civic or governmental agencies for further action. The Commission,
at its discretion, may also include a written opinion/recommendation
regarding the complaint.
F.
Conduct voluntary mediation to include all harmed parties.
G.
Prepare and submit a biannual report of its activities to the Borough
Council and make such other reports or recommendations to the Borough
Council from time to time as it may determine necessary for the furtherance
of improved human relations in the Borough of Pottstown and the surrounding
effective communities.
H.
Comply with the requirements of a Local Human Relations Commission
as set forth in the Pennsylvania statutes (see 43 P.S. § 962.1)
and Pennsylvania regulations.
