Compton Municipal Code § 2-16 Community Relations Commission

[1]

Editor's Note: Former Section 2-16, Sister Cities Commission, previously codified herein and containing portions of Ordinance Nos. 1649, 1724 and 1735 was repealed in its entirety by Ordinance No. 2128.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

There is hereby created a Community Relations Commission which shall consist of nine members representing each major ethnic group and socioeconomic level.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

It is the purpose of the Community Relations Commission to advise and consult with the City Council and Officers of the City on all matters that involve improving community relations, awareness, mutual understanding, tolerance and respect for all residents of the community. The Commission will also advise on matters relating to the promotion of good will among individuals, civic pride, peace and tranquility.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

The duties of the Community Relations Commission shall be to:

a. Monitor demographic trends of the City in order to ensure that the Commission is representative of the City's population.

b. Collaborate with neighborhood, community, educational, business and social service groups and organizations to work towards the Commission's purpose.

c. Recommend City-wide, neighborhood and community events, which would include opportunities for heritage and cultural awareness.

d. Recommend such educational programs that increase new opportunities, good will awareness, tolerance and respect among members of the community.

e. Recommend events, of a holistic-centered approach, to engage residents, employees and community leaders in dialog, education and training relating to diversity issues, conflict resolution, violence and tension suppression.

f. Collaborate with local City and County departments to develop a support system for the delivery of programs and services to manage tensions between groups of different cultures, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age and religion.

g. Make recommendations to departments to publish articles in local newspapers, the City's website and television channels in order to promote desired behavior consistent with the Commission's purpose.

h. Discourage discriminatory practices against groups and individuals by increasing community awareness and understanding of all racial, religious, ethnic, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability groups within the community.

i. Promote civic engagement of all residents of the community by promoting attendance in council meetings, programs and events.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

The members of the Community Relations Commission shall be either residents or licensed business owners of the City. They shall be appointed by the Council as follows:

a. Four Commission members to represent each of the four City Council Districts.

b. One Commission member to represent youth (may be a member of the Youth Commission).

c. One Commission member to represent businesses (may be a member of the Chamber of Commerce).

d. One Commission member to represent Compton Unified School District.

e. One Commission member to represent the religious organizations (may be a member of the Religious Commission).

f. One Commission member to represent the community organizations or groups concerned with improvement of mutual understanding and respect among all residents.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

At the first meeting of each fiscal year, the Community Relations Commission shall elect a Chair and a Vice-Chair from among the appointed members for a term of one year. The Commission may also create and fill other offices including sub-committees from among its members as they deem necessary.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

The City Manager shall assign a staff liaison to the Commission to be responsible for staff liaison duties. These duties shall include:

a. Attending all meetings of the Commission.

b. Keeping records of meeting agendas and minutes of meetings.

c. Submitting records, agendas and minutes to the City Clerk.

d. Participate in discussions and make recommendations with reference to any matter coming before the Commission.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

The first four appointments made by the City Council shall expire June 30, 2011 and the next five appointments shall expire June 30, 2012. Each member appointed/reappointed thereafter will serve a term of four years. The members of the existing Commission shall hold office until their successors have been appointed or until their reappointment.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

If a vacancy occurs other than by expiration of term, it shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

Any member of the Community Relations Commission may be removed by a majority of the City Council at any time without cause.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

The Community Relations Commission will schedule at least one regular meeting per month at such time and date designated in the rules and regulations of the Commission. The meetings will be held at such location designated by the City Manager.

a. For the purpose of conducting meetings and making recommendations pertaining to the Commission, any five members of the Community Relations Commission shall constitute a quorum.

b. The Commission shall be an advisory body subject to the provisions of the Brown Act. All meetings of the Commission shall be open and public, and any person shall be permitted to attend any meeting of the Community Relations Commission. Agendas shall be prepared prior to each meeting and posted by the staff liaison designated by the City Manager.

c. The Commission shall keep a record of its proceedings, which shall be a public record.

d. The Commission shall adopt rules and regulations to govern procedures.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

Special Meetings may be called at any time by the Chair or five members of the Community Relations Commission by advance written notice and procedure as provided by law.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

The members of the Community Relations Commission shall receive compensation at the rate of $35 for each meeting, not to exceed a total compensation of $70 in any one month.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

If a member of the Community Relations Commission is absent from three successive regular meetings without being excused by the Commission, or is absent for any reason for more than six regular meetings in any twelve-month period, the office of such member shall be vacated and the member removed. The Commission shall immediately notify the City Council, City Manager and Oversight Committee. Upon such notification, a successor for the remainder of the term of such member shall be appointed by the City Council.

[Ord. #2189, § 1]

The Community Relations Commission shall have no power or authority to bind or obligate the City or any office or department for any money, debt, undertaking or obligation of any kind in excess of the appropriation which the City Council may have made for the purposes of the Commission.