HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 25-2009 Ordinance No. 25-09
An Ordinance Amending Article V. of Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances of the
City of Brookings, South Dakota and Pertaining to Human Rights Committees.
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BROOKINGS, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA,AS FOLLOWS:
I.
That the following Sections of Division 2 of Article V. and pertaining to Human Rights
Committee are amended to read as follows:
Sec. 2-141. Continued. The city has established in and for the city, a human rights
committee.
Sec. 2-142. Composition.The human rights committee shall consist of ten members, nine
of which shall be selected by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council, and one of
which shall be selected by the board of county commissioners. In selecting members, due regard
shall be given to representation of minority groups on the human rights committee. One member of
the human rights committee selected by the mayor shall be a student enrolled in a post-secondary
educational institution.
Sec. 2-143. Term of office; date of appointment; compensation.
(a) All members of the human rights committee shall serve for terms of three years, except
the student member who shall serve a one-year term. Any members whose term expires may be
reappointed.
(b) All members of the human rights committee shall serve without compensation.
Sec. 2-144. Vacancies. If a vacancy on the human rights committee occurs on a date other
than the first Monday of the year, then the vacancy may be filled by appointment for a term not
exceeding three years,which term shall expire on the first Monday in January. If a member is absent
from three consecutive regular meetings without authorization from the human rights committee,
the member's seat may be considered vacant, and a new member may be appointed.
Sec. 2-145. Officers. The human rights committee shall designate from among its
membership a chairperson,vice-chairperson, and such other officers and subcommittees as it may
deem appropriate and necessary.
Sec. 2-146. Meetings. The human rights committee shall meet at such times and places as
may be determined by such committee.
Sec. 2-147. Purpose. The purpose of the Brookings Human Rights Committee (BHRC) is to
improve human relations and civil rights in the Brookings area by fighting discrimination through
educational efforts and a complaint resolution procedure. The committee has the power to investigate
complaints alleging discrimination against individuals or groups because of their sex,race,color,creed,
religion, ancestry, disability, familial status or national origin,with respect to employment, labor union
membership,housing accommodations,property rights, education,public accommodations or public
services.
Sec. 2-148. Powers generally. The powers and duties of the Brookings Human Rights
Committee shall be to:
(1) Promote human and civil rights for all its citizens and visitors.
(2) Promote a mutual understanding and respect among all racial, religious and
nationality groups and work to discourage and prevent discriminatory practices against any
such group.
(3) Attempt to foster, through community effort or otherwise,goodwill,cooperation
and conciliation.
(4) Study and determine the existence, character, causes and extent of discrimination in
employment, housing accommodations, property rights, education,public accommodations,
public services in the city, and discrimination based on age, disability,marital status,
ethnicity,religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and political affiliation. The study and
determination of discrimination is based on a broad understanding of civil and human rights
as embodied in the 1964 Civil Rights Act as amended,which includes race,color, religion,
gender and country of origin.
(5) Advise and provide a forum for those who have been subjected to unfair and
discriminatory practices in the city.
(6) To receive,investigate and conciliate complaints alleging discrimination and where
probable cause for discrimination is found to exist, refer the complaint to the appropriate
governmental agency. The human rights committee shall develop rules of procedure subject
to approval of the city council.
(7) Enlist the cooperation of various racial,religious and ethic groups, community,civil,
labor and business organizations, student organizations, fraternal and benevolent
associations,veterans' organizations,and other groups in educational campaigns and
programs devoted to teaching the need for eliminating group tensions,prejudices,
intolerance, bigotry and unlawful discrimination.
(8) Cooperate with federal, state and city agencies in developing programs showing the
contributions of the various groups to the culture and traditions of our city and nation,the
menace of prejudice,intolerance,bigotry and unlawful discrimination and the need for
mutual respect.
(9) Advise the mayor,city council members,city manager and the respective
departments of the city concerning matters consistent with the purpose and powers of the
human rights committee.
(10) Recommend ordinances and other legislation pertinent to the purposes of human
rights.
(11) Conduct educational programs and disseminate information in furtherance of the
purposes and policies of the human rights committee.
(12) Hear and investigate complaints alleging discrimination regarding the City of
Brookings,in accordance with the grievance procedures for ADA grievances adopted by
resolution of the city.
II.
Any or all ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
FIRST READING: October 13, 2009
SECOND READING: October 27, 2009
PUBLISHED: October 30, 2009
CITY OF BROOKINGS, SD
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o , yA its N, �� Tim Reed,Mayor
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