Pinole Municipal Code Ch. 2.56 Human Relations Commission

This chapter shall be known as the “Human Relations Commission Ordinance.” (Ord. 557 § 2 (part), 1992).

The purpose of this chapter shall be to establish a human relations commission in the city to develop positive human relations through education, encouragement of greater respect and understanding between people, their equal opportunity rights under the law and the recognition of the racial, ethnic, religious and cultural diversity of the Pinole community. The purpose of the human relations commission shall be to initiate educational and cultural programs, promote tolerance and mutual respect between all persons and evaluate and make recommendations regarding discrimination charges levied against the city, upon the direction of the Council. (Ord. 557 § 2 (part), 1992).

The human relations commission shall consist of seven members who shall be residents of the city. Commission members shall be generally representative of the demographics of the city including the racial, religious, age, gender, ethnic, physically challenged and cultural groups. (Ord. 557 § 2(part), 1992).

Members of the commission shall be appointed by majority vote of the entire Council. (Ord. 557 § 2(part), 1992).

Members of the commission shall serve for a term of four years, or until their successors are appointed, unless removed from office as specified in Section 2.56.070. However, for purposes of establishing staggered terms, the initial appointments may be for terms varying between one and four years as the Council may decide. (Ord. 557 § 2(part), 1992).

The human relations commission shall have the responsibilities as provided in this section and such other powers and duties as the Council may, from time to time, decide:

A. Upon request of the Council, to study and make recommendations regarding problems in the city which arise from alleged discrimination prohibited by city, state and federal law;

B. Upon request of the Council, to study, evaluate and mediate, incidents of alleged discrimination arising in or concerning the community and its citizens to the extent such functions are not preempted or prohibited by the Pinole Municipal Code, the Personnel Rules and Regulations, the California Fair Employment and Housing Commission or any other state or federal agency;

C. Evaluate and disseminate educational and informational material relating to the elimination of all forms of prejudice, and discrimination and promotion of tolerance and understanding;

D. Initiate and encourage educational and other appropriate activities to seek to discourage or prevent discrimination where possible;

E. Provide information and technical assistance to, and cooperate with, other public agencies, organizations, institutions and persons engaged in activities and programs intended to eliminate prejudice and discrimination;

F. Consult and maintain contact with other public agencies, community organizations concerned with interracial, interreligious and intercultural understanding, and such other private organizations and institutions to further the objective of eliminating discrimination;

G. To review achievement of the city's equal opportunity program and provide an annual report to the City Council and staff for any recommendations it may make to the Council;

H. Develop and recommend to the Council additional programs and practices designed to further commission objectives;

I. Perform such other duties as the Council may direct. (Ord. 557 § 2(part), 1992).

Members of the human relations commission serve at the pleasure of the Council and may be removed from office by a majority vote of the entire Council. (Ord. 557 § 2(part), 1992).

For the purpose of transacting business, a quorum of the human relations commission shall consist of a simple majority of the members. (Ord. 557 § 2 (part), 1992).

At the first meeting of each calendar year, the members of the human relations commission shall select its officers. Conduct of commission business shall otherwise be governed by rules of procedure adopted by the commission and approved by the City Council . (Ord. 557 § 2 (part), 1992).