[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.
In the event the provisions of General Municipal Law, Article 12-D,
are amended, such amendments shall be effective with respect to the Commission
on Human Rights created hereby.
