RESOLUTION NO. 7226

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCE, KANSAS, REPEALING RESOLUTION 5426 AND RESOLUTION 6198 PERTAINING TO THE LAWRENCE ALLIANCE AND AUTHORIZING THE MERGER OF THE DUTIES OF THE LAWRENCE ALLIANCE WITH THE LAWRENCE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION.

WHEREAS, the Lawrence Alliance was established on August 27, 1991 with the adoption of Resolution 5426, its mission being to create a discrimination free environment, actively address racism and discrimination, develop linkages among individuals, groups, and institutions to foster awareness, understanding and appreciation for all aspect of human diversity, assist individuals who experience discrimination, and to build on the rich history of Lawrence by celebrating its diversity;

WHEREAS, the mission and membership of the Lawrence Alliance was further modified on July 11, 2000 with the adoption of Resolution 6198, its mission being to eliminate prejudice among the various racial, ethnic and other groups in the city, to further goodwill among all people of Lawrence, to promote cooperation and conciliation among elements of the population of this city, to receive, investigate, decide, and attempt to conciliate a complaint or complaints alleging discrimination or segregation in employment, public accommodations, or housing;

WHEREAS, the Lawrence Human Relations Commission was established by Ordinance No. 3141, in 1961 to endeavor to eliminate prejudice among various racial, ethnic and other groups in the city and to further goodwill among all people of Lawrence, to promote goodwill, cooperation and conciliation among elements of the population of Lawrence, and to receive, investigate, decide, and attempt to resolve complaints alleging discrimination or segregation in employment, public accommodations, or housing;

WHEREAS, on June 20, 2017, the Governing Body of the City of Lawrence, Kansas (the “City”) adopted a Strategic Plan;

WHEREAS, one of the priority initiatives of the adopted Strategic Plan is to “Inventory and evaluate the role of existing advisory boards and commissions, identify opportunities to consolidate or sunset as appropriate, and adopt consistent operating guidelines;

WHEREAS, the Lawrence Alliance and the Lawrence Human Relations Commission have common goals and aspirations which can be achieved under one advisory board.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCE, KANSAS

SECTION 1. The City authorizes the Lawrence Human Relations Commission to assume and incorporate the duties and mission of the Lawrence Alliance, which are existing functions under the duties and mission of the Lawrence Human Relations Commission.

SECTION 2.  Resolution 5426 and Resolution 6198 pertaining to the Lawrence Alliance are hereby repealed.

SECTION 3.   This Resolution shall be effective from and after adoption by the Governing Body of the City.

ADOPTED by the Governing Body of the City of Lawrence, Kansas on the __ day of ________, 2018.

APPROVED

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Stuart Boley, Mayor

ATTEST:

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Sherri Riedemann, City Clerk