By Lisa Carolin
To better understand the duties of the Chelsea Human Rights Commission, (HRC) members invited Chelsea City Attorney Peter Flintoff to its Sept. 7 meeting.
The HRC has been reviewing its ordinance, and members want clarification on the complaint procedure. Although the ordinance states that after receiving a complaint, the HRC has 90 days to take action, the only action it is permitted to take is to pass the complaint on to the city attorney. Flintoff warned that for the HRC to take on any additional powers could have consequences.
HRC President Susan Morel-Samuels explained the HRC’s role as being an interface between the complainant and the attorneys as well as the public face of the ordinance.
HRC members will take a look at making the ordinance more clear and will put the topic on its October agenda.
Also discussed were plans for the Refugee Resettlement event happening in November at the Chelsea District Library. Speakers have been confirmed from both Jewish Family Services and Washtenaw Refugee Welcome. The HRC hopes to do a presentation to City Council in early October about the event.
At a meeting with Chelsea City Manager Roy Atkinson, members of the HRC learned about the city’s new social media policy. Atkinson said he has a calendar of events on which he can post HRC events.
Members also talked about future outreach and the HRC having a table at the Oct. 22 Chelsea Farmers Market.
The HRC meets next on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.
