HomeMy WebLinkAboutA004 - Council Action Form dated January 24, 2006 Mk CAF
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ITEM #
DATE: Jan ary 24, 2006
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
Subject: STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMISSION
Background:
At the September 27, 2005 Council meeting, the President and Vice-President of the
Government of the Student Body at ISU as well as the City Council Student Liaison
member requested the creation of a Student Affairs Commission. This body was
recommended by the "One Community Implementation Committee" as a means to
provide advice to the City Council regarding issues that would impact students.
After much discussion, it was suggested that this new committee be comprised of fifteen
members - 8 ISU students, 1 high school student, and 6 non-students.
(1) City Council Student Liaison Member 1 year term
(1) Government of Student Body President 1 year term
(1) Inter-Residence Hall Association President 1 year term
(1) Greek Community Student Leader 1 year term
(1) Off-Campus Student Leader 1 year term
(1) International Student Council President 1 year term
(2) Off-Campus Students 2 year term
(1) High School Student Body President 1 year term
(1) Young Professional Representative 2 year term
(1) Campustown Business Owner 2 year term
(1) Rental Property Owner (in Campustown) 1 year term
(3) Neighborhood Association Representatives 2 year term
The specific charge to this new body will be to provide a forum for discussion of issues
that "primarily and uniquely" affect students so that this valuable public input can be
transmitted to the City Council before any decisions are made that will impact students.
The proposed ordinance requires this new body to receive prior approval from the City
Council before beginning discussions on any issue.
Alternatives:
1. The City Council can approve of the concept of the proposed Student Affairs
Commission, as outlined in the attached ordinance, and request that the staff
place the ordinance on the February 14th Council agenda for approval.
2. The City Council can approve of the concept of the proposed Student Affairs
Commission, but make revisions to the attached ordinance for approval at the
February 14th Council meeting.
3. The City Council can reject the concept of a new Student Affairs Commission.
City Manager's Recommended Action:
The City Council should understand that the creation of a new commission places an
increased burden on the City staff to support the efforts of the members. Preparing the
agenda, taking/transcribing minutes, preparing for presentations, and writing
background reports all take a significant amount of staff time. Therefore, it is important
for the Council to periodically review the work of all existing committees to determine if
the benefits received from the work of these groups outweigh the costs associated with
supporting them. There is not enough staff time available to support an unlimited
number of committees.
Although we have reached a point that it will be difficult to provide staff support
for many more city committees, it is believed that the creation of this Student
Affairs Commission should be supported. Because this proposed commission
supports one of the City Council's top goals of connecting our community with
themselves and with city government, it is the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1. This action will direct staff to
place the attached ordinance on the February 14th City Council agenda for
approval.
Council Action: