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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
AGENDA
JANUARY 25, 2012 - 7:00 P.M. - Council Chambers - City Hall - City of Dover
Public comments are welcomedon any item and willbe permitted at appropriate times. When possible,
please notify the City Clerk (736-7008 or e-mail at cityclerk@dover.de.us) Should you wish to be recognized.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Moment of Silence
3. Agenda Additions/Deletions
4. Comments/Presentations from Members of the Community
This segment is provided to extend the opportunity to the general public to share their questions, thoughts,
comments, concerns, and complaints. Discussion of any item appearing on the agenda is prohibited. Citizen
comments are limited to three (3) minutes, and this segment will not exceed 30 minutes.
5. Chair's Report (Sudler)
6. Committee Reports
A. School Programs (Wasfi)
B. Community Programs (Allen-Pyne)
C. Assessment (Edamatsu)
7. Unfinished Business
A. Review of By-Laws, Articles I-Ill
8. New Business
9. Scheduling of the Next Regular Meeting
10. Announcements
11. Adjournment by 9:00 P.M.
/hf
Us\Human Relations Commission\12-7-2011 DHRC Draft Agenda.docx
THE AGENDA ITEMS ASLISTED MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO INCLUDE THE ADDITION OR
THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS.
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THE CITY OF DOVER
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION BY-LAWS
PREAMBLE
The City of Dover has granted the Human Relations Commission the following powers and duties pursuant to
Chapter 2 — Administration, Article I, Division 6, Section 2-21 of the Dover Code:
A. Review City programs, activities, functions, and ordinances, and make recommendations to the City Council
for new, amended or changed programs, functions, activities or ordinances which would support
inclusiveness and civility among Dover residents and enhance communication and understanding among
residents of Dover
B. Inquire into incidents of inter-group conflicts and disputes within the City and take such actions as may be
designed to alleviate such conflicts and disputes.
C. Promote and encourage communications between and cooperation of all groups interested in bettering
human relations in the City.
D. Seek the active assistance of the State Human Relations Commission in the solution of complaints of alleged
discrimination, which fall within the jurisdiction of the State Commission.
E. Engage in such research, education and advocacy as in the judgment of the Commission or the City Council
may be needed to improve human relations in the City.
F, Develop and maintain programs that build positive relations among communities and enhance problems-
solving skills among residents throughout Dover.
ARTICLE | - OFFICERS
SECTION 1.
The Officers of the City of Dover Human Relations Commission shall be a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson.
SECTION 2.
The Chairperson or Chairperson's designee shall preside at all meetings of the Commission. The Chairperson or the
Chairperson’s designee shail be the only person authorized to make public announcements for the Commission. The
Chairperson shall be a member of all committees of the Commission, ex officio. The Vice Chairperson shalt be a
member of all committees of the Commission, ex officio. The Chairperson shall designate members of the
Commission and/or its Staff to represent the Commission and/or its Staff upon all affiliated associations, committees,
organizations, and meetings. No Commissioner shall be eligible to become the Commission Chairperson unless that
person has served on the Commission for one year. The one-year period shall run from the time the individual is
appointed to the Commission to the date the individual would take office if elected to be Chairperson.
SECTION 3.
The Vice-Chairperson shall be vested with all powers and perform ail the duties of the Chairperson in his/her absence
or disability, to the extent which may be permitted by city ordinance, and the Vice-Chairperson shall perform such
other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Commission. The Vice-Chairperson shall be a member of
all standing and special committees of the Commission, ex officio.
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SECTION 4.
All officers of the Commission shall be elected to office by secret ballot of Commission members, and the number
of votes for each officer shall be recorded and be part of the public record.
ARTICLE tl - PART-TIME ASSISTANT
SECTION 1.
