HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Memo from League of Women Voters of Ames in support of ordinance LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF AMES
AMES, IOWA
May 17, 1966
To the Mayor and members of the .Ames City Council
Dear Sirs:
The League of Women Voters of Ames wishes to express its support
of the intent of the housing ordinance under your consideration.
However, we believe there is a need for further clarification in
three areas.
The first point concerns the secretary of the proposed commission.
It is our assumption that the secretary is a member of the commission,
although this is not specifically stated in the ordinance. We believe
this office should be clearly outlined in the ordinance. The duties
of the secretary also are open to various interpretations. We think
they should be clearly defined along the following lines: The secretary
receives complaints, makes preliminary investigations, and reports all
complaints and his recommendations to the whole commission for further
action.
The second area is that of time limits. We believe that limits
should be established for:
1 . The period in which a complaint may be filed after an alleged
discriminatory act has occurred (60 days, perhaps) .
2. The period for investigation by the secretary before reporting
to the commission. Thirty days after the filing of a complaint ,
for example.
3. The period in which the commission determines probable cause.
2 -
Sixty days after the complaint has been filed , for example.
4. The period of conciliation, after which the public hearing
would be called if necessary. This could be an additional
30 days.
This would establish a total period of ninety days after the complaint
has been filed before a public hearing could be called . It is our
belief that these time limits will be a protection for all concerned
parties.
Third , in our opinion, Section 79-2 should be expanded to make
it clear the ordinance includes any person who intends to become a
resident, as well as students admitted to educational programs in
Ames, who is acting in good faith in his attempt to provide himself
and/or his family with housing. ,
An additional recommendation we would like to make is that Section
79-10, line 4, should be changed from may to shall.
Your consideration of these matters will be greatly appreciated.