(a) This chapter sustains the existing and functioning Fair Housing Board which consists of three (3) members who are qualified electors of the City and who shall not hold any public office at the municipal, county, state or federal level at any time while a member of the Board. Any duly appointed Board member who is running for any public office shall be automatically disqualified from further membership on the Board. The day the Board member files petitions with the County Board of Elections shall be the date of the disqualification. No Board member shall be appointed who is employed in any real estate or lending institution.
(b) The Board members shall be appointed by the Mayor. Of the members first appointed, one shall hold office for a term of one year; one for a term of two years; and the other for a term of three years; and 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 shall be eligible for reappointment to the Board.
(c) The Mayor may recommend to the City Council the removal of any member of the Board for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. The City Council may remove a member of the Board from office by the vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Council only after having first given to such member a copy of the charges against him and an opportunity to be publicly heard in person or by counsel in his own defense; and any such removal shall be final.
(d) Each member of the Board shall serve without salary, but shall be paid necessary and actual expenses in performing the business of the Board.
(e) The Board is charged with the following duties to implement the state policy of this chapter:
(1) To investigate all complaints of unlawful housing practices which are filed with it.
(2) To 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) To endeavor by conciliation, to resolve such complaints.
(4) To hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, administer oaths, take the testimony of any person under oath, and in connection therewith, to require the production for examination of any books or papers relating to any matter under investigation or in questions before the Board.
(5) To render at lease once a year to the Mayor and to the City Council a full written report of all its activities and recommendations.
(6) To recommend to the Mayor, when it deems necessary, educational and other programs designed to promote the purposes stated in the chapter.
(7) To adopt rules and procedures for the conduct of its business.
(8) To do such other acts that are necessary and proper in order to perform those duties with which it is charged under the terms of this chapter.
(Ord. 980804-86. Passed 8-6-98.)