Chapter 2-72
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Sections:
2-72-020 Appointment, term and administrator.
2-72-040 Duties and functions.
2-72-050 Responsibilities and powers of the commission.
2-72-010 Commission created.
There is created the human relations commission of the city which shall be composed of five members, including the chairman. (Ord. 2407 § 1 (part), 1985: prior code § 2-3-1)
2-72-020 Appointment, term and administrator.
A. The commission shall consist of five persons appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council to serve respectively for the following terms: two for one year, two for two years, one for three years. The successor of each member shall be appointed to serve for a term of three years. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term of a member whose place has become vacant.
B. The chairman of the commission shall be elected from and by the commission for a term of one calendar year. The commission shall have the power to establish bylaws and rules of procedure within the authority granted by this chapter, including the authority to elect or appoint such other officers as the commission deems necessary, but the chairman of the commission, or any such officer appointed or elected by the commission, may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the city council.
C. The administrator of the commission shall be appointed by the mayor as provided in Chapter 2-04 of this code.
D. Members of the commission may be removed from the commission by a majority vote of the city council. A hearing before the city council may be granted if requested by any such member. (Ord. 2407 § 1 (part), 1985: prior code § 2-3-2)
2-72-030 Qualifications.
Each member of the commission shall be a qualified elector of the city. Commission members shall be broadly representative of the community in such areas as race, sex, creed, nationality, religion, education, welfare, labor, management and political philosophy. (Ord. 2407 § 1 (part), 1985: prior code § 2-3-3)
2-72-040 Duties and functions.
A. The primary function of the commission shall be to carry on research and studies in the field of community relations in an effort to equalize opportunities and lessen prejudice and discrimination because of race, ethnic, or religious differences among Harvey residents.
B. The commission shall hear any complaint filed with it alleging discrimination because of race, sex, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, or place of birth. (Ord. 2407 § 1 (part), 1985: prior code § 2-3-4)
2-72-050 Responsibilities and powers of the commission.
The commission shall have the responsibility to administer such antidiscrimination ordinances as may be approved by the city council and to adjudicate complaints arising thereunder. The commission shall have and may exercise the following powers to implement the purposes of such ordinances:
A. To receive and investigate complaints charging unlawful discriminatory acts;
B. To initiate complaints charging unlawful discriminatory acts;
C. To endeavor, by conciliation, to resolve any such complaints;
D. To hold adjudicative hearings, make findings of fact, issue orders, enforce such orders, and seek judicial and/or administrative relief with respect to any such complaints;
E. To subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, administer oaths, take sworn testimony, and, in connection therewith, to require the production for examination of any documents relating to any matter under investigation or in question before the commission, and enforce such powers by proper petition to any court of competent jurisdiction;
F. To recommend to the city council educational and other programs designed to promote the purposes of this chapter,
G. To study and investigate, by means of public hearings or otherwise, any conditions having an adverse effect on intergroup relations in the city and to study the problems of prejudice, intolerance, bigotry, discrimination, and various other forms of segregatory malfeasance to favorable ends;
H. To institute and conduct educational and other programs to promote the equal rights and opportunities of all persons, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, or place of birth;
I. To foster, encourage, and stimulate understanding, harmonious relationships, goodwill, individual responsibility and practical cooperation among all groups and individuals in order to advance wholesome collective achievements in the field of individual opportunity and freedom and to insure the American dream of equality and justice;
J. To issue publications and reports of investigation and research in the field of human relations;
K. To request departments, boards and other commissions of the city government to assist in the performance of its duties, and such departments, boards and commissions shall cooperate fully with the commission, and the commission shall cooperate fully with the city council;
L. To recommend legislation to promote and insure equal rights and opportunities for all the people of Harvey; and
M. To adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2407 § 1 (part), 1985: prior code § 2-3-5)