Human Relations Council

1. Human Relations Council Ordinance Updates

2. HRC Ordinance Amendments • Sections affected: • Appendix D – Boards, Committees, Commissions, Etc. of the Code of the City of Salisbury

3. Appendix D Amendments • Highlights • Condensed name • Restructuring membership • Changes to functions of the HRC • Changes to powers and duties of the HRC • Some language has been added, some removed • Minor wording changes for readability

4. Appendix D Amendments • New Name • Salisbury-Rowan Human Relations Council now Human Relations Council (HRC) • Section 1, Part 6 • Salisbury-RowanHuman Relations Council, henceforth referred to as HRC

5. Appendix D Amendments • BEFORE: 2.1 - A Council is hereby created to identify problems in the area of human relations, to make recommendations regarding these problems and engage in activities which shall • effect solutions promoting equality of opportunity in the economic, educational, governmental and cultural life of the community for all citizens without regard to race, creed, national origin, sex, age, or handicap and work to eliminate discrimination on any of these bases; • encouraging fair treatment and mutual understanding and respect among all citizens; • discovering and seeking to counter those practices and customs which create animosity and unrest; • and make recommendations to the appointing authority for action it deems necessary for harmonious relationships among the citizens

6. Appendix D Amendments • AFTER: 2.1 - A Council is hereby created to identify concernsin the area of human relations, make recommendations regarding these issuesand engage in activities which shall effectively • promote equality in such areas as economic, educational, governmental and cultural life of the community for all citizens without regard to race, creed, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability, and work to eliminate discrimination on any of these bases; • encourage fair treatment and mutual understanding and respect among all citizens; • discover and seek to counter practices and customs which create animosity and unrest; and • make recommendations to the appointing authority for action it deems necessary for harmonious relationships among the citizens.

7. 2.2 Amendments - Appointments • BEFORE • 18 members total • 6 appointed by City Council • 6 appointed by HRC • 6 appointed by Rowan County Commissioners • 10 member quorum • AFTER • 16 members total • 8 appointed by City Council • 8 appointed by HRC • 9 member quorum

8. 2.2 Amendments – Term Limits • BEFORE Of 18 members first appointed: • 6 appointed for one year • 6 appointed for two years • 6 appointed for three years • AFTER Of the 16 members first appointed: • 6 appointed for one year • 6 appointed for two years • 4 appointed for three years

9. 2.5 Amendments - Functions • BEFORE • Study and recommend strategies for the prevention of potential human relations problems and crises and the promotion of good relations. • Provide channels of communication among the races. • Endeavor to make the Human Relations Council itself a model of good human relations at work. • Serve as a conciliatory body for resolving tension and conflict in emergency and crisis situation should they arise. • Submit at least annually a report to the City Council and County Commissioners. • Cooperate with State, Federal and local governmental agencies. • Advise the City Council and the County Commissioners of recommended actions to aid and carry out the purposes of this ordinance. • AFTER • Study and recommend strategies for the prevention of potential human relations problems and crises and the promotion of good relations. • Identify, study, and document areas of human need (housing, employment, education, transportation, etc.) in the city and recommend strategies for meeting those needs. • Endeavor to make the Human Relations Council itself a model of good human relations at work. • Submit at least annually a report to the City Council. • Cooperate with State, Federal and local governmental agencies. • Communicate regularly the work, observations, and recommendations of the Human Relations Council to the Mayor and City Council. • Advise the City Council of recommended actions to aid and carry out the purposes of this ordinance.

10. 2.5 Amendments - Functions • Stricken Functions • Provide channels of communication among the races. • Serve as a conciliatory body for resolving tension and conflict in emergency and crisis situation should they arise. • Added Functions • Identify, study, and document areas of human need (housing, employment, education, transportation, etc.) in the city and recommend strategies for meeting those needs. • Communicate regularly the work, observations, and recommendations of the Human Relations Council to the Mayor and City Council.

11. 2.6 Amendments – Powers and Duties • BEFORE • Carry out policy of the Human Relations Council. • Receive complaints, mediate, and conciliate. • Provide training programs for the community. • Promote equal employment opportunity. • Promote equal housing opportunity. • Perform duties assigned by the appointing authority • AFTER • Carry out directives of the Human Relations Council • Promote and provide training/workshops for community advancement. • Advocate for equal employment opportunity. • Promote and provide education on equal housing opportunity. • Perform duties assigned by the appointing authority.

12. 2.6 Amendments – Powers and Duties • Added Powers and Duties • Recommend to the City Council official actions to aid in carrying out the purposes of this ordinance. • Submit at least annually a report to the City Council. • Provide opportunities for meaningful discussion on human relations throughout the community. • Provide information and referrals related to Human Relations issues.

13. 2.7 Amendments • Former 2.7 moved down to 2.8 to make room for an added section to read: • 2.7 - The services of all other city departments and agencies shall be made available by their respective heads to the HRC for the carrying out of the functions herein stated.