[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Rocky Hill 3-21-1988 by Ord. No. 153-88. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
There is hereby created a commission on human relations to be known as the Rocky Hill Human Relations Commission. The Commission shall consist of seven members who shall be appointed by the Town Council in the month of May 1988. Of the seven members first appointed, two appointments shall expire on January 1, 1989, two on January 1, 1990, and three on January 1, 1991. Subsequent appointments by the Town Council of successors to members whose terms have expired shall be for three-year terms and shall commence on the first day of January of the appropriate year.
B. 
Members of the Commission shall be selected from a broad cross section of the community so as to include members of diverse economic, social and cultural elements within the Town. Nominees to the Commission shall have expressed an interest in the aims and program of the Commission as set forth in this chapter.
C. 
At its initial meeting and at its first meeting on or after January 1 of each year commencing in 1989, the Commission shall elect from its members a Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary, and such other officers as deemed appropriate by the Commission. The presence of three members shall constitute a quorum to transact business.
Any vacancy on the Commission from whatever cause shall be filled by appointment of the Town Council for the unexpired portion of the term.
The Commission shall hold a minimum of six meetings each year at such regular intervals as it may designate. Any two members of the Commission may at any time request, in writing, that the Chairman call a special meeting. The Chairman shall, within five days after receipt of such request, call a special meeting for a time within 10 days after the date of the call of the meeting. A quorum at any meeting shall consist of three members, and the affirmative vote of four members in attendance shall be required to take any action. The Chairman of the Commission may call a meeting at any time with a minimum of 10 days' notice of the same.
The purposes of the Commission shall be as follows:
A. 
Foster mutual understanding and respect among persons and groups of diverse backgrounds.
B. 
Pursue a community-wide program of education that furthers intergroup understanding, tolerance and acceptance.
C. 
Secure equality of treatment of and/or opportunity for persons and groups of diverse backgrounds, including members of racial, religious and ethnic groups, as well as women, the elderly, the young, low-income persons and the handicapped.
D. 
Cooperate with governmental and/or nongovernmental agencies and organizations having like or kindred functions to those of the Commission.
The duties of the Commission shall be as follows:
A. 
Work with federal, state and Town agencies, as well as with private, civic, religious, business, industrial, labor and other organizations, groups and persons, and recommend to the Town Council any programs arising therefrom which will help all members of the community enjoy equality of opportunity in all phases of community life.
B. 
Assist in establishing a voluntary Citizens Advisory Council with membership open to any interest groups and individuals in the Town. Such Council shall:
(1) 
Make known the Commission's function and purpose to the community.
(2) 
Serve in an informative relationship to the Commission on behalf of the community.
(3) 
Aid in promoting cooperative efforts in the community in support of the Commission's objectives.
C. 
Engage in study and research and publish reports designed to increase awareness and understanding within the community.
D. 
Receive complaints and requests for assistance in regard to situations coming within the scope of the Commission's purposes, and refer the same to the proper agency having jurisdiction in the particular matter.
E. 
Carry out such projects as shall be assigned to it by the Town Council.
F. 
Offer its services and cooperate with every other agency and department of the Town of Rocky Hill in promoting a healthy community.
G. 
Submit to the Town Council annually, or more frequently if the Council shall so request or the Commission so desires, reports concerning the activities of the Commission.
H. 
Promote activities and programs to carry out the purposes of the Commission.
The facilities and services of various agencies and departments of the Town shall be available to the Commission as it may reasonably require.
[Added 10-17-1988 by Ord. No. 158-88]
The Town Council may appoint up to four alternate members, one of whom, on a rotational basis, may serve when a regular member is unable to attend a meeting. Alternate members shall serve three-year staggered terms which shall run from January 1, 1989, after their initial appointments.