Res 008-84 1/17/1984RESOLUTION NO. 8-84
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE BYLAWS OF THE WICHITA
FALLS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA
FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
The bylaws for the Wichita Falls Human Relations Commission,
a copy of which is attached hereto, is approved.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 17th day of January, 1984 .
AttI
M A Y O ROr
ATTEST:
City Clerk
BY-LAWS
or THE
WICHITA FALLS HUMAN R:LATIO::S COMMISSION
PF.=BLE
The By-Laws set forth herein arc hereby adocted for the purpose
of providing an organizational framework and rules of procedure to
the end that this Commission may better serve the purposes for which
it has been established.
ARTICLE I
AUTHORITY FOR THE BY-LAWS
The By-Laws as set forth herein are promulgated in accordance
with and by virtue of Section 2-157 of the Ordinances of the City
of Wichita Falls, which sets out the duties and responsibilities of
the Human Relations Commission.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION
The Human Relations Commission shall serve as the duly consti-
tuted instrumentality of the City Council of Wichita Falls, for the
purpose of providing a means by which all citizens of Wichita Falls
may be assured equal enjoyment of all rights, privileges and remedies
in the protection of their person, property, livelihood, and freedoms,
and equal opportunity to pursue their respective aspirations, to
enjoy the benefits of their individual labors, and to equally share
in the common benefits of society without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age, or physical or mental handicap
and marital status.
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B'.-LAWS OF THE HUMA.. LELTIONS CO:..:ISSION, Page 2 of 14 Pages
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The Commission shall have such powers and duties as established
by the Code of Crdinances of the City of Wichita Falls and as may
be delegated by the City Council and the City Manager. These powers
and duties include:
Section 1. Advise and consult with the City Council on matters
involving racial, religious, age, sex, handicap, or ethnic discrimina-
tion and recommend to the City Council measures aimed at improving
and insuring equal protection of any and all persons and groups against
discrimination.
Section 2. Recommend to the City Council legislation to aid in
programs designed to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and
encourage community support for such legislation.i
Section 3. Serve in an advisory capacity to the City Manager in
matters designed to
promote
equal opportunity and treatment in munici-
pal operations.
Section 4 . Aid in the formulation of local community groups in
such neighborhoods as needed to carry out specific programs.
Section 5. Initiate and facilitate discussions between invidi-
duals and groups to lessen tensions and improve understanding in the
community.
7 j Section 6. Institute and conduct educational programs to promote
equal treatment, opportunity, and understanding and sponsor meetings,
institutes, forums, and courses of instruction to lead to a clearer
understanding and solution of human relations problems.
Section 7. Conduct research, obtain factual data, and hold public
hearings to ascertain the status of overall treatment of racial,
religious and ethnic groups in the City, and the best means of
progressively improving human relations.
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Section 8 . Receive, on a confidential basis, through its
Administrator, complaints of discrimination in housing, employment,
and public accommodations because of race, age, religion, sex,
color, marital status, national origin, or mental or physical handicap.
Section 9. Through its Administrator, standing committee
structure, and in compliance with the procedures set forth in Article
VIII, seek a fair and complete resolution of complaints of alleged f
discrimination brought to the Commission wherein those complaints
represent alleged violations of the Code of Ordinances of the City
of Wichita Falls.
It will be the Administrator's responsibility to conduct a
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thorough, fair, and impartial investigation of alleged violations
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of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wichita Falls. The Administra-
tor will have sole responsibility and sole authority to conduct
investigations of alleged violations.
The Administrator will report his findings to the appropriate
committee of the Human Relations Commission. Strict confidentiality
is to be maintained by the Administrator and committee members. A
violation of a confidentiality by either the Administrator or Commis-
sion members will subject the violator to immediate dismissal in
addition to possible criminal sanctions.
Section 10. Cooperate with all city, state, county, federal,
and other governmental agencies, as well as racial, religious, ethnic,
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educational, community, civic, fraternal, benevolent and other groups,
associations, societies, and individuals with constructive talents
and resources which might assist the Commission in its pursuits,
as outlined herein.
ARTICLE IV
COMPOSITION OF COMMISSION
Section 1. Numbers: Membership of the Commission will consist
of fifteen (15) voting members.
