[HISTORY: Adopted by the Council of the City of Rye 9-18-1963 by resolution; amended in its entirety 6-7-1988 by L.L. No. 8-1988. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
A Commission on Human Rights is hereby established by the Council of the City of Rye in accordance with Article 12-D of the General Municipal Law, as enacted by Chapter 376 of the Laws of 1963.
B. 
The Commission shall consist of not more than nine members to be appointed by the Mayor. The Mayor shall designate one of such members to be Chairman, who shall serve as Chairman at the pleasure of the Mayor.
C. 
Of the members first appointed, 1/3 shall be appointed for terms of office of one year each, 1/3 for terms of office of two years each and 1/3 for terms of office of three years each. Thereafter, all appointments, except to fill vacancies, shall be for terms of office of three years each. Vacancies occurring otherwise than by expiration of terms of office shall be filled for the unexpired terms of the offices so filled.
D. 
The members of the Commission shall serve without salary.
E. 
In making appointments to the Commission, the Mayor shall take into consideration the various religious, racial, nationality and political groups in the community.
The Commission on Human Rights hereby created shall have the power and authority, subject to applicable civil service requirements, to employ an executive director, a secretary and such attorneys, experts and other employees as may be necessary, within the amount made available by the Council of the City of Rye.
It shall be the duty of the Commission, as provided by Article 12-D of the General Municipal Law, to:
A. 
Foster mutual respect and understanding among all groups in the community.
[Amended 12-18-1991 by L.L. No. 25-1991]
B. 
Make such studies in any field of human relationship in the community as, in its judgment, will aid in effectuating its general purposes.
C. 
Inquire into incidents of tension and conflict among or between various racial, religious and nationality groups and take such action as may be designed to alleviate such tension and conflict.
D. 
Conduct and recommend such educational programs as, in its judgment, will increase goodwill among inhabitants of the community and open new opportunities into all phases of community life for all inhabitants.
The Commission shall discharge the following obligations as provided by Article 12-D of the General Municipal Law:
A. 
Receive complaints of alleged discrimination in the community, seek the active assistance of the State Commission for Human Rights in the solution of complaints which fall within the jurisdiction of the State Commission and prepare its own plans in the case of other complaints, with a view to reducing and eliminating such alleged discrimination through the process of conference, conciliation and persuasion.
[Amended 12-18-1991 by L.L. No. 25-1991]
B. 
Hold conferences and other public meetings in the interest of and the constructive resolution of any human rights issues and the prejudice and discrimination occasioned thereby.
[Amended 12-18-1991 by L.L. No. 25-1991]
C. 
Issue such publication and reports of investigation as in its judgment will tend to effectuate the purposes of Article 12-D of the General Municipal Law.
D. 
Enlist the cooperation and participation of the various racial, religious and nationality groups, community organizations, industry and labor organizations, media of mass communication, fraternal and benevolent associations and other groups in an educational campaign devoted to fostering among the diverse groups of the community mutual esteem, justice and equity.
E. 
Encourage and stimulate agencies under the jurisdiction of the Council of the City of Rye to take such action as will fulfill the purposes of such Article 12-D.
F. 
Submit an annual report to the Council.