It shall be the duty and authority of the Commission to:
(A) Conduct research, publish and utilize studies in the field of intergroup relations and to develop and implement procedures to educate the community, equalize opportunities, eliminate discrimination and promote good will among all persons;
(B) Receive and record any complaint alleging discrimination against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, veteran's status, ancestry, age or physical or mental disability in violation of this subchapter;
(C) Seek to resolve conflicts between persons involved in complaints which are within the jurisdiction of the Commission by specifically authorizing the Chair and Vice-Chair at a regular or special meeting to investigate particular complaints to determine if there is probable cause to believe a violation of this subchapter has occurred. If the Chair determines from the investigation of a complaint that there is probable cause to believe a violation has occurred, the Commission may authorize the Chair to give notice to all parties that a closed conciliators conference will be held by impartial conciliators' who have been approved and appointed by the Commission. At the conciliation conference, an attempt shall be made to resolve the conflict between the parties by formulating a written agreement to eliminate the discriminatory situation which may be found to exist;
(D) If neither the fact finding, nor conciliation, phase produces a settlement between the complainant and the respondent, the Commission shall make its own determination in the case in light of the evidence before it and shall submit its report in writing to the appropriate city, state or Federal agency or national organization with the recommendation that appropriate action be taken;
(E) Recommend to the appropriate agency or person legislative, administrative, legal or other ameliorative action to be taken to eliminate discrimination and foster good will;
(F) Invite and enlist the cooperation of any citizen, organization or committee which can be of benefit in fulfilling the responsibilities of the Commission in carrying out specific programs designed to lessen conflicts and in improving understanding in the community;
(G) Adopt such rules of procedure and regulations as may be deemed necessary to conduct its meetings, conciliation conferences and general operations and to carry out the purposes and provisions of this subchapter. Such rules of procedure and regulations shall be in written form, shall be submitted to the Mayor and City Council for review and comment and shall be approved by a majority of the members of the Commission;
(H) Cooperate and assist, at its discretion, any person who requests such cooperation or assistance for the purpose of developing or maintaining affirmative action programs;
(I) Prepare and submit annually to the Mayor and City Council, at or shortly after the end of each fiscal year, a report of its activities during such fiscal year; and
(J) May refer individuals and information to other agencies or persons when appropriate.
(1960 Code, § 9-3-13) (Ord. 5837, passed 1-20-1998; Am. Ord. 8369-2019, passed 9-17-2019)