The Commission shall decide each year at its February meeting whether or not to hire a Part-Time Assistant for the
purpose of preparing the minutes of the Commission meetings and performing other administrative and secretarial
functions as deemed appropriate and necessary by the Commission. The Part-Time Assistant shall be financially
compensated for the work performed at a rate that is approved by the Commission, and the Commission may amend
the rate at any time.
ARTICLE Ill - MEETINGS
SECTION 1,
Unless the Commission decides otherwise the Commission shail hold one regular meeting per month for the
completion of its purposes, responsibilities and functions. The Commission shall designate the date, time and location
of its meeting. The Part-time Assistant shall mail a written notice of the regular meeting to each Commissioner at
least seven (7) days prior to the date of the regular meeting. The City Clerk shall give proper notice of all the
Commission's regular meetings to the public and Commissioners.
SECTION 2.
Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by three members of the Commission. The Part-time Assistant
shall give notice of the special meeting to each Commissioner at least two (2) days prior to the date of the special
meeting. “Notice” here means, in writing, by facsimile, email and/or telephone conversation/voicemail.
SECTION 3.
A meeting of the Executive Committee may be called at any time by the Chairperson or by three (3) members of the
Executive Committee acting independently of the Chairperson. The Part-time Assistant shall give notice of the
Executive Committee meeting to each member of the Executive Committee at least two (2) days prior to the date of
the Executive Committee meeting. “Notice” here means, in writing, by facsimile, email and/or telephone
conversation/voicemail.
SECTION 4.
Five members of the Commission, including the Chair, shall constitute a quorum at a regular meeting being held at
the Commissioner's normal meeting location. However, when the Commission has a meeting at a community
location, a quorum is not needed for the Commission to open its meeting, but no vote by the Commission can be
taken at such a meeting being held at a community iocation when there is not a quorum.
SECTION 5,
At all meetings of the Commission or of the Executive Committee thereof, all proceedings shall be conducted in
accordance with Robert's Rules of Order (Newly Revised), unless suspended by the majority of the Commissioners
present. The Commission’s Chairperson or Vice Chairperson shall maintain order at Commission meetings.
SECTION 6.
Any member of the Commission who fails to attend three (3) consecutive regular meetings without the Chairperson
finding that there was reasonable cause for being absent or fails to attend at least half of all regular business
meetings during any calendar year shall automatically be deemed to have resigned from the Commission. The
Chairperson shall promptly notify the Mayor and City Council President of the situation and request a replacement.
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ARTICLE IV - COMMISSION INTAKE, NOTICE, AND MEETING PROCEDURES
SECTION 1.
Meetings of the Commission or of the Executive Committee thereof, shall be conducted according to procedures
established by the Procedures Committee and accepted by the Commission.
I PROCEDURE FOR BRINGING A CONCERN OR MATTER BEFORE THE CITY OF DOVER HUMAN
RELATIONS COMMISSION
A. Intake Procedure:
The City of Dover Human Relations Commission (hereinafter referred to as the “Commission”)
shall adopt an INTAKE FORM. Each Commissioner and the City Clerk shall have INTAKE
FORMS available for distribution to the public. Any member of the public or an organization that
wants the Commission to consider, recommend or rule on a concern or matter within the
Commission's jurisdiction shall file an INTAKE FORM with the City of Dover Clerk’s Office. The
Commission shall maintain a record of all INTAKE FORMS received.
B. Scheduling the Concern or Matter Expressed in the INTAKE FORM Before the Commission:
To the best of the Commission’s ability, with the assistance of the City Clerk’s Office, any INTAKE
FORM received at least 10 days prior to a Business Meeting of the Commission shall be placed
on the next Business Meeting Agenda under the “New Business’ section. The City Clerk will send
notice by regular mail to the person or organization who filed the INTAKE FORM informing them
of the date, time and location of the Commission's Business Meeting when the concer will be
considered.
A similar notice will be sent by regular mail to any party or organization identified on the INTAKE
FORM as being an interested party or a party-giving rise to the concern. This notice shall request
the presence of the recipient and also extend an invitation for that party to address the
Commission.
