(a) The Human Relations Board shall:
(1) By means of public hearing or otherwise investigate and study any conditions having an adverse affect on inter-group relations in the City and the problems of prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and discrimination as they affect the public safety and general welfare of the City;
(2) Institute and conduct educational and other programs to promote the equal rights and opportunities of all persons, regardless of their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, handicap, age, sex, or sexual orientation. In the performance of its duties the Board may cooperate with interested citizens, private agencies, business entities, non-profit organizations, educational institutions and agencies of the federal, State and local governments;
(3) Appoint hearing examiners who shall be admitted to the practice of law in the State of Ohio and other employees as it deems necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter. No commitments for employees or services shall ever exceed the appropriations made by the City Commission for such purposes;
(4) Receive, investigate and pass upon written charges made under oath of policies, practices or courses of conduct prohibited by Section 171.01;
(5) On a periodic basis review discrimination complaint processing carried out by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission as such complaints relate to activities occurring in the City of Springfield;
(6) Adopt, promulgate, amend and rescind rules and regulations and other guidelines to effectuate the purposes of this chapter;
(7) Foster through community efforts or otherwise, good will among the groups and elements of the City of Springfield;
(8) Study the problems of discrimination in all or specific fields of human relations and make periodic surveys, gather data, and publish statistical summaries of the results of investigations and research into the existence and effect of discrimination because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, handicap, age, sex, or sexual orientation or the enjoyment of civil rights and human rights by persons within the City to the extent that, in the Board's judgment, will tend to promote good will and minimize or eliminate discrimination; and
(9) Submit reports and recommendations to the City Commission from time to time, but not less than once a year describing the work performed by the Board. The Board shall submit an annual report to the City Commission describing the effectiveness of discrimination complaint processing conducted by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission on matters occurring in the City of Springfield. Reports may include a copy of any surveys or other studies prepared by the Board and may include recommendations of the Board as to remedial action, legislative and otherwise.
(b) The Board may:
(1) Meet and function at any place within the City;
(2) Adopt goals and objectives in carrying out the mission of the Board and at least annually review and update the goals and objectives:
(3) Initiate and undertake on its own motion, investigations of discriminatory practices as defined in Section 171.01; and
(4) Upon the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Board, pursuant to a finding by such members of the necessity and propriety therefor, issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and for the production of relevant papers, documents and other evidence at any time subsequent to the filing or initiation of a complaint alleging a discriminating practice.
(Ord. 18-24. Passed 1-30-18.)