[R.O. 2009 §11-10; Ord. No. 896 §1, 6-23-1996]
There is hereby established a Commission on Human Rights. The
Commission shall consist of three (3) members who shall be appointed
by a majority of the members of the Board of Aldermen from among the
residents of the City and who shall serve as such without compensation.
The Board of Aldermen shall endeavor to include individuals on the
Commission from various protected categories that have historically
been discriminated against. Of the three (3) members first (1st) appointed,
one (1) shall be appointed for one (1) year, one (1) shall be appointed
for two (2) years and one (1) shall be appointed for three (3) years.
Thereafter, appointment shall be for terms of three (3) years. In
the event of the death, resignation or removal of any member, his/her
successor shall be appointed to serve for the unexpired period of
the term for which such member had been appointed.
[R.O. 2009 §11-11; Ord. No. 896 §1, 6-23-1996]
A.
The
Commission shall elect a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary
from among its members and create and fill such other offices as it
may determine. The term of such elective officers shall be for one
(1) year.
B.
The
Commission shall meet periodically as necessary. The Chairperson shall
preside at all meetings. Two (2) members shall constitute a quorum
at any meeting.
C.
The
Commission shall adopt rules and procedures for the conduct and transaction
of its business and shall keep a record of its proceedings.
D.
Any
Commission member having three (3) unscheduled absences without good
cause within a period of one (1) year, or who shall be absent from
three (3) consecutive regular meetings without consent of the Chairperson
or person acting in such Chairperson's stead, shall automatically
forfeit such office, and the Chairperson shall promptly notify the
Board of Aldermen through the City Clerk of such vacancy.
A.
The
Commission shall have the following functions, powers and duties:
1.
To encourage fair treatment for, and to foster mutual understanding
and respect among, and to discourage discrimination against any racial,
ethnic, religious or other group protected by this Chapter, members
of these groups or persons with disabilities.
2.
To formulate and carry out educational programs designed to minimize or eliminate those discriminatory practices made unlawful by Article III of this Chapter.
3.
To receive and investigate complaints alleging any discriminatory practices made unlawful by Article III of this Chapter.
4.
To implement the purposes of this Chapter by conference, conciliation
and persuasion so that persons may be guaranteed their civil rights
and good will be fostered.
5.
To provide mediation services to resolve incidences of alleged discriminatory practices made unlawful by Article III of this Chapter.
6.
To cooperate with other organizations, private and public, to discourage
discrimination.
7.
To advise the Board of Aldermen on human rights issues.
8.
To hold public hearings on the state of human rights and relations
in the City and on specific human rights issues.
9.
To sponsor or initiate specifically targeted workshops and ongoing
programs to improve human relations and to decrease tensions in the
City.
10.
To present informational programs on human rights to school, business,
service and other organizations.
11.
To formulate policies and to adopt, promulgate, amend and rescind
suitable rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this
Chapter and said policies of the Commission in connection therewith.
12.
To provide each year to the Board of Aldermen a full written report
of all its activities and of its recommendations.