Cc. Consideration by the Commission of a Concern Set Forth in an INTAKE FORM:
The concern set forth in an INTAKE FORM will be considered by the Commission at its Business
Meeting at the time new business is discussed. The Commission reserves the right to limit the
time a person has to present the concern to the Commission, as well as limit the amount of time a
party has to respond to the concern in issue. Any party testifying before the Commission shall not
be sworn in. The party who filed the INTAKE FORM shall make their presentation first, followed
by any party that has been invited to respond. The party filing the INTAKE FORM shail have a
time to rebut or answer the party that presented a response. The Commission may limit the
length of the rebuttal or answer. All parties appearing before the Commission may submit written
exhibits, documents, photographs or other materials, which shall become part of the record of the
proceedings.
The Commission may table a matter, decide not to take any action because of jurisdictional or
other issues, refer the matter to a Commission Decision-Making meeting, or take any other action
within its jurisdiction that is fair, reasonable and in the interest of justice.
D. Commission's Decision-Making Meeting:
At the Commission’s Decision-Making Meeting, items referred by the Commission at its Business
Meeting to the Agenda by the Commission shall be considered before members of the public, but
the public will not be allowed to present any further facts and circumstances relating to a concern
set forth in the original INTAKE FORM. The Commission members shall discuss and vote upon
any issue being considered at a Decision-Making Meeting in public. Furthermore, the
Commissioners shall state the reason(s) for their vote, if a vote is taken.
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MEETINGS
A.
Notice of Meetings:
The City of Dover Clerk, pursuant to legal requirements, will give notice of Commission meetings
to the public. The Agenda of the Commission's Business Meetings and a copy of the proposed
Minutes of the previous Business Meeting shall be submitted to the City Clerk's Office 14 days
prior to the next Business Meeting. The Agenda for the Commission's Decision-Making Meeting
shall be submitted to the City Clerk's Office 10 days before the Decision-Making Meeting. (A
procedural flowchart is attached.)
Business Meeting Agenda:
1. The items on the Agenda for the Commission's Business Meeting shall include the
following:
a. Amendments to Agenda
b. Presentations by Community Members: This segment of the Agenda is limited to
30 minutes. Members of the public shall have three minutes per person per issue
to address the Commission. The Commission's Chairperson or designee will
give the Commission's response, if any.
c. Approval of the Minutes of the Last Commission Business Meeting
d. Report of the Chairperson (or Designee)
e. Reports by Committee Chairpersons (or their Designees)
f. Unfinished Business
g. New Business
h. Suggestions for the Agenda for the Commission’s Next Business Meeting
i. Suggestions for the Agenda for the Commission’s Next Decision-Making Meeting,
and Setting Date, Time and Location
j. Executive Session (if Needed)
k. Adjournment
2. The items on the Agenda for the Commission's Decision-Making Meeting shall include the
following:
a. Amendments to the Agenda
b. Approval of the Minutes of the Last Decision-Making Meeting
c. Consideration of Matters for Decision
d. Executive Session
e. Suggestions for the Agenda for the Commission’s Next Decision-Making Meeting,
and Setting Date, Time and Location
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Vi.
Vil.
MINUTES AND RECORDING OF COMMISSION MEETINGS
All Business Meetings and Decision-Making Meetings of the Commission shall be recorded, and the
Commission shall prepare minutes of the Meetings. The recordings and minutes shall be maintained by
the City of Dover Clerk’s Office.
IDENTIFICATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
All Commission members shall avoid the appearance of impropriety. All conflicts of interest, whether they
be personal, legal, financial or otherwise, between a Commission member and a party appearing before
the Commission shall be identified and announced by the Commissioner having the conflict. The
Commissioner also shall announce on the record that he or she will abstain from all consideration of the
matters being presented by the party, and that the Commissioner will not discuss the matter with any other
members of the Commission.