BY-LAWS OF THE HUMAN RE=IONS COMMISSION; Page 4 of 14 Paaes
Page 3.Agenda Item No. 10.d.
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Section 2. Qualification : The members of the Commission
1 shall be residents of the City of Wichita Falls and shall be as
nearly as possible representative of the several social, economic,
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religious, cultural, ethnic and racial croups which comprise the
population of the City of Wichita Falls. The members of the Commis-
sion shall serve without compensation.
Section 3. Terms: The members of the Commission shall be
appointed by the City Council. The term of membership is three
years; however, members may be re-appointed for a second three-year
term. A member of the Commission's term of office starts immediately
174upon appointment by the City Council. Membership of voting members
shall terminate upon expiration of their term (if not renewed) ,
through resignation of the member, through death, or by action of
the City Council. The members of the Commission serve on a rotating
basis with the terms of five members expiring each December 31.
Section 4. Disqualification: Any member who, without valid
cause, fails to attend three (3) consecutive scheduled meetings will
be disqualified from serving on the Commission. Removal of the
individual will become effective immediately upon certification by
i the Commission using minutes of the meetings as documentation of
attendance.
Section 5. Officers. The City Council shall appoint the Chair-
1 jperson of the Commission. The Commission shall select a Vice-Chairperson
who shall preside in the absence of the Chairperson. The Commission
Ishall also select a Secretary (see Article V for duties.)
Section 6. Term of Officers: The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson
1 and Secretary shall serve the term of membership unless reappointed.
Section 7 . Administrator: The City Manager shall assign to the
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Commission an employee of the City to serve as the Commission's
Administrator and such other employees as may be necessary in. the City
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Manager's judgment and available to assist the Commission in performing
its functions. The Administrator shall be available to the Commission
to offer reasonable assistance in carrying out the program of the
Commission under the policies and directives of the Commission. The
Administrator shall be a resource person at all meetings of the Commis-
sion. The Administrator shall attend all Commission meetings, but
does not have a vote. The Administrator shall give direct staff j
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leadership and support to all meetings of the Ordinance Compliance
Committee. The Administrator shall be available to provide staff
support for other committees. The Administrator shall be the inves-
tigator of record and accountable to the Chairperson.
Section 8. City Attorney: The City Attorney will give legal 1
opinions as requested regarding jurisdiction and/or applicability
of relevant ordinances in individual cases presented to the Commission.
The City Attorney will be a resource person and when appropriate,
prosecuting attorney on behalf of the Commission/City. The prosecutor
and investigator shall not be the same person.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS OF COMMISSION
Section 1. Officers of Commission: The officers of the Commission
shall be a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and a Secretary. These
officers are to be elected from the membership of the Commision, with A
the exception of the Chairperson, who is appointed by the City Council.
Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities:
A. Chairperson: The Chairperson shall preside at all
meetings of the Commission and Executive Committee; shall be respon-
sible for the general administration of the Commission's affairs;
and the presentation and implementation of its recommendations,
resolutions and policies before the public; and shall have, hold, and
exercise such powers and perform such duties as provided for herein
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or by the Commission or by the Executive Committee. The Chairperson
shall also approve the agenda for regular meetings, set the time and
place, and take whatever action is necessary to further the efficient
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and effective conduct of the Commission's business. The Chair shall
be primarily responsible for communication with the City Manager and
Council Liaison person.
MI The Chair shall be responsible for non-programatic media
relations.
I B. Vice-Chairperson: The Vice-Chairperson, in the absence
or upon the resignation or disability of the Chairperson, shall perform
the duties and exercise the powers of the Chairperson and shall perform
such other duties as the Commission or Executive Committee may prescribe
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until the City Council appoints another Chairperson.
C. Secretary: The Secretary shall attend all official
Commission meetings (not including committee meetings) , record all _
votes taken, review and approve the minutes of all proceedings so
conducted by the Commission. In the event the Secretary is absent from
any Commission meeting, the Chairperson shall appoint another Commission
member to serve as acting Secretary for any such meeting. Copies of
the minutes of each Commission meeting shall be furnished to each
member of the Commission, the City Council Liaison representative
to the Commission, and to the City Manager. Through the Administrator's
office, the Secretary shall give or cause to be given written notice
to all regular and special meetings of the Commission, and shall
JIperform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Commission or
Chairperson.
