REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt Resolution Establishing a Human Relations Commission and Approve Conforming Amendments to Council Policy 7.2.19 on Boards and Commissions
Report
BACKGROUND
On January 12, 2021, Councilmember Alysa Cisneros sponsored a study issue on the creation of a Human Relations Commission ("Commission") (Study Issue OCM 21-02, Attachment 1). The focus of the Commission would be on "human relations matters that concern public or private opportunities or resources in the community where a community member is treated unfairly due to factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship or any other immutable characteristics or protected status." The Study Issue was co-sponsored by Councilmembers Fong, Din, and Melton. The City Council ranked the Study Issue as part of the 2021 Study/Budget Issues Workshop.
At a Council study session on March 22, 2022, staff presented findings from a comparison study of similar commissions. Staff also presented a cost analysis that took into account staffing resources needed to implement the Commission. Based on majority support from Council, the FY 2022/23 Budget added permanent funding resources for the Commission that included the modification of an Equity, Access and Inclusion Manager from Term Limited to Regular Full-Time and the addition of a Senior Office Assistant. At a follow-up study session on August 9, 2022, staff presented Council with a menu of options for forming the Commission and walked Council through each decision point.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.2.19 on Boards and Commissions
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is an organization or administrative activity that will not result in a direct or physical change in the environment.
DISCUSSION
Based on Council direction, staff is presenting a Draft R...
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