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Committee Report: Ordinance (Paper #432/13 Amending the composition of the Human Rights, Fair Housing and Disability Issues Commission)
The Standing Committee on Ordinance, to whom was referred Paper #432 Series of 2013, having considered the same make the following report: Committee recommends that this paper be reported out favorably with the following amendment:
-that everything after the enacting clause be stricken and the following inserted in place thereof:
SECTION 5.2 HUMAN RIGHTS, FAIR HOUSING AND DISABILITY ISSUES COMMISSION
A. PURPOSE
The Human Rights, Fair Housing and Disability Issues Commission (hereinafter, "the Commission") shall work to ensure that all residents, regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual preference, familial status, marital status, veteran status, or physical, mental or emotional capacity or disability, are afforded equal opportunity in or access to credit eligibility, employment, housing, education, recreation, public accommodations, public services and licensing, and shall minimize unlawful discrimination by encouraging mutual understanding among all residents.
B. MEMBERSHIP, TERMS, COMPOSITION
The Commission shall be composed of seven members, three of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor and four of whom shall be appointed by the City Council. The Mayor shall appoint a representative of the Malden Housing Authority and a Malden-based representative of the National Association of Realtors, who shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified and one Malden resident, who shall serve for one year from the date of appointment. The City Council shall appoint a representative of the Chamber of Commerce, a representative of a Malden-based disability advocacy organization, a representative of a Malden-based organization providing services to elders, who shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified, and one Malden resident, who shall serve for one year from the date of appointment. Members may be removed, with or without cause, in the same manner in which they were appointed.
The Commission shall adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this ordinance.
The Commission may apply for such grants and accept such funds as will further the purposes of this ordinance.
C. FUNCTIONS, POWERS, DUTIES
The Commission shall:
1. Work to increase awareness among municipal employees and residents of the problems and capabilities of disabled citizens;
2. Endeavor to enlist the cooperation of the various racial, religious, and ethnic groups, civic and community organizations, labor organizations, fraternal and benevolent organizations, and other groups in:
a. eliminating discrimination and intolerance;
b. promoting mutual respect and understanding among all people and groups in the city; and
c. securing for all residents the free exercise
and enjoyment of any right or privilege accruing under state or federal law.
The Commission shall assist in implementation of the City's Fair Housing Plan and shall advocate for the rights of all classes protected under this ordinance.
The Commission shall investigate complaints relative to:
a. denial of any right or privilege secured under state or federal law;
b. unlawful discrimination resulting in denial of equal access to credit eligibility, housing, employment, education, recreation and public accommodations, services, and facilities to members of a protected class; and
c. alleged violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Commission shall attempt to resolve complaints through mediation and voluntary compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
The Commission may make a written report and recommendation to, as the case may warrant, to the Mayor, the School Committee, or the City Council, on any matter under its jurisdiction.
C. ADA COMPLIANCE OFFICER
The Mayor shall designate a regular full-time municipal or Redevelopment Authority employee as ADA Compliance Officer, who shall receive and investigate complaints of violations of Americans with Disabilities Act and state or federal fair housing laws, and, as necessary, enlist the assistance of the Commission in resolving complaints brought under this ordinance.
For purposes of implementation of this ordinance, the terms of current members shall terminate upon final passage of this ordinance.
Councillor Crowe for the Committee