Section 3 . Removal: The Commission may, by resolution duly
adopted, upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Commission
members, remove from office, with cause, any officer of the Commission
not appointed to that position by the City Council.
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aye 6. Agenda Item No. 10.d.
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ARTICLE VI
CO=TTEES
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Section 1. General. The members of the Commission shall
control and direct all of the duties and responsibilities of the 1
Commission and shall have, hold and exercise all rights, powers
and privileges not otherwise delegated to the officers and committees
of the Commission. The Commission shall establish seven (7) standing
committees and such other ad hoc committees as necessary to perform
the Commission's duties.
Section 2. Standing Committees. The three standing committees
of the Commission are: (1) Executive, (2) Ordinance Compliance, and
3) Program Development committees. Each standing committee will
have five (5) members appointed by the Chairperson for a one-year
term. The Executive Committee shall consist of the three officers
and two other members of the Commission appointed by the Chair for
a one-year term.
Section 3. Duties and Responsibilities.
A. Executive Committee shall consist of the officers and
two members appointed by the Chairperson, and shall be primarily
responsible for overseeing the operation of the Commission, including,
but not limited to, the following:
1. Coordinate the activities of the standing committees
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and the interchange of information between the Commission and the
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committees.
2. Direct and oversee goals, objectives, policies
of the Commission.
3. Address new areas of concern for the Commission not
specifically delegated to committees.
4. Review any budgetary matters, requests, or needs;
and be the channel of communications between the City Manager and the
Commission concerning any requests for logistical support to carry
out the Commission's responsibilities.
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5. Act on behalf of the Commission in emeraencv
situations between meetings, reporting such action at the next
Commission meeting for review or action.
6. Act. for the Commission when specifically authorized
by the Commission
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7. Seek, evaluate, and recommend new Commission members
to the City Council.
8. Handle, along with the Chair, all non-programatic
media relationships.
9. Establish ad hoc committees as necessary.
B. Ordinance Compliance Committee shall participate in and
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evaluate the ongoing activities of the Commission's Administrator.
This committee shall limit its activities to City ordinances.
C. Program Development Committee shall develop and implement
the programs of the Human Relations Commission in accordance with the
enabling ordinances of the Commission.
Section 4. Other Committees.
1 A. Additional Standing Committees. The Commission may, by
resolution duly adopted upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of
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the Commission members, authorize the establishment of such additional
standing committees for such purposes and with such powers as shall be
set out in the resolution authorizing the establishment of such
1 committee.
B. Ad Hoc Committees. Ad hoc committees may be appointed
Ias necessary by the Chair/Executive Committee. The purpose and scope
of ad hoc committees shall be determined by the Chair/Executive
JCommittee.
C. Subcommittees may be appointed by the Chair of each
standing committee. Subcommittee members may be non-HRC members.
Section 5. Abolition of Standing Committees. The 'Commission
may, by resolution duly adopted upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds
of the Commission members, rescind its authorization of any standing
committee• as it is now or Lls may hereafter be authorized.
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Agenda Item No. 10.d.
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Section G. Term of Office. Each committee member shall be
appointed to serve for a term of cne year. Committee members may
be reappointed by the Chairperson on a year-to-year basis.
ARTICLE VII
RULES OF PROCEDURE
Section 1. Commission Meetings.
A. Regular Meetings: The Commission will meet on the
fourth Tuesday of each month. Special meetings shall be called by t
the Chair, or by written request of six members of the Commission
to the Chair. Special meetings may be called with 72 hours notifica-
tion of members and the public. Commission meetings will be open
to the public and held in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings
Act.
B. Quorum: A majority of the current voting members
of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not
present, the meeting shall be canceled and the business conducted
during the next regular meeting or at a special called meeting.
C. Closed Sessions: The Chair shall have the authority to
call the meeting into closed session in compliance with the Texas
Open Meeting Act. Following the closed session, the Commission
meeting shall be re-opened and any final determinations shall be
announced.
D. Change of By-Laws: These by-laws may be amended or
revised during a regular meeting or special called meeting, provided
advance notice is given of such proposed amendments or revision.
