Vallejo Municipal Code Ch. 2.40 Human Relations Commission

The primary purpose of Vallejo human relations commission is to promote the equal treatment of all individuals; to prohibit discrimination in the city of Vallejo based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, sexual or gender orientation and identity, medical condition, political activities, military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic violence; to be a community educator, conciliator and mediator to create a climate favorable to good human relations among people in the community and to promote just and positive interactions between and among people and groups in the community.

(Ord. No. 1698 N.C.(2d), § 1, 5-27-2014)

The human relations commission shall have the following duties:

A. Lead the community in efforts to foster understanding and appreciation of and for the many ethnic, racial, religious, and nationality groups and traditions present in Vallejo. The commission will engage in education, in the planning of specific events, and in other appropriate means to accomplish this function of understanding, appreciation, and celebration;

B. Inform and consult with the city council and initiate processes to alleviate tension and conflict. These processes can include working with the groups involved through conference, mediation, persuasion, conciliation, and community meetings and forums. If any commission community meetings are held which specifically pertain to any governmental agency, the commission shall communicate with the head of that agency. For the purpose of alleviating tension and conflict, the commission may use other city council-approved processes. The commission will attempt to resolve tensions and conflicts in a relaxed climate of mutual understanding and trust, where possible;

C. Make recommendations as appropriate, educating and referring the public to appropriate agencies and services in instances of perceived discrimination based upon the categories set forth in Section 2.40.010 above; work with staff or agency representatives in determining whether patterns of concern are valid; and, if valid, the commission may use the processes of conference, mediation, persuasion, conciliation, and community meetings and forums to enhance good community relations. If there is no existing procedure to address a citizen's concern, the commission may decide to investigate and act on that concern, using the processes of conference, mediation, persuasion, conciliation, and community meetings;

D. Review, evaluate and make recommendations to staff, labor groups, the civil service commission and city council, so as to promote equal employment opportunity within the city of Vallejo, and fair contracting practices on a continuing basis;

E. Consider issues that involve the relationship between the police, justice system, and the community as it relates to more effective communications. Make recommendations to the city council on findings;

F. Submit report as deemed necessary to the city council on the state of human relations in the Vallejo area, focusing on both achievements and tensions, conduct special studies, if necessary, and formulate recommendations to city council on issues related to human relations;

G. Recommend to the city council any legislation which would improve human relations and civil rights in Vallejo;

H. Recommend to the city council any legislation or policy changes which would further address or implement the goals as set forth in Section 2.40.010.

(Ord. No. 1698 N.C.(2d), § 1, 5-27-2014)

A. The human relations commission will consist of seven persons, all who have a strong commitment to good human relations, fairness, and ethnic diversity, and who, as a group will reflect the ethnic and other diversity of the community.

B. The seven members shall be nominated, except as provided below, by any councilmembers or mayor, and shall be appointed by the city council for four year terms. The terms of Chapter 2.26 shall apply to this commission.

(Ord. No. 1698 N.C.(2d), § 1, 5-27-2014; Ord. No. 1778 N.C. (2d), § 2, 10-24-2017)

A. The commission shall select a chairperson and a vice chairperson. Each shall serve a term of one year and/or until the successor is appointed and takes office.

B. The chairperson, or in the chairperson's absence, the vice chairperson, shall preside at all meetings of the commission. The chairperson and vice chairperson shall perform the duties necessary or incidental to their offices.

C. The commission shall consider issues on its agenda as submitted by the public and/or members of the commission for consideration according to its primary purpose, set forth above. Primary staffing to the commission will be an employee designated by the city manager, who shall cause to be recorded and maintain minutes of all meetings, communications and documents relating to the official business of the commission and act as liaison with other city departments. Representatives from the police department and the fire department may appear from time to time to present as their workload capacity permits, to update the commission on topics relating to the commission's primary purpose. The commission may prepare reports on topics within the commission's purview as may be requested by the city council. Staff shall provide assistance to the commission subject to workload capacity. The city manager shall cause the commission's meeting agendas to be posted in compliance with the Ralph G. Brown Act, and items shall be placed thereon in consultation with the chair.

(Ord. No. 1698 N.C.(2d), § 1, 5-27-2014)

A. The regular meeting of the commission shall be held on the fourth Wednesday of the following months: January, April, July and October if there are agenda items to discuss.

B. The regular meeting of the commission in January shall be the annual meeting of this commission. The purpose of the annual meeting shall be the election of the chair and the vice-chair of this commission and to develop a work plan for the year, taking into account staff workload capacity.

C. The commission may utilize subcommittees to meet more frequently than the schedule established in Section 2.40.040A on an 'as desired' basis and in compliance with the Ralph G. Brown Act.

(Ord. No. 1698 N.C.(2d), § 1, 5-27-2014)