DEVIATION FROM ORDER OF BUSINESS
The Chairperson shall have the authority to deviate from the order of business as circumstances warrant.
LIMITATIONS ON PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
Presentations by members of the public shall be limited, unless approved by the Chairperson. Speakers are
requested to give presentations in the order of sign in. The Chairperson may limit the number of speakers
heard, as circumstances warrant.
FORMS
The following forms and documents shail be used by the Commission to carry out its duties:
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A. Intake Form Front Page
THE CITY OF DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
INTAKE FORM
Name of person or organization filing: (last name, first name, middle { Home Phone: Business Phone: Fax:
initial) OMr. OMiss OMrs. OMs. { ) { )
Street Address: City: County: Zip Code:
\dentify the contact person that the Commission should notify:
List the name, address and telephone number of any person or organization that you believe should be invited to appear before
the Commission to help resolve your concem:
Summarize what has or will occur that has given rise to your concern. Use this space for a brief and concise statement of facts
(who, what, where, when, why, how). Additional details may be submitted on an attachment.
What relief or action is being requested?
Completion of the following questions is OPTIONAL:
Ethnicity: (Black CO) White CHispanic ClAsian (Native American O Other:
Sex: €1Male C1 Female Age: Nation of Origin:
NOTICE: ALL DOCUMENTS AND TESTIMONY PRESENTED TO THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ARE
AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND THE PRESS. :
Signature: Date:
This form was delivered to: (person) on (date),
located at (address).
This form was mailed to: (person) on (date),
located at (address).
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A. Intake Form - Back of Page
THE CITY OF DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
RECORD OF ACTION
Case No.
CITY CLERK ACTION:
1. On (date), the INTAKE FORM was received by the City Clerk's Office.
2. On (date), the concerns expressed in the INTAKE FORM were placed on the New
Business section of the Agenda for the Commission meeting to be held.
3. On (date), a copy of the INTAKE FORM was mailed to members of the Commission
along with the Agenda for the Commission meeting.
4. On (date), notice of the date, time and location of the Commission meeting at which
the concem(s) expressed in the INTAKE FORM will be considered by the Commission was mailed to the
following:
a.) the party(ies) filing the INTAKE FORM;
b.) the interested party{ies) identified in the INTAKE FORM; and
¢.) the person(s) or entity(ies) who caused the concern(s) to be raised.
On (date), notice of the Commission's final action was sent to the person(s) filing the
INTAKE FORM and the other party(ies) listed on the INTAKE FORM.
COMMISSION ACTION:
1.
On
—_______. (date), the Commission decided it did/did not have jurisdiction over the matters
set forth in the INTAKE FORM.
On
(date), the Commission considered the matters set forth in the INTAKE FORM.
On (date), the Commission took the following action:
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B. Notice to Public of Commission Business Meeting
NOTICE OF THE CITY OF DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
BUSINESS MEETING
TO: (Name)
(Street Address)
(City, State, Zip)
DATE:
RE: Business Meeting of the City of Dover Human Relations Commission on Issues Indicated on the
INTAKE FORM Submitted to the City of Dover on (date)
The City of Dover Human Relations Commission has added to its Business Meeting Agenda the matters indicated
on the attached INTAKE FORM. Please note that these matters will be considered at the Business Meeting to be
held at the following date, time and location:
DATE:
TIME:
LOCATION:
The presentation of your concern(s) will be limited to (minutes).
The Commission will not make a decision on your concern(s) on the night of the hearing. That will occur at
a Decision-Making Meeting at a date to be determined by the Commission after considering all of the facts and
circumstances related to your concern. You may speak at the Business Meeting, followed by any party you
identified as being an interested party, and then you will be given a chance to speak again after that party.
