(1) Conduct public hearings and inquire into incidents and complaints in the areas of human relations and human services.

(2) Study, analyze and recommend to the city council proposals for administrative or legislative action in the area of human relations, human services and affirmative action.

(3) Review proposed actions of federal, state, county, or local governments which affect human services in the City.

(4) Enlist the cooperation of community groups to participate in programs that demonstrate the need to eliminate discrimination.

(5) Cooperate with federal, state, county and municipal agencies and departments to eliminate prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination.

(6) Hold hearings and accept voluntary evidence as may be tendered or obtained by deposition relating to matters under investigation by or of concern to the commission, and call upon the city attorney for counsel and guidance in all such matters.

(7) Cooperate with city boards and commissions in matters concerning human relations and human services.

(8) Report to the city council yearly or upon request programs, practices and matters of priority in human relations and human services.

(9) Review and recommend changes that encourage the use of minority, women, and small business enterprises in accordance with city, state, and federal guidelines.

(10) Review and evaluate human service agencies that serve the city and make recommendations for funding of those agencies to the city council.

(11) Maintain registries of human services, which shall be available to all citizens of the City.

(12) Accept and expend contributions from various charitable, religious, community, labor, civil or benevolent groups or organizations to assist the commission in its duties and functions. All funds so contributed shall be audited by the City.

(13) Present annual human relations awards to any group, company, organization, or individual doing business or residing in the city who has demonstrated commitment to the principles and goals of the human relations commission as set forth in this article.

(14) Expend and donate monies to individuals, groups, companies or organizations in accordance with a resolution promulgated by the city council in conjunction with the annual budget process and from time to time as the need may arise. (Code 1979, § 8-242)