Such advance notice shall be provided pursuant to agenda procedures
stipulated herein below. It will take the concurrence of a majority
of current voting members for the change to be approved. However,
before the change shall be effective, it must be approved by the
City Council.
E Presiding Chair: If the officers are not present at a
regular or properly called special meeting, a majority of the remaining
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voting members hen a c.uorur exists) will determine who will
1 conduct the meeting 's business.
F. Aaen1a. Any member mar suggest agenda items to the
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Administrator or the Chair at least eight (8) working days prior
to each meeting. The Administrator or Chair will coordinate the
proposed agenda and the Administrator shall prepare and disseminate
iithe agenda to Commission members at least five (5) working days
prior to each regular or special meeting.
G. Order. Roberts Rules of Order Revised shall govern
the proceedings of the Commission in all cases, unless they are
n conflict with these rules.
1) The Chair shall rule on all points of order,
subject to the right of any member to appeal to the Commission. If
any appeal is taken, the question shall be "Shall the decision of
the Chair be sustained?"
2) All questions submitted for a vote shall contain
only one subject. If two or more points are involved, any member
1 may request a division, if the question reasonably admits of a
division. The Chair shall state all questions submitted for a vote
and announce the results. A roll vote shall be taken upon the
request of any Commission member present.
3) Any member desiring to speak shall be recognized
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by the Chair, and shall confine his remarks to the subject under
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consideration or to be considered. No member shall be allowed to
Ispeak more than once on any one subject until every member wishing
to speak shall have spoken.
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H. Voting.
1) The Chair shall not vote on any matter brought
before the Commission, except in the event of a tie vote, or on those
matters requiring the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members.
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2) Except in those instances where a greater number
of affirmative votes are specified, and any other provisions to
the contrary notwithstanding, approval of every resolution or motion
shall require the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the
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Commission members present at a duly constituted meeting.
3) The yeas and noes shall be taken upon the passage
of all motions and resolutions and entered into the minutes of the
meeting.
Section 2. N•'.eetinas of Committees. Unless otherwise provided,
all committees shall meet at the call of their respective Chairperson
at such time and place and with such degree of regularity and formality
as shall be determined by such committee. All committees will submitubmit
a written report of each meeting to the Executive4 Committee prior
to the next Commission meeting. Memo format will be used for all
internal committee communications.
ARTICLE VIII
INVESTIGATION & RESOLUTION OF ALLEGATIONS/COMPLAINTS
Section 1. The HRC will develop procedures for compliance with
applicable City ordinances. These procedures may be updated as
necessary. The procedures shall conform to the applicable local, state,
or federal laws.
Section 2. Strict confidentiality is to be maintained by the
Administrator and Commission members. A violation of confidentiality
by either the Administrator, Commission members, and all committee
members, will subject the violator to immediate dismissal in addition
to possible criminal sanctions.
ARTICLE IN
INTERPRETATION
Any ambiguity in, conflict between, or interpretation of any
of the provisions of these icy-Laws shall be reconciled and construed
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in a manner which will most nearly give effects to the general
1 intents and purposes e•:nressed herein. All such questions shall be
referred to the Executive Committee for its recommendation to the
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Commission; and, if necessary or appropriate, the Commission shall,
by resolution duly adopted on the affirmative vote of a majority of
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the Commission members, set forth such interpretation or construction
iihereof as shall fully dispose of such question as may be raised.
These By-Laws may be amended upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds
1 of the Commission members at any regular or special meeting of the
Commission, provided the proposed amendment or alteration be
contained in the notice of such regular or special meeting. Changes
Zi will not take effect until approved by the City Council.
1 ARTICLE X
SEVERABILITY
If any article, section or
provision
of these By-Laws shall be
held void, ineffective or invalid, the holding of such article, part
1 of a section or any specific provision to be void, ineffective, or
invalid for any cause whatsoever shall in no way affect the validity
of the remaining articles, sections and provisions of these By-Laws,
which shall remain in full force and effect.
f' 2) 1
I, _G t C 1? - j'ing the duly elected and
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qualified =^ r '" • of the Wichita Falls Human Relations Commission,
do hereby certify that the foregoing By-Laws were duly adopted by
I the members of the Wichita Falls Human Relations Commission at a
Zdulycalledandconvenedmeetingheldor. lam'`
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