Bismarck, ND Creating a Human Relations Commission

Type: Ordinance
Status: Adopted on 10/8/02
Source File: http://www.bismarck.org/uploads/doc_HRC_ord_5208.pdf
Text: 
ORDINANCE NO. 5208
AN ORDINANCE TO ENACT CHAPTER 2-11 OF THE CITY OF BISMARCK CODE OF ORDINANCES (1986 Rev.) BY CREATING SECTIONS 2-11-01, 2-11-02, 2-11-03, 2-11-04, 2-11-05 AND 2-11-06 RELATING TO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF CITY COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA:
Section 1. Amendment. Chapter 2-11 relating to Human Relations Commission is hereby created and enacted as follows:
CHAPTER 2-11
BISMARCK HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
2-11-01. Purpose. The purpose of the Bismarck Human Relations
Commission is to protect and promote the personal dignity of all Bismarck
citizens and eliminate any discriminatory barriers that prevent them from
reaching their full human potential. The Bismarck Human Relations Commission
seeks to make education and compliance a meaningful and visible strategy to
recognize the value of a diverse community.
2-11-02. Bismarck Human Relations Commission. There is hereby created
and established a body to be known as the Bismarck Human Relations
Commission, whose purpose is to promote acceptance and respect for diversity
through educational programs and activities and to discourage all forms of
discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial
status, age (defined as an adult or persons 18 years of age or older), sexual
orientation, mental or physical disability, status with respect to marriage or public
assistance, and/or participation in lawful activity off the employer’s premise
during nonworking hours which is not in direct conflict with the essential
business-related interests of the employer.
2-11-03. Membership – Terms – Filling Vacancies. The Bismarck Human
Relations Commission shall consist of nine members, who will serve without pay.
Members shall be appointed by the President of the Board of City
Commissioners, subject to confirmation by the Board of City Commissioners. The
President of the Board of City Commissioners shall consider the
recommendations of the Bismarck Human Relations Coalition for appointment to
the Bismarck Human Relations Commission. Of the initial appointees, three shall
serve for three years, three shall serve for two years and three shall serve for
one year. Thereafter, all terms shall run for three years.
After the initial appointment, no Commissioner may serve more than six
consecutive years on the Bismarck Human Relations Commission. Appointees to
the Commission should promote diversity pursuant to Section 1 of this ordinance
and represent the citizens of the City of Bismarck.
2-11-04. Commission President – Meetings – Records to be kept. The
Bismarck Human Relations Commission shall elect its President for a term of one
year from among its members and shall hold regular meetings. The Bismarck
Human Relations Commission shall keep a record of its resolutions, findings and
determinations and all records shall be public records unless otherwise provided
by North Dakota law. The Bismarck Human Relations Commission may appoint
such subcommittees from among the appointed members as may be necessary
for its work.
2-11-05. Powers and Duties. The Bismarck Human Relations Commission
shall:
:1. Report to the Board of City Commissioners regarding the activities of the Bismarck Human Relations Commission.
:2. Recommend to the Board of City Commissioners action and programs within the authority of the City in furtherance of the purpose of the Bismarck Human Relations Commission as described in this Chapter.
:3. Consult and advise with public officials and agencies and with private individuals and organizations to provide education regarding civil and human rights.
:4. The Bismarck Human Relations Commission may assist aggrieved individuals, and assistance may consist of information and referral, guidance and, at its discretion, mediation services.
2-11-06. Bismarck Human Relations Commission advisory in nature – The
Bismarck Human Relations Commission shall be advisory in nature and shall
submit all reports and determinations to the Board of City Commissioners of the
City of Bismarck. Final authority shall be in the Board of City Commissioners.
Section 2. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this
ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any
court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this ordinance.
Section 3. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect following final
passage and adoption.
Category:City Governments
Category:Civil Rights
Category:Diversity
Category:North Dakota
Category:Ordinances