cityofalbany.net

Chapter 2.25
ALBANY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

Sections:

2.25.005    Established.

2.25.010    Purpose.

2.25.020    Criteria to be considered for appointment.

2.25.030    Term of office and initial appointment.

2.25.040    Duties and responsibilities.

2.25.050    Procedures.

2.25.005 Established.

There is hereby established a Human Relations Commission for the City of Albany which shall consist of seven members. Each Councilor and the Mayor shall appoint one member to the Commission; the appointment will then be ratified by the City Council. (Ord. 5671 § 1, 2007; Ord. 5665 § 1, 2007).

2.25.010 Purpose.

The Human Relations Commission is established by the Albany City Council to promote harmonious relations among the citizens of Albany. It is created to recommend programs, activities, ordinances, expenditures, and other appropriate governmental activities which will serve the goal of maintaining respectful interactions within our community. (Ord. 5671 § 1, 2007; Ord. 5665 § 1, 2007).

2.25.020 Criteria to be considered for appointment.

It is expected that each appointee will be committed to the philosophy of inclusion, equal opportunity, and fair treatment for all residents of Albany. The City Council will endeavor to appoint Commissioners who represent a cross-section of the entire community. Appointees must reside within the Albany City limits. (Ord. 5671 § 1, 2007; Ord. 5665 § 1, 2007).

2.25.030 Term of office and initial appointment.

The initial membership of the Human Relations Commission shall be established by the Mayor and Council. Three of the initially appointed members shall serve a three-year term, two of the initially appointed members shall serve a two-year term, and two of the initially appointed members shall serve for a one-year term. Initial terms of appointment will be staggered according to the alphabetical order of the appointee’s surname, beginning with three-year terms for those closest to the beginning of the alphabet. Thereafter, as the terms expire, the Mayor and each Councilor shall appoint replacement members for three-year terms. Members shall serve without compensation. Members may not serve more than six consecutive years on the Commission. After serving six consecutive years, a member must leave the Commission for one year before being eligible for reappointment. All members of the Human Relations Commission will serve at the pleasure of the Council and may be removed from their position by the Council at any time without cause. Any vacancies in the Commission shall be filled through appointment by the appropriate Councilor and ratification by the City Council. (Ord. 5671 § 1, 2007; Ord. 5665 § 1, 2007).

2.25.040 Duties and responsibilities.

The Human Relations Commission shall meet periodically in public sessions at dates, times, and places as may be established by the Commission. The Commission shall have the duty to make recommendations to the City Council and the City Manager as outlined in AMC 2.25.010. In formulating its recommendations, the Human Relations Commission shall strive for actions that lead to positive and respectful relations in the community. The duties of the Commission will not include the investigation or sanctioning of individual acts of unlawful or discriminatory behavior but will, instead, focus on recommending community activities that may be expected to promote positive change. The duties of the Human Relations Commission may be revised at any time, after public notice, by resolution. (Ord. 5671 § 1, 2007; Ord. 5665 § 1, 2007).

2.25.050 Procedures.

The Human Relations Commission shall elect a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The Commission shall keep a journal of its proceedings, which shall be kept on file in the office of the City Recorder. (Ord. 5671 § 1, 2007).