[Adopted 3-18-1968 by Ord. No. 4078 (§§ 2-96
to 2-99 of the 1985 Code)]
A Human Relations Commission is hereby created
for the City.
The Human Relations Commission shall consist
of 13 members drawn from diverse segments of the public and selected
for their wisdom, ability and broad perspective and not for the purpose
of representing specific groups. Members shall be appointed for three-year
terms.
The Human Relations Commission shall meet regularly
at least once a month and shall hold special meetings upon the call
of the Chairperson. The Commission shall prepare its own agenda and
establish its own rules of order or adopt Robert's Rules of Order
for the conduct of its meetings.
A.
The Human Relations Commission shall have advisory
powers only. The Commission shall have as its purposes and objectives
the following:
(1)
To further amicable relations among the various population
groups of the City.
(2)
To help preserve and further the good reputation of
the City for fair play and tolerance.
(3)
To open the way for each individual, regardless of
race, creed, color or national origin, to develop according to his
abilities without limitation.
(4)
To aid the City and its people in benefiting from
the fullest realization of its human resources.
(5)
To receive and investigate reports of tension and
practices of discrimination or of efforts or activities of individuals
and groups tending to incite discord, tension, hate and suspicion.
B.
In carrying out the foregoing objectives, the Commission
shall observe the following methods and procedures. The Commission
shall:
(1)
Advise the City governing body on problems affecting
human and intergroup relations and recommend such measures as it deems
necessary to carry out its objectives.
(2)
Make studies and surveys and explore problems to provide
data as needed in its work.
(3)
Function as a clearinghouse or as a source of referral
when discriminatory situations arise or act as a board of mediation,
when and if appropriate.
(4)
Consult with and obtain cooperation and coordinated
effort on the part of all agencies, public and private, which function
in the field of human relations in the City.
(5)
Utilize the resources of individuals and groups toward
the improvement of intergroup relations.
(6)
Enlist all potential community forces to extend and
make more secure human opportunities at both the individual and group
levels.
(7)
Encourage community support for educational programs
and voluntary action designed to reduce tension and eliminate discriminatory
practices.
