(A) Creation of Commission. There is hereby created and established a Commission to be known as "The Community Relations Commission", consisting of not more than nine members.
(B) Appointment and term of office. The members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor by and with the consent of the Board of Trustees. All appointments shall be for a one-year term and until an appointee successor has been duly appointed and qualified.
(C) Meetings. The Commission may meet in closed meetings for the purpose of conciliating complaints of discrimination and the meetings shall not be subject to the provisions of "An Act in Relation to Meetings" approved July 11, 1957, as amended, and known as "The Open Meetings Act"; provided, however, that no final action for the imposition or recommendation of penalty shall be taken except at a meeting open to the public.
(D) Powers, duties and functions.
(1) The Commission shall have the power to hear complaints pursuant to the Fair Housing Code and upon completion of the hearings to take any one or more of the following actions:
(a) Resolve the complaint by conciliation;
(b) Dismiss the complaint;
(c) Make findings and recommendations to the Board regarding suspension or revocation of license;
(d) Impose a fine as provided for in § 93.99;
(e) In the case of any violation of the Fair Housing Code by any person in the course of performing under a contract or subcontract with the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof, or with the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof, notify by certified mail the contracting agency for the purpose causing it to terminate the contract or any portion thereof, either absolutely or on condition of compliance with the provisions of the Fair Housing Code; and
(f) The Commission may also direct the Village Attorney to commence action in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover the penalty provided by the Fair Housing Code or seek the equitable relief as the Commission may deem proper.
(2) The Commission shall have the power to adopt, promulgate, amend and rescind rules and regulations of procedure consistent with the provisions of this section and with those of the Fair Housing Code.
(3) The Commission shall have the power to subpoena witnesses and pertinent documents, which power may be enforced by the Commission by proper petition to any court of competent jurisdiction.
(4) The Commission shall have the power to administer oaths and take sworn testimony.
(5) The Commission shall cooperate with the Mayor and Board of Trustees and other village officials in the following; securing and furnishing of equal services to all residents; developing by various publicity and training media improved inter-group relations which in turn develop respect and equal rights without regard to race, color, sex, religion or ethnic background; encouraging and fostering fair and equal treatment under the law to all persons; maintaining equality of opportunity for employment and advancement in the village government; enlisting the cooperation of racial, religious and ethnic groups and community organizations, professional and technical organizations, fraternal and benevolent societies, veterans organizations and other groups in the Village of Calumet Park in carrying on its work.
(E) Investigations and research. The Commission shall receive and investigate complaints and initiate its own investigations of tensions, practices of discrimination and acts of prejudice against any person or group because of race, religion or ethnic origin, and in connection herewith may hold the public hearings as they deem necessary. Result of the investigations and recommendations shall be made in report form to the Mayor and Board of Trustees and other village officials.
(F) Organizations. The Commission shall meet and elect a President and Secretary and such other officers as they deem desirable from their members as soon as possible after their appointment and confirmation. The Commission shall hold the meetings as they deem necessary and the meetings may be held in the Office of the Mayor and Board of Trustees or such other suitable place selected by the Commission.
(G) Professional and clerical assistance. The professional assistance to the Commission as is necessary shall be furnished by the Mayor and Board of Trustees.
(H) Compensation. No member of the Commission shall be paid any compensation whatsoever except for reimbursement for the costs as may be expended in carrying out the duties of each person.
(I) Human Relations Commission renamed. The Human Relations Commission of the Village of Calumet Park is hereby renamed the Community Relations Commission of the Village of Calumet Park.
(Ord. 75-231, passed 3-11-1976; Ord. 76-249, passed 9-9-1976; Ord. 90-540, passed 1-25-1990)