The duties and powers of the Commission are:
(A) To receive, investigate, and seek to adjust all complaints of discrimination, to require all complaints registered with the Commission to be signed, properly verified by the individual who alleges the discrimination against him or her within 90 days after the alleged discriminatory act is committed;
(B) To make such investigations and studies in any field of human relations in the county, in which, in the judgment of the Commission, additional information is needed to effectuate the general purposes of the Commission;
(C) To investigate complaints of discrimination and seek to correct such by recommending to appropriate agencies, either public or private, such actions as may be considered necessary or helpful in eliminating such discrimination;
(D) To conduct and recommend such educational and other programs as, in the judgment of the Commission, will increase good will among the citizens of the county and assure equal opportunities for all in all phases of community life;
(E) To investigate complaints of discrimination against any individual, firm, company, agency, corporation or association and to develop programs and techniques designed to bring about the elimination of such discrimination;
(F) To take the testimony of any person under oath and to require the production of any evidence relating to any matter under investigation by the Commission;
(G) To recommend to the Board of Commissioners legislation to aid in carrying out the provisions of this subchapter;
(H) To create such subcommittees and advisory committees as in its judgment will aid in effectuating the purposes of this subchapter;
(I) To submit an annual report to the Board of Commissioners and a briefing on any and all matters before the Commission whenever so requested by the Board of Commissioners;
(J) To protect employers, labor organizations, employment agencies, property owners, real state brokers, builders, and lending institutions from unfounded charges;
(K) To notify all interested parties, when the majority of the members of the Commission are of the opinion that the efforts of the Commission cannot settle a complaint by education, persuasion, conciliation, or common sense, by registered mail not less than ten days prior to the date set for a formal hearing. All persons so notified will appear at the time and place designated and may be represented by counsel. The Commission will take all testimony under oath. The respondent or his or her counsel shall have the right to file an answer to the complaint, testify in his or her own behalf, call witnesses, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and plead and argue his or her case. When all information has been furnished to the Commission and the complainant and respondent have been heard, the Commission will decide a just arrangement and so inform both parties as to the findings, recommendations, and action to be taken by each or both parties;
(L) In the event either the claimant or respondent falls or refuses to comply with the order of the Commission, the fact of such refusal, together with the verified complaint and the entire records of its proceedings, shall be presented to the County Prosecutor for study or prosecution. If, in the opinion of the County Prosecutor, any ordinances of the county, laws of the state, or the Constitution of the United States have been violated, the County Prosecutor will take appropriate action;
(M) To levy a fine of any amount, not to exceed $300, for any and all persons not appearing for the formal hearing after they have been properly notified.
(Ord. 2001-08-CM, passed 5-21-01)