§ 9.5-32. Purpose.

The purpose of the city community relations commission is to:

(1)

Cultivate and encourage unity;

(2)

Study, review, and formulate strategies to help alleviate problems concerning the residents of the city as directed by the mayor and city council;

(3)

Pursue efforts to improve community relations among all citizens of the city as directed by the mayor and city council;

(4)

Pursue issues within the community as directed by the mayor and city council;

(5)

Identify and report on issues as directed by the mayor and city council;

(6)

Serve as a catalyst and forum for communication among the various parts of the community, providing low income, ethnic, disabled and other disadvantaged groups and individuals appropriate assistance and support which may be available in the community;

(7)

Bring about mutual understanding and respect among all racial, religious, ethnic groups, and special populations, including the mentally and physically disabled, within the city;

(8)

Enlist the cooperation of community, religious, professional, civic, labor and business organizations and other identifiable groups within the city in programs and campaigns devoted to the advancement of tolerance and understanding;

(9)

Hold and conduct public forums at such times and places around the city as may be practical on matters and questions before the commission as directed by the mayor and city council;

(10)

Prepare a written report on its work, functions, and services every six (6) months to the mayor and city council;

(11)

Report to the mayor and city council for their review and consideration procedures, practices, and/or legislation in matters and questions affecting human relations in the city;

(12)

The commission is only an advisory board to the mayor and city council and will only make reports on their meetings to the mayor and the city council on matters as directed by the mayor and city council;

(13)

The mayor and city council are under no obligation to take any action based upon the report presented by the commission;

(14)

Adopt procedures as necessary to govern the proceedings of the community relations commission and to conduct its meetings accordingly;

(15)

Do all other acts and deeds necessary and proper to carry out and accomplish effectively the objectives, functions and service contemplated by the provisions of this article; and

(16)

Perform studies and conduct research as directed by the mayor and city council, when applicable, on human relations within the city, and to foster goodwill among the citizens of the city.

(Ord. No. 16-96, § II, 4-25-96)