Sincerely,
City Clerk
Enclosure: INTAKE FORM
ce: Chairperson, City of Dover Human Relations Commission
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C. Notice to Interested Parties of a concern that will be before the Commission and Invitation to attend
and speak at the Commission Meeting
NOTICE OF THE CITY OF DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
BUSINESS MEETING AND INVITATION TO INTERESTED PARTY TO ATTEND
TO: (Name)
(Street Address)
(City, State, Zip)
DATE:
RE: invitation to Interested Party to Attend the City of Dover Human Relations Commission Business
Meeting
You have been identified as an interested party or a party-giving rise to a human relations concern in the City of
Dover. Please refer to the City of Dover Human Relations Commission INTAKE FORM attached to this letter. In
the interest of fairness, the Commission wants to hear from all sides before making any decisions.
The City of Dover Human Relations Commission has added the matters set forth in the attached INTAKE FORM
to the Agenda for consideration at the Business Meeting to be held at the following date, time and location:
DATE:
TIME:
LOCATION:
You or your designated representatives are invited to attend the Business Meeting to observe and respond to the
concern(s) expressed by the party that filed the INTAKE FORM.
If you decide to respond to the party that filed the INTAKE FORM at the Commission meeting, your response time
may be limited. It will be the same amount of time that the party who filed the INTAKE FORM will have to make
their presentation. That party will speak first, followed by your presentation, and then the party will be given a
chance to speak again after you. Please contact the City Clerk (736-7008) to verify if you will attend or not
attend the meeting.
The Commission will not make a decision on the matters presented on the night of the hearing. That will
occur at a Decision-Making Meeting at a date and time to be determined by the Commission after considering all
of the facts and circumstances related to the concern.
Sincerely,
City Clerk
Enclosure: INTAKE FORM
cc: Chairperson, City of Dover Human Relations Commission
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D. Commission Meeting Flowchart
Meeting Procedural Flowchart
Public Presentation
without prior
Notice
Regular Meeting
Intake Form
Completed 10 days
before Meeting
Limited to 3 min. perspeaker
Agenda Item "New
Business’ at a
Regular Meeting
Fact-Finding
Public Speaks-
Person Filing &
Response Party
Refer to
Decision Making
Meeting Closed —
Report
Commission Action
Testimony
issue Discussed among Decide A oaatisdietion
Commission in Public,
But no Actual Testimony
Decision-Making
Meeting
Decision
l.e., Recommendation,
No Jurisdiction
Opinion of Commission
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ARTICLE V - COMMITTEES
The Commission shall create all standing and special committees.
SECTION 1,
The standing committees of the Commission shall be as follows: (1) Executive Committee: (2) Assessment
Committee; (3) Community Programs Committee; and (4) School Programs Committee.
1.1 The Executive Committee shall be composed of the officers of the Commission and charged with acting on the
business of the entire commission in between its regular meetings. It shall be responsible for interfacing with other
City Departments and Offices including City Councit.
1.2 The Assessment Committee shall be responsible for measuring and monitoring community relations. The duties
of the Committee shail include meeting with different groups; developing assessment tools; analyzing results; and
making proposals to the Human Relations Commission based on its analysis.
1.3 The Community Programs Committee shall be responsible for offering a range of programs and services that
help community residents and neighborhoods prevent human relations problems and resolve issues of human
relations. The Committee shall develop, implement, and sustain community- wide programs that foster a spirit of
understanding and unity.
1.4 The School Programs Committee shall be responsible for offering a range of programs and services that help
community residents and neighborhoods prevent human relations problems and resolve issues of human relations.
The Committee shall develop, implement, and sustain community-wide programs that foster a spirit of understanding
and unity with a particular emphasis on oneness of humanity as a part of the regular school curriculum or program.
Section 2,
The Special Committees of the Commission shall be as follows: (1) Media Relations Committee; (2) Intake Screening
Committee; (3) Education and Development Committee; (4) Nominating Committee; and (5) By-Laws Committee.
The Commission and/or the Chairperson shail have the discretion to create and terminate special committees.
