(a) There is hereby established a Fair Housing Board to consist of five members who are qualified electors of the City.
(b) Board members shall be appointed by the Mayor. Of the members first appointed, two shall hold office for a term of one year, two for a term of two years and one for a term of three years. Their successors shall be appointed for terms of three years. The Mayor shall fill all vacancies by appointment for the unexpired term. A Board member whose term has expired is eligible for re-appointment to the Board.
(c) The Executive Secretary of the Board shall be appointed by the Mayor and shall be an employee of the City.
(d) The Mayor may recommend to Council the removal of any member of the Board for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. Council may remove a member of the Board from office by a vote of two-thirds of Council only after having first given to such member a copy of the charges against him or her and an opportunity to be publicly heard in person or by counsel in his or her own defense. Any such removal shall be final.
(e) Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting the business thereof. A vacancy on the Board does not impair the right of the other members to exercise all powers of the Board.
(f) Each member of the Board shall serve without salary, but shall be paid necessary and actual expenses expended in performing the business of the Board.
(g) To implement the stated policy of this chapter, the Board shall:
(1) Investigate all complaints of unlawful housing practices which are filed with it;
(2) Initiate complaints of unlawful housing practices on the basis of auditing or testing carried out by its staff or volunteers authorized by the Board;
(3) Endeavor, by conciliation, to resolve such complaints;
(4) Hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, administer oaths, take the testimony of any person under oath and, in connection therewith, require the production for examination of books or papers relating to any matter under investigation or in question before the Board;
(5) Render, at least once a year to the Mayor and to Council, a full written report of all its activities and recommendations;
(6) Recommend to the Mayor, when it deems it necessary, educational and other programs designed to promote the purposes of this chapter;
(7) Adopt rules and procedures for the conduct of its business; and
(8) So other acts that are necessary and proper to perform the duties with which it is charged under this chapter.
(Ord. 131-85. Passed 6-20-85.)