SECOND READING AND ADOPTION
C:\Program Files\eSCRIBE\TEMP\12375948813\12375948813,,,Ordinance - Amendments CVMC Chapter 2.36.docx ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING
CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 2.36 RELATED
TO THE FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the Human Relations Commission is, among other things, tasked with t he development of a mutual understanding and respect among all such groups in the City and to help eliminate prejudice and discrimination; and
WHEREAS, following a City Council referral on proposed changes to the functions, duties, and membership of the Human Relations Commission and subsequent input from the Commission, on May 7, 2024, the City Council directed staff to return with implementing ordinance for various changes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend the functions, du ties, and membership of the Human Relations Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE the City Council of the City of Chula Vista does ordain as follows:
Section I. Chapter 2.36 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code is amended as follows:
Chapter 2.36
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
[Sections 2.36.010 and 2.36.020 remain unchanged.]
2.36.030 Functions and duties.
In cooperation with other relevant boards and commissions, the Human Relations Commission shall perform the following duties and functions:
A. Foster mutual understanding, respect and good will among all groups identified in CVMC
2.36.020(A);
B. Enlist the cooperation of the various groups, fraternal and benevolent associations and other groups in Chula Vista in programs and campaigns devoted to eliminating group prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and discrimination;
C. Study the problems in the event of civil unrest and examine the causes;
D. Study, review, analyze, and report to the Mayor, City Council and the City Manager the studies of state and federal agencies, and legislative enactments of state and federal governments, including but not limited to the several civil rights acts of the United States government and the state;
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E. Work together with City, state and federal agencies in developing programs and events showing the contributions of the various groups to the culture and traditions of the City, state and nation, with support from the Office of the City Manager:
1. Recognize Chula Vista residents who contribute to improved human relations among all Chula Vistans on an annual basis. The Commission shall recommend Chula Vista residents for this honor following a nomination and selection process set forth by resolution of the Commission. Honorees will be recognized annually at a City Council meeting.
2. In partnership with the Office of the Mayor and City Council, recognize various months of significance as set forth in Council Policy [number to be determined].
3. In partnership with the Office of the Mayor and City Council, host celebrations or recognize significant days as set forth in Council Policy [number to be determined].
F. Promote the establishment of local community organizations in building and strengthening relationships with community groups and nonprofits, including those that support the well-being of the unhoused community in Chula Vista;
G. Work with relevant boards and commissions as needed to explore ways to improve municipal services and community relations within the scope of the Commission’s purpose as stated in CVMC 2.36.020(A);
H. Advise the City Council and the City Manager of policies and programs of a formal and informal nature that will aid in eliminating all types of discrimination based on race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, place of birth, citizenship/immigration status, marital status, or military service, and secure the furnishing of equal services to all residents and maintain the quality of opportunity for employment and advancement in the City government.
The Commission shall be advisory in its function, and shall have no police or enforcement powers. It shall issue no reports or recommendations except through the City Council and the City Manager. (Ord. 3405 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3211 § 10, 2011; Ord. 2543 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1909 § 2, 1980; Ord. 1857 § 1, 1979; Ord. 1120 § 1; prior code § 1.4.3).
2.36.040 Membership.
A. The Human Relations Commission shall consist of 11 Voting Members and one Youth Advisory Member, to be appointed in accordance with Article VI of the City Charter, Chapter
2.25 CVMC, and this chapter.
1. Three voting seats shall be nominated and appointed in accordance with the general appointment process specified in CVMC 2.25.052(A).
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2. The eight remaining voting seats shall be divided equally among the Council districts and each Council district seat shall be appointed in accordance with the district-based appointment process specified in CVMC 2.25.052(C). Members must be residents of the corresponding Council district and must maintain their district residency throughout their tenure.
3. The Youth Advisory Member shall meet the qualifications specified in CVMC
2.25.030(E) and shall be nominated and appointed in accordance with the general appointment process specified in CVMC 2.25.052(A).
B. The Members shall be: (1) representative of the diversity of the City; (2) specifically chosen to reflect the interests and concern with protection of civil liberties of all people which make up the City’s residents; (3) committed to fostering better human relations in the City of Chula Vista; and (4) associated with the business and/or civic activities of the City. (Ord. 3539 § 1(E), 2022; Ord. 3405 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3211 § 10, 2011).
[Sections 2.36.050 and 2.36.060 remain unchanged]
Section II. Severability
If any portion of this Ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid, unenforceable or unconstitutional, by a court of competent jurisdiction, that portion shall be deemed severable, and such invalidity, unenforceability or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining portions of the Ordinance, or its application to any other person or circumstance. The City Council of the City of Chula Vista hereby d eclares that it would have adopted each section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, sentences, clauses or phrases of the Ordinance be declared invalid, unenforceable or unconstitutional.
Section III. Construction
The City Council of the City of Chula Vista intends this Ordinance to supplement, not to duplicate or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this Ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent.
Section IV. Effective Date
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force on the thirtieth day after its final passage.
Section V. Publication
The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published or posted according to law.
Presented by Approved as to form by
Ordinance
_____________________________ _____________________________ Maria V. Kachadoorian Marco A. Verdugo
City Manager City Attorney