A. A person claiming to be aggrieved by a discriminatory practice, his agent, the director of the commission, the city attorney or a nonprofit organization with a purpose of combating discrimination may file with the commission a written complaint stating that a discriminatory practice has been committed, setting forth the facts upon which the complaint is based, and setting forth facts sufficient to enable the commission to identify the person charged (hereinafter the respondent). A member of the commission staff or one or more members of the commission, as appointed by the chair, shall promptly investigate the allegations of discriminatory practice set forth in the complaint and shall promptly furnish the respondent with a copy of the complaint. Prior to investigation, complainant and respondent may agree to mediation. (Ord. 4064, 1-3-1995)
B. The complaint must be filed within three hundred (300) days after the alleged discriminatory practice occurs. A complaint filed with the Iowa civil rights commission under the provisions of the Iowa civil rights act shall be sufficient for the purposes of this chapter, if it alleges discriminatory acts within this city. (Ord. 5065, 8-1-2011)
C. If it is determined after investigation that no probable cause exists for such complaint, the commission shall forthwith notify the complainant and the respondent of such determination and the case shall be closed with the commission.
D. If it is determined after investigation that probable cause exists for crediting the allegations of the complaint, the commission staff shall promptly proceed with conciliation.
E. The commission shall notify the Iowa civil rights commission whenever any finding has been made with respect to any case within their jurisdiction or whenever such case is otherwise closed.
F. The complaint may be amended at any time prior to the scheduling of the complaint for a public hearing, and thereafter, only upon the consent of the person or persons conducting the hearing. Such leave shall be freely given when justice so requires. (Ord. 4064, 1-3-1995)