[HISTORY: Derived from Ch. 108 of the 1975 Compilation, as amended
through 1996; amended in its entirety 11-1-2005 by L.L.
No. 1-2005. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
The Common Council of the City of Oneonta finds that neighborliness
and good community relations are one of a city's greatest assets; that
prejudice and discrimination against any individual or group menace peace
or public welfare; and that promoting tolerance and celebration of diversity
is a worthy goal of the City of Oneonta. To that end, the Common Council of
the City of Oneonta should establish a public body through which the citizens
and employees of this City may be kept informed of developments in community
relations, and through which individuals and groups in the City of Oneonta
may be officially encouraged to promote tolerance and goodwill toward all
people.
There is hereby established a commission to be known as the "Commission
on Community Relations and Human Rights," consisting of seven City of Oneonta
residents to be appointed by the Mayor. Members appointed or reappointed shall
hold office for a term of three years. In making appointments to the Commission,
with concurrence of the Common Council, the Mayor shall take community diversity
into consideration. At the discretion of the Mayor, an alderman may be appointed
as a non-voting liaison. The commission shall not appoint any other non-voting
members as liaisons, ad-hoc members, representatives or any other such similar
positions without the express authorization from the Mayor.
The members of the Commission shall not receive compensation for their
service on the board.
All Commission members shall reside within the City of Oneonta.
The Commission shall meet from time to time as a majority of the members
shall agree, by advance notification to the City Clerk as to time, location
and date of such meetings. The City Clerk shall serve as the Secretary of
the Commission and shall keep all records in relation thereto.
It shall be the duty of the Commission to:
A.Â
Foster mutual respect and understanding among all citizens,
groups and visitors within the City;
B.Â
In cooperation with the Mayor's office, conduct
or recommend such educational programs and/or materials as will increase good
will among inhabitants of the community and open new opportunities into all
phases of community life for its inhabitants;
C.Â
Advise City officials and City employees on intergroup
relations, fostering respect for all members of the community and promoting
equality of opportunity for employment and advancement in City government;
D.Â
Become knowledgeable about the mission of the New York
State Division of Human Rights, and use this knowledge as part of their duty
to educate the community;
E.Â
Carry out other duties as the Mayor and Common Council
may assign from time to time.
The Commission shall welcome the cooperation of citizens, communities
of faith, community service organizations, educational institutions, professional
and technical organizations and other groups in the City in carrying out its
work.
The Commission shall from time to time report activities to the Mayor's
office.
