[Amended 9-10-2013]
In order to foster mutual understanding and respect among people
and to encourage equality of treatment of all people, regardless of
race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, civil union
status, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status,
genetic information, age, economic status, lawful source of income,
national origin or ancestry, or present or past history of physical,
mental, intellectual or learning disability, including, but not limited
to, blindness, a Human Rights Commission is hereby established. The
Commission shall consist of nine members, who shall be appointed by
the Town Council. At the expiration of each term of present members
of the Commission, each subsequent appointment shall be for a term
of three years.
The members of the Commission established by
this article shall serve without compensation, but their necessary
and actual expenses incurred in the performance of their actual duties
shall be paid by the Town within the limits of any appropriation made
therefor.
The Commission established by this article shall
choose a Chair and Secretary from its members.
Meetings of the Commission established by this
article shall be held at least quarterannually and at such other times
as the Commission may determine.
The Commission established by this article may
appoint and remove any secretarial and clerical assistants as it may
need for the performance of its duties within appropriations made
by the Town Council.
The Commission established by this article shall
cooperate with governmental and nongovernmental agencies and organizations
having like or kindred functions as it deems necessary or desirable.
The Commission may undertake educational programs
to promote its goals and may conduct hearings and make recommendations
and conduct other appropriate activities in furtherance of its goals.
The Commission established by this article shall
keep records of its meetings and activities and shall, no less often
than annually, apprise the Council of its activities, progress and
recommendations as to the need for implementation of local human rights
programs.