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§ 12-1 TITLE 3 — COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS § 12-2 Chapter 12 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Sec. 12-1: Purpose and Duties Sec. 12-2: Organization Sec. 12-3: Member Obligations and Responsibilities Sec. 12-4: Reports Sec. 12-1: Purposes and Duties. A. To affirm, encourage and initiate programs and services within the City designed to eliminate discrimination, improve human relations, and effectuate the spirit and intent of applicable human rights legislation. In these efforts, the Commission may enlist the support of community groups and public agencies. B. To recommend to the Mayor and the Council policies and programs with the objective of implementing Commission goals and objectives concerning the civil and human rights of persons and groups in the community. C. The Commission shall work with City officials to ensure that the City continues to be a leader in extending equal opportunity to its inhabitants, including but not limited to: employment opportunities in city government, training for city jobs, equality of services provided, equality of all before the law, and equal treatment of all by holders of City licenses, contracts and privileges. D. The Commission shall endeavor to ascertain the status of civil and human rights in the community. (Ord. 2004-25, 05/03/04) Sec. 12-2. Organization. A. The Commission shall consist of from nine to eleven (11) members serving without pay. A non-voting member of this Commission shall not be considered in determining the number required for a quorum or whether a quorum is present. The word "Commission" when used herein shall mean the Human Rights Commission. Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and subject to the approval of the Council. Members shall be selected without respect to political affiliation. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the term of such member shall be for a period of three years. The terms of such membership shall be staggered as follows: one third (1/3) of the membership shall be appointed for an initial term of one year and one third (1/3) of the membership shall be appointed for an initial term of two years. Remaining and subsequent appointees shall serve the full three year term. Except for a non-voting member, an appointed member of the Commission must remain a resident of the City during his or her service on the Commission. The members shall hold office at the pleasure of the Mayor. The Mayor may revoke such appointment at any time and for any reason deemed sufficient with the advice and subject to the approval of the Council. Vacancies in such Commission occurring otherwise than the expiration of the term shall be filled by the Mayor with the advice and subject to the approval of the Council for the unexpired term. A Council member shall be a non-voting, ex officio member of the Commission. Where possible, this Commission shall include at least one student enrolled at least three quarters (3/4) time in a post secondary educational program, who shall serve a one year term, which term may be renewed. At least one student enrolled in high school or an equivalent educational program shall serve as a non-voting member of this Commission for a one year term, which term may be renewed. This Commission shall also include at least one Latah County resident who does not reside within City limits who shall serve as a non-voting member of this Commission for a three year term. B. Where possible, Commission members shall be appointed in a manner which ---PAGE BREAK--- § 12-2 TITLE 3 — COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS § 12-4 will allow members to represent the wide variety of lifestyles, heritages, beliefs and affiliations within the community. C. The members of the Commission shall meet and organize by electing one of their members chairperson, and electing such other officers as necessary for the efficient conduct of business. D. The Commission may establish subcommittees and/or advisory committees to advise and assist it in carrying out duties of the Commission. Where possible, this Commission shall coordinate efforts with local boards, groups and agencies as well as State boards, groups and agencies. (Ord. 2004-25, 05/03/04; 2007-15, 12/03/2007; Ord. 2008-23, 10/20/2008) Sec. 12-3. Member Obligations and Responsibilities. Commission members may be removed from the Commission following three consecutive absences that are not excused by the Chair. Following the third consecutive unexcused absence, the Chair may request the Mayor for removal of such Commission member. (Ord. 2004-25, 05/03/04) Sec. 12-4. Reports. The Commission shall make reports from time to time as requested by the Mayor and/or the Council. (Ord. 2004-25, 05/03/04)