2.1 The Media/Public Relations Committee shall be responsible for publicizing all programs and activities through
communication channels. The Committee shall: (a.) prepare and send Press Releases to local Newspaper Editors,
and Radio/TV Station Managers; (b.) disseminate information to local community organizations, and prepare
correspondence in response to inquires and complaints; (c.) submit copies of all correspondence and releases to the
Part-time Assistant, and; (d.) submit an oral and written report of all its activities to the Commission at its regular
meetings.
2.2 The Intake Screening Committee, when the procedures set forth in Article 1V do not apply and when so
designated by the Commission or Chairperson to do so, shall be responsible for receiving and screening all intakes
from the public. The Committee shall: (a.) Make recommendations to the Commission on matters such as
jurisdiction, referral and preliminary solution; (b.) submit copies of Intakes to Commissioners at least 2 days before a
regular or special meeting called for discussion of the matter; (c.) submit oral and written Committee activities to the
Commission at the Commissions regular meeting; and (d.) notify the Part-time Assistant of all proceedings.
2.3 The Education and Development Committee shall be responsible for providing educational materials to the public
and the Commission, and organize development programs for the benefit of Commissioners. The Committee shall:
(a.} focus on diversity training, problem solving, conflict resolution, parliamentary procedures and similar initiatives; (b)
schedule programs involving lectures and role play, and distribute materials to Commissioners at least 30 days in
advance of such presentation or discussion, and; (c.) submit an oral and written report of its activities to the
Commissioners at the regular meetings.
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2.4 The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for nominating a slate of candidates who will seek election as
officers of the Commission. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three Commission members appointed by
the Chairperson in December of each year. One member shall be designated by the Chairperson as the Nominating
Committee Chairperson. The Committee shail present its nominees to the Commission in January of each year for
election at the February meeting.
2.5 The By-Laws Committee shall be appointed by the Chairperson to review any proposed amendments fo the By-
Laws and present them to the full Commission for action.
ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1,
Any member of the Commission may at any time propose an amendment to these BY-LAWS, by submitting the
same in writing to the Chairperson. All proposed amendments shall be initially reviewed by a Special By-Laws
Committee for recommendations then submitted to the full Commission for action as per Section 2.5.
SECTION 2.
A copy of any proposed amendments of these BY-LAWS shall be forwarded by mail to each member of the
Commission at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting of the Commission at which it is to be presented and acted
upon, together with a written notice of the date, hour, and place of such meeting.
SECTION 3.
Any amendment to these BY-LAWS must first be adopted by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members
of the Commission, before the same shall become effective.
ARTICLE Vil - BUDGET PLANNING, CONTROL AND REPORTING AND PAYMENT OF EXPENSES
SECTION 1,
Budget pianning, control and reporting and all accounting and financial transactions of the Commission shail be
governed by the City of Dover procedure F359 d/7-22-2002 and subsequent amendments thereto. The fiscat year of
the commission shall coincide with that of the City of Dover.
SECTION 2.
The procedures for payment of expenses by the Commission shall be as follows: (a) The City of Dover shall handle
the accounting and financial functions of the Commission as set forth in the City of Dover procedure F359 d\7-22-02;
(b) All requests for expenses relating to purchase of supplies and services shall be submitted to the Part-time
Assistant on the Payment Request Form with the supporting documents; (c) Every payment request shall indicate the
budget account to be charged ; (d) A payment request shall not be approved by the requestor but shall be approved
by another authorized person after review; (e) All payment requests shail be routed to the City of Dover Director of
Finance by the Part-time Assistant for processing and payment; and (f) An expense of less than $30.00 shall be paid
out of the petty cash account, but all other payment requests shall be processed according to the Purchasing Policy
and Guidelines of the City of Dover.
ARTICLE VI - SAVINGS ARTICLE
SECTION 1.
\f any part or section of these Bylaws is determined to be unlawful or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or sections
of these Bylaws shall remain in force and effect.
Adopted: September 6, 2002
Amended: December 15, 2004
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