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A. During or after the investigation, but subsequent to the mailing of the notice of the complaint to the respondent, the administrator shall, if it appears that the respondent has committed an unlawful housing practice, attempt to conciliate the complaint. In conciliating a complaint, the administrator shall try to achieve a just resolution and obtain assurances that the respondent will satisfactorily remedy any violation of the complainant's rights and take action to ensure the elimination of both present and future unlawful housing practices. A conciliation agreement may include: sensitivity training for the respondent and/or the respondent's employees; the respondent's agreement to adopt and pursue a policy of nondiscrimination in its practices; and the respondent's agreement to not engage in discriminatory practices in the future.
B. A conciliation agreement executed under this section must be in writing in a form approved by the city attorney and must be signed and verified by the respondent and the complainant, subject to approval of the administrator who shall indicate approval by signing the agreement.
C. If a respondent voluntarily enters into a conciliation agreement, the administrator shall immediately dismiss the complaint. (Ord. 64-09 § 1, 2009)
A. If, upon completion of an investigation of a complaint, the administrator determines that an unlawful housing practice has occurred and is unable to secure an acceptable conciliation agreement from the respondent, then the administrator shall refer the case to the city attorney. The administrator shall refer the entire file to the city attorney, who shall determine how best to pursue further action, if any, on the complaint.
B. If the city attorney determines that cause exists that an unlawful housing practice occurred and the facts are sufficient to warrant the initiation of an action in justice court, then the city attorney shall provide written notification to the respondent and the complainant that an action to enforce this chapter may be initiated in justice court. If the city attorney determines that there is no cause that an unlawful housing practice occurred or that the facts are insufficient to warrant the initiation of an action in justice court, the city attorney shall provide written notification to the respondent and the complainant and notify the administrator who shall then dismiss the complaint. (Ord. 64-09 § 1, 2009)
A person violates this chapter if the person intentionally or knowingly violates a provision of this chapter or if the person intentionally or knowingly obstructs or prevents compliance with this chapter. An offense committed under this chapter by a respondent owning or operating twenty (20) or fewer dwellings is punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). An offense committed under this chapter by a respondent owning or operating twenty one (21) or more dwellings or by a real estate broker or salesperson is punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). (Ord. 64-09 § 1, 2009)