(A) Membership. The Human Rights Commission created under authority of KRS 344.310, shall consist of five members who shall be appointed on a nonpartisan basis and shall be broadly representative of the financial institutions, real estate businesses, religious groups, human rights groups, and the general public. The Mayor shall appoint the members. Of the first five members appointed, one shall be appointed for one year, two shall be appointed for two years, and two shall be appointed for three years. Subsequent appointments shall be for three years. In the event of incapacity, death, or resignation of any member, a successor shall be appointed for the member's unexpired term. Members shall be eligible for reappointment. Before making new appointments or any reappointments, the Mayor may request the recommendations of the City Council. No elected or appointed city official shall be a member of the Commission. The members shall serve without compensation.
(B) The Commission is authorized to:
(1) Receive, initiate, investigate, hear, and determine charges of violations of ordinances, orders, or resolutions forbidding discrimination adopted by the city.
(2) Compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence before it by subpoena issued by the circuit court of Kenton County.
(3) Issue remedial orders, after notice and hearing, requiring cessation of violations.
(4) Issue such affirmative orders as in the judgment of the Commission will carry out the purposes of this chapter. Affirmative action ordered may include but is not limited to the remedies enumerated in KRS 344.230(3).
(5) Employ an executive director, attorneys, hearing examiners, clerks, and other employees and agents.
(6) Accept grants, gifts, or bequests, public or private, to help finance its activities.
(KRS 344.320)
(C) The Commission may also:
(1) Enter into cooperative working agreements with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in order to achieve the purposes of the Federal Civil Rights Act; and with any federal or state agency in order to achieve the purposes of this chapter.
(2) In its discretion, or upon request of the State Commission, refer a matter under its jurisdiction to the State Commission for initial action or review.
(3) Refer to the State Commission for resolution a dispute over jurisdiction or other matter with another local commission.
(4) Provide a copy of its annual report to the State Commission.
(Ord. 1143-1979, passed - -79)