A.
To implement the general policy and purposes set forth in this chapter,
the City Commission establishes a Civil Rights Board.
B.
The Civil Rights Board consists of seven voting members appointed
by the Mayor and approved by the City Commission and two ex-officio
members who shall have no vote, but who may otherwise fully participate
in any meeting of the Board.
C.
Members appointed to the Board shall be residents of the City reflecting
and representing the diversity of the Kalamazoo community and be able
to demonstrate experience in civil rights, public accommodation, employment,
disability or housing law. Members to the Board may be appointed who
are not City residents, not to exceed two members, when there is a
valid reason for such appointment, such as the member works in the
City, or has special expertise to carry out the duties and responsibilities
of the Board.
A.
Except for the initial appointments, members of the Board are appointed
for a term of three years. The initial appointments to the Board will
consist of three members appointed for a three-year term, two members
appointed for a two-year term and two members appointed for a one-year
term. Members of the Board may serve up to two consecutive terms.
Vacancies may be filled by the same appointment procedure for the
remainder of an unexpired term.
B.
The ex officio Board members shall be appointed by the Mayor and
approved by the City Commission. One member shall be a City Commissioner,
and the other member shall be a City officer or employee, recommended
by the City Manager, but who shall not be a City Commissioner or the
City Manager.
The Board shall elect a Chairperson for a term of one year,
with no limit on the number of terms a member may serve as Chairperson,
to conduct its meetings and, as it may desire, elect a Vice Chairperson
to act in the absence of the Chairperson, from its members. Rules
for the conduct of Board meetings shall be stated in the bylaws, as
determined by the Board and approved by the City Commission.
The City Manager shall designate someone other than himself/herself
to serve as Secretary to the Board and shall provide such administrative
support as may be required.
Meetings of the Board shall be conducted in compliance with
the Michigan Open Meetings Act, MCLA § 15.261 et seq., and
its records shall be available to the public under the Michigan Freedom
of Information Act, MCLA § 15.231 et seq.
The Board shall exercise its authority, functions, powers, and
duties in accordance with all ordinances, rules, regulations, orders,
and the City Charter of the City of Kalamazoo. The authority, duties,
and responsibilities of the Board shall include the following:
A.
Foster mutual understanding and respect among the people in the City
and discourage and prevent unlawful discriminatory practices toward
the protected classes described in this chapter.
B.
Review claims of discrimination brought by residents of the City
of Kalamazoo and make recommendations for resolution following investigation
of the claim by the City Manager or the designee of the City Manager.
C.
Review and analyze of conditions, practices, attitudes, policies,
and other factors within Kalamazoo that contribute to discriminatory
impact and further inequities, as well as evaluating the impact of
antidiscrimination efforts.
D.
Make recommendations to the City Commission and City Manager on ways
to improve City programs and ordinances to eliminate discrimination
or remove effects of past discrimination.
E.
Engage in public awareness-building activities to ensure residents
are informed of increased local protections and the role of the Board,
including issuing an annual report of the activity of the Board.
F.
Engage with federal, state, and local agencies to assist in addressing
issues of discrimination in the City.
G.
The Board shall provide an annual report to the City Commission regarding
complaints received and actions taken.
H.
Establish bylaws and procedural rules for its meetings subject to
approval by the City Commission.
