Union City Municipal Code Ch. 2.24 Human Relations Commission

Note: Prior ordinance history: Ords. 398-92, 506-97, 525-98, 623-04, 639-04, 678-06, 680-06, 684-07, 715-08.

It is the purpose of the Union City Human Relations Commission to create an environment in which the human rights of all individuals in the City, no matter what their race, religion, nationality, ethnicity or sexual orientation, may live, learn, work and play in harmony and brotherhood, and in which each person may realize the highest potential unhampered by any discrimination based upon race, religion, ancestry, citizen status, sex, age, disability, economic status, health condition or sexual orientation. The Human Relations Commission shall also advise the City Council on the priority for social service programs when funded by State, Federal and private grants. The Human Relations Commission shall also promote the people-to-people programs within the Sister Cities of Union City. Their activities shall include, but are not limited to, actively encouraging the participation of citizens and community organizations in projects involving international friendship and understanding, engaging in fundraising activities for Sister City projects, and that promote the mission of the Human Relations Commission and authorizing expenditures of such funds on designated projects. The Commission is not organized, nor shall it be operated, for pecuniary gain or profits, and it does not contemplate the distribution of gains, profits, or dividends to the members thereof, and is organized solely for nonprofit purposes.

(Ord. 820-16 § 4, 2016)

In order to further the public policy of the City, there is created a Human Relations Commission of the City consisting of seven members plus two alternates.

(Ord. 820-16 § 4, 2016)

The term of office of the members of the Human Relations Commission shall be four years. The term of office for the seven current members shall expire consistent with the terms of office at the time of appointment. In the event of a vacancy or term expiration of a Commissioner or alternate, the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, shall appoint successors to fill any vacancies for a term of four years or the unexpired portion thereof. Each Human Relations Commissioner so appointed shall serve until his/her successor is duly appointed and qualified.

(Ord. 820-16 § 4, 2016)

A. The Mayor shall designate the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson for the first Human Relations Commission to be appointed, and annually thereafter, during the month of January, the Human Relations Commission shall elect from among its members a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson to serve for one year.

B. On annual organization or upon vacancy of a Chairperson and/or a Vice-Chairperson, the Human Relations Commission shall elect a Chairperson and/or a Vice-Chairperson to serve at the pleasure of the Human Relations Commission. A secretary shall be designated for the recording of minutes of the Human Relations Commission and to keep a record of its resolutions, proceedings and transactions. The secretary shall be the Deputy City Manager or his/her appointee and shall not be a member of the Commission entitled to vote.

(Ord. 820-16 § 4, 2016)

The Human Relations Commission shall fix the time and place of regular and special meetings of the Commission, which shall occur at least quarterly. All meetings shall be open to the public.

(Ord. 820-16 § 4, 2016)

The Human Relations Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

A. To study any problems of prejudice, discrimination and violence in the community and the causes thereof;

B. To address and respond to bullying and harassment in all forms against individuals or groups in the City in conjunction with other agencies, both public and private;

C. To work with City staff to create and maintain a formal process for filing Human Relations Commission complaints;

D. To work with other agencies, public and private, in supporting programs to eliminate prejudice, discrimination, and violence;

E. To initiate, encourage, and fund educational and other appropriate activities and awards which tend to promote community harmony, progress and integration;

F. To foster mutual understanding and respect among individuals, and the protection of human rights and dignity;

G. To advise the City Council on concerns and disparities in the community;

H. To locate and anticipate potential areas of friction or inequity which might erupt into a breach of the peace, and to consult and advise with the groups and public officials primarily involved;

I. By dialogue and conference, to seek to arrive at voluntary solutions designed to discourage and prevent any and all discriminations as stated in the Human Relations Commission statement of purpose;

J. To recommend to the City Council the priority for social service funding when included in any State, Federal or private grant applications;

K. To act as a liaison, including to advocate, advise and educate, with local private organizations that receive social service funding through State, Federal or private grants;

L. To perform such other functions and render such other reports and recommendations as may be directed by the City Council;

M. To only exercise the powers herein above enumerated.

(Ord. 820-16 § 4, 2016)