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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-19 Ordinance 3172_Civil Rights Commission, EstablishORDINANCE NO. 3172 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT AND ESTABLISH CHAPTER 29, WAUKEE CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Waukee, Iowa has determined it is in the best interest of the citizens of Waukee to establish a nonjudicial Civil Rights Commission consistent with the Iowa Civil Rights Act. BE IT THEREFORE ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Waukee: Section 1: The Waukee Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding Chapter 29 as follows: CHAPTER 29. WAUKEE CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION. 29.01 PURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to establish a nonjudicial Civil Rights Commission consistent with the Iowa Civil Rights Act; to recognize the authority of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and foster use of its procedures and programs; and to proclaim a public policy of nondiscrimination by securing freedom from discriminatory practices, protecting individual dignity, ensuring their full productive capacities, preserving the public safety, health, and general welfare, and promoting the interests, rights, and privileges of individual citizens within the City. 29.02 DEFINITIONS. The following words when used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, shall be defined as follows: Commission: The Waukee Civil Rights Commission created by this chapter. Commissioner: A member of the commission. 29.03 COMMISSION APPOINTED. The Waukee Civil Rights Commission is hereby established, as provided under Iowa Code § 216.19, "Local Laws Implementing this Chapter". 29.04 STRUCTURE OF COMMISSION. 1. The City Civil Rights Commission shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the Mayor with approval of the City Council. Membership shall be open to a balanced mixture of citizen representatives of the community at large who are recognized for their interest or experience in connection with civil rights. Members shall reside in the city. Members shall not hold any other elective or appointed office within the city government. 2. The term of appointment shall be three (3) years from January 1 of the year in which the appointment is made, except that for the purpose of maintaining an appropriate staggering of terms, the Mayor may prescribe a shorter term for any appointment or reappointment. In the event that a vacancy occurs in the membership of the commission by death, resignation or otherwise prior to the normal expiration of the appointee's term, the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, shall appoint a person to serve out the remainder of the unexpired term. 3. Any member or all members of the commission may be removed from office at any time by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council. The commission shall elect one of its members to be Chairperson. 4. The members of the commission shall serve without salary, wages or other compensation. 5. The members of the commission shall meet as needed to carry out the purpose of the commission. 29.05 POWERS AND DUTIES. The commission's powers and duties include: 1. Promoting goodwill among the various racial, religious, and ethnic groups within the City and to minimize or eliminate discriminatory practices prohibited under state law. 2. Providing assistance with complaints from individuals who may be victims of discriminatory practices under Iowa Law and refer such complaints to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for investigation and adjudication. 3. With approval of the City Council and with the assistance of the City staff, receiving administering, dispensing and accounting for any City funds that may be allocated, any donations that may be voluntarily contributed to the commission, or any grants that may be awarded to the commission for furthering the purposes of this chapter. 4. Examine and analyze Waukee specific annual data and reports from the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Section 2. Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 3. Severability Clause. If any section, provision or part of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section, provisions or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in effect from and after its final passage, approval and publication as provided by law. Passed by the Council the 19th day of January, 2026, and approved this 19`1' day of January, 2026. Courtney Clarke, Mayor Attest: Rebecca D. Schuett, City Clerk