§ 60-5. Duties and powers., Chapter 60. Human Relations Commission, Ordinances, Code of Ordinances, Norwalk

To work with federal, state and City agencies as well as private, civic, religious, business, industrial, labor and other organizations, groups and persons to achieve harmonious intergroup relations in the community as well as to develop and establish positive programs which will help all members of the community enjoy equality of opportunity in all phases of community life.

To study and investigate and seek to resolve individual or community problems of limited opportunities, prejudice, discrimination, segregation and disorder and tension occasioned thereby.

To issue reports and publications on its study, research and investigations designed to promote greater understanding of the problems, needs and progress in the field of intergroup relations and equal opportunities.

To enter into cooperative working arrangements with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and other state and federal agencies having related responsibilities when such arrangements will aid in carrying out the purposes and provisions of this chapter and in maximizing the effectiveness of and avoiding duplication of effort by the Commission and such agencies.

Through cooperation with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the United States Commission on Civil Rights, and all state, federal and municipal agencies and officers, to assist and afford appropriate relief to any person in the City of Norwalk who has been denied full and equal accommodations (including housing) in violation of Sections 46a-64 and 46a-64c of the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, or against whom there has been committed an unfair employment practice in violation of Section 46a-60 of the General Statutes.

To, upon the approval of the Mayor and the Common Council, accept outside funds, gifts or bequests, public or private. The Commission may also seek reimbursement for costs incurred in providing requested services to businesses, organizations and other parties.

To conduct investigations and assemble data for the purpose of preparing proposed ordinances, rules and regulations in keeping with the purposes of this chapter only, shall have the power from time to time to prepare and submit such ordinances, rules and regulations for the consideration of the Common Council within the areas set forth in the purposes for this chapter only; shall have the power to make written recommendations to other subdivisions, commissions and agencies of the City of Norwalk concerning matters within the purposes of this chapter only. In the course of conducting investigations, holding hearings, both public and private, and assembling data for the purposes aforementioned, the Commission may request, but shall not have the power to compel, the presence of persons and private records.

To investigate, hold hearings and resolve claims of discrimination. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 7-148j, these powers include the power to issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum, the power to issue written interrogatories and require written answers under oath, the power to hold hearings relating to any allegation of discriminatory practice which it has reasonable cause to believe has occurred, the power to issue any appropriate orders including those authorized by § 46a-86 and the power to petition the Superior Court for enforcement of any of the above. The Commission may also petition the Superior Court for temporary injunctive relief upon a finding that irreparable harm to the complainant will otherwise occur.

The Commission or its designated agent shall have the right to apply to the Superior Court or other court of competent jurisdiction for an order compelling any individual whose presence, testimony or records are deemed necessary to effectively carry out the provisions of this chapter to appear before the Commission and testify or submit records in the manner and according to the rules governing the same in courts of justice. The courts shall have the power to issue subpoenas and to enforce the presence and testimony of such individuals (or records) in the same way and to the same extent as they now have the power to enforce and compel the presence or testimony of witnesses and availability of records in each of said courts.

For the fiscal year September 1, 1966, through August 31, 1967, the Commission shall prepare an operating budget for submission to the Common Council. Said budget may be approved by a majority vote of the Council or may be modified or amended by a two-thirds vote of the entire membership of the Common Council. Said budget shall, thereupon, be given to the Comptroller for presentation to the Board of Estimate and Taxation as a request for funds from the Fifth District contingency and shall be processed in accord with the provisions of the Charter of the City of Norwalk regarding special appropriations out of contingency funds. Thereafter, the Commission shall prepare an annual operating budget for submission to the Common Council on or before the Common Council's first meeting in May of each year. Said budget may be approved by a majority vote of the Council or may be modified or amended by two-thirds vote of the entire membership of said Council. Said budget shall thereupon be given to the Comptroller for presentation to the Board of Estimate and Taxation.

The Commission (subject to the qualifications as hereinafter set forth in § 60-8) shall have the power to employ a Director of Human Relations who is properly qualified in and experience and education in community relations work. All personnel shall work in cooperation with and under the guidance of the Commission. The salaries of personnel shall be recommended by the Commission and approved by the Common Council.

The Commission shall have the right to call upon any other department of the City government for assistance in performing its duties; and it shall be the duty of such other departments to comply with a proper request of the said Commission. Any questions as to what shall constitute a proper request for assistance shall be decided by the Mayor.

The Commission may, within the limits of its annual or special appropriation, enter into all contracts necessary to carry out the proper administration of the affairs of the Commission.

The Commission may, by its own regulations, prescribe the procedures for the processing of complaints as it may deem necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.