§ 33.126 ORGANIZATION.

   (A)   The Commission shall elect a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and a Secretary from its membership. The Commission may also organize itself in whatever other manner it deems appropriate. The Commission may adopt such rules and regulations as it considers necessary to effectuate the purpose of this subchapter.

   (B)   A majority of all members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for conducting the Commission's business.

(Ord. 422, passed 10-2-00)

§ 33.127 PURPOSES.

   (A)   The Commission shall advise the Mayor and town departments regarding the service needs of veterans, public educational programs, and events regarding the history and commemoration of veterans, as well as the preservation of veteran's monuments and memorials.

   (B)   The Commission shall serve as the Local Veterans' Advisory Committee and shall have the responsibilities of carrying out locally the duties and purposes of Conn. Gen. Stat., § 27-135, including those of a veteran's service contact person, who shall be designated as such by the chairperson of the Commission.

(Ord. 422, passed 10-2-00; Am. Ord. 696, passed 2-5-18)

§ 33.128 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

   (A)   The Commission shall perform all duties necessary to effectuate the purposes of the Commission and any other duties and responsibilities authorized by Conn. Gen. Stat., § 27-135 as may be amended.

   (B)   The Commission shall receive, in writing, correspondence from residents with concerns or specific needs.

   (C)   The Commission shall act as the coordinating agency in all matters concerning veterans and their dependents, coordinating the activities of public and private facilities concerned with veterans' reemployment education, rehabilitation and adjustment to peacetime living.

   (D)   The Commission shall cooperate with all national, state and local governmental and private agencies in securing services and benefits to which a veteran or his/her dependents may be entitled.

   (E)   The Commission shall use the services and facilities of the veterans' organizations so far as possible to carry out the purposes of this section.

   (F)   The Commission shall encourage and coordinate vocational training services for veterans.

   (G)   The Town of Hamden shall appropriate the necessary funds so that the Commission can carry out its duties and responsibilities. Any such expenditures shall comply with the rules, regulations, charter and ordinances of the town. All members of the Commission shall serve without compensation.

(Ord. 422, passed 10-2-00; Am. Ord. 696, passed 2-5-18)

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS

§ 33.135 ESTABLISHMENT.

   (A)   The Commission on Human Rights and Relations shall consist of nine members, all electors of the town, to be appointed by the Mayor, subject to the approval of the Legislative Council. Not more than six members of the Commission shall be of the same political party. Commission members shall serve without compensation.

   (B)   Of the nine Commissioners first appointed, three Commissioners shall be appointed for a term of three years; three Commissioners shall be appointed for a term of two years; and three Commissioners shall be appointed for a term of one year. Thereafter, all Commissioners shall be appointed for a term of three years. In the event of a vacancy in the Commission's membership, the succeeding member shall be appointed to serve the unexpired term of the vacating member. The Mayor may remove any member for cause, which shall include failure to attend, without reasonable excuse, three meetings during any calendar year.

(Ord. 433, passed 3-12-01)

§ 33.136 PURPOSE.

   The purposes of the Commission shall be as follows:

   (A)   To foster mutual understanding and respect among all members of the community;

   (B)   To encourage equality of treatment and respect among all members of the community;

   (C)   To work with governmental and non-governmental organizations charged with promoting an integrated and diverse community;

   (D)   To work with federal, state, and town departments, boards and commissions, as well as with private, civic, religious, business, industrial, labor, and other organizations, groups and persons to recommend to and advise the Mayor regarding participation in programs, events, and projects which reflect the diversity of the community and help all members of the community enjoy equality of opportunity in all phases of community life;

   (E)   Working with town departments, boards and commissions to provide outreach to and greater participation in all aspects of town government and civic life for all members of the community;

   (F)   Promoting educational activities and programs that further the Commission's purposes, specifically those that further intergroup understanding and acceptance;

   (G)   Promoting interracial dialogue and cultural diversity in programs, events, and projects sponsored by the town and others;

   (H)   To perform independent research and investigation for the purpose of making reports and recommendations to the Mayor with respect to new or proposed programs or issues involving human and group rights and relations.

   (I)   To advise and assist the town in eliminating all discrimination against any individual or individuals because of race, color, gender, age, religious creed, economic status; national origin or ancestry.

(Ord. 422, passed 10-2-00)

§ 33.137 LIMITATIONS.

   (A)   Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as conferring upon the Commission any administrative authority over the staff or the operations of any dept of the town.

   (B)   The Commission shall have no fiscal authority. The Commission shall have no authority to incur any expenses without the prior approval of the Mayor and the Legislative Council. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission shall be provided by the town with the services of a clerk, who shall be paid as an independent contractor from the Town Clerk's professional and technical services line item account.

(Ord. 422, passed 10-2-00)