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CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 2.36, HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION (This item was continued from 5/9/2017.)
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 2.36, “HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION” (FIRST READING)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council place the ordinance on first reading and direct the City Clerk to begin the recruitment process.
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SUMMARY
On April 25, 2017, the City Council directed staff to return with an ordinance updating Chapter 2.36 regulating the Human Relations Commission to broaden and redefine its scope and to update outdated sections.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15606(c) (3) no environmental review is required.
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Environmental Determination
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
Communities in America are made up of people from varied backgrounds. Our community represents many different races, cultures, faiths, experiences and traditions. We have different interests, fears and ways of doing things. Some are newcomers, immigrants, and refugees. Others are from families, several generations in the United States. We have different preferences in what we like and different arrangements in our living situations, and in our domestic and social relationships. The differences sometimes enrich us and at other times is a source of conflict.
As a nation, unique in being formed by people from many different countries, we have experimented and fought to resolve our differences and make our diversity work. We have a history that houses many examples of difficult challenges regarding differences of race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, language and other important aspects of our diversity. These have often been complicated and highly charged struggles. We believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors who are vital to the success of our communities and shared future. Inclusive communities become more prosperous by making everyone feel like they belong.
For many people of different backgrounds and interests to get along and respect one another, it is useful for the City of Chula Vista to set up places and programs that have the responsibility to help people develop better understanding of each other and to solve differences that might arise. Updating and reactivating the Human Relations Commission will help identify intergroup relations, promote work that brings people together, safeguard equal opportunity for all and identify resources available including training, information sharing, community education, mediation, cultural literacy, hate crime response and conflict management to the community and will improve our community’s prospects for harmony.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11), is not applicable to this decision for purposes of determining 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 Councilmember, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. The Human Relations Commission supports the Healthy Community goal, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community as it seeks to promote ways in which the community gets along and safeguards equal opportunity for everyone. Additionally it uses tools of fact finding, training, information sharing, community education, mediation, cultural literacy, hate crime response and conflict management to help people develop better understanding of each other, solve differences and bring people together to improve our community.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
None
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
Chula Vista Municipal Code Chapter 2.36 with proposed changes
Ordinance
Staff Contact: Kelley Bacon, Deputy City Manager