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August 13, 2024
ITEM TITLE
Human Relations Commission: Amend Chula Vista Municipal Code Chapter 2.36 “Human Relations Commission” Related to the Functions, Duties, and Membership of the Commission, Adopt a Council Policy Designating Special Observances, and Appropriate Funds
Report Number: 24-0173
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: City Manager
G.C. § 84308: No
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) State Guideline s. T herefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
A) Place an ordinance on first reading amending various sections in Chapter 2.36 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code “Human Relations Commission” to amend the functions and duties of the Commission and processes by which Commissioners are nominated and appointed (First Reading); and B) Adopt a resolution adopting a City Council policy entitled, “City Council Recognition of Special Observances” and amending the fiscal year 2024-25 budget to appropriate funds accordingly. (4/5 Vote Required)
SUMMARY
This item is responsive to the City Council’s referral from the May 7, 2024 meeting and seeks to amend the Chula Vista Municipal Code Chapter 2.36 “Human Relations Commission” as it relates to the Functions, Duties and Membership of the Commission.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with CEQA and has determined it is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because the activity is not for a site -specific project(s) and will not re sult in a direct or indirect physical change in the environmental. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA.
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BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Human Relations Commission considered proposed changes to the Chula Vista Municipal Code Chapter
2.36 related to the functions and duties as well as membership of the Commission as referred by City Council on February 20, 2024.
Commission and public input were considered at three regular meetings of the Commission: March 28, April 25, and May 23, 2024.
DISCUSSION
On February 20, 2024, Councilmember Jose Preciado introduced a discussion regarding potential updates to the Human Relations Commission (“HRC”) role, duties, and procedures, specifically those within Chula Vista Municipal Code (“CVMC”) Sections 2.36.030 and 2.36.040. After a brief discussion, there was a consensus of the City Council to request a formal report from the HRC within 60 days for further examination and consideration of potential modifications to the commission.
The HRC discussed and considered the proposed changes at their regular meetings in March, April, and May 2024. The Commission’s feedback was then presented to the City Council on May 7, 2024. At this meeting, the Chula Vista City Council requested City staff return with municipal code amendments incorporating the City Council and Commission feedback.
Attachment 1 in cludes the redline amendments proposed to CVMC Chapter 2.36. The amendments being considered are summarized as follows:
1. Expansion of the duties and functions of the Human Relations Commission to include an annual recognition program of community members and recognition of several months of significance;
2. Inclusion of groups and nonprofits that support the unsheltered community;
3. Removal of reference to the Chief’s Community Advisory Board;
4. Removal of reference to Welcoming City; and
5. Change of membership requirements and nominating authority for Commission members.
Attachment 2 incorporates the heritage/historical months and significant days of observances into a Council Policy that may be amended as needed by City Council. The Council Policy establishes th ose events that the HRC is tasked with recognizing in partnership with the City Council in accordance with the amended CVMC Chapter 2.36.
Additionally, a $5,000 appropriation to the Boards & Commissions department is recommended in order to support and implement the expanded role and duties of the HRC.
Should the City Council approve the proposed ordinance, the existing members of the Commission would need to be reassigned to the district-based seats. CVMC Section 2.25.035 provides the process for reassigning members when such seat changes are made. Following the adoption of the ordinance, the City Clerk would return to the City Council with a recommendation on the new assignments to the district-based seats, intending to reduce disruption to the HRC to the extent possible, per the CVMC. Regardless of the assignments to district-based seats, all current members would be entitled to serve the remainder of their current terms.
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DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
To support events hosted by the Human Relations Commission, in partnership with the City Council, a n additional $5,000 appropriation to the Boards & Commissions department is recommended. This amount is offset by an increase in estimated Non-Departmental revenues, reflected in the table below:
Department Supplies & Services Revenue Net Impact
Non-Departmental $ - $ 5,000 $ (5,000) Boards & Commissions $ 5,000 $ - $ 5,000 TOTAL GENERAL FUND $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ -
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
In future years, funding for events hosted by the Human Relations Commission, in partnership with the City Council, will be included as part of the annual budget development process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Redline Amendments to Chula Vista Municipal Code Chapter 2.36
2. Council Policy: City Council Recognition of Special Observances
3. HRC Memo on Proposed Amendments 4-25-2024
4. Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes from May 23, 2024 Staff Contact: Adrianna Hernandez, Special Projects & Legislative Manager Karla Mendez, Community Engagement Specialist