§ 38-21. Powers and duties of director.

(a)

The director is hereby charged with administration and enforcement of all sections of this chapter and is hereby authorized and empowered to do the following:

(1)

Rules and regulations. To adopt, amend and enforce rules and regulations relating to any matter or thing pertaining to the administration of this chapter.

(2)

Complaint investigation. To receive, investigate and, upon finding probable cause on any complaint of violation of RSMo ch. 213, to bring such complaint before the human rights commission. If the director finds probable cause to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred, he may refer the matter to the city counselor's office for prosecution in municipal court. Any staff assigned to assist the commission shall be supervised by the director of human relations. The director shall not have the power to process complaints of discrimination brought against the city and shall defer any such complaints to the state commission on human rights or any appropriate federal agency for processing.

(3)

Authority regarding discrimination within city administration. To investigate and recommend to the city manager any policy changes or specific actions that the director determines are necessary to ensure that the city administration is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter or with state and federal discrimination laws.

(4)

Initiation of complaints. Whenever the director has reasonable cause to believe that an unlawful discriminatory practice has occurred, he may initiate a complaint alleging violation of any section RSMo ch. 213, or of this chapter.

(5)

Compliance investigation. To investigate, survey and review any and all affirmative action programs, city contracts and franchises which are subject to this chapter and to take such action with respect thereto as shall ensure compliance with this chapter.

(6)

Conciliation. To attempt to eliminate any unlawful discriminatory practice or any other violation of the terms of this chapter by means of conference, conciliation, persuasion and negotiation and to enter into conciliation agreements.

(7)

Authority to dismiss complaints. To dismiss any complaint upon finding such complaint to be frivolous or without merit on its face or upon a finding that the allegedly unlawful discriminatory practice has been eliminated through conciliation.

(Ord. No. 130041, § 5, 3-21-13)