HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - Council Action Form dated October 9, 2012 ITEM # 29
DATE: 10-09-12
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REQUEST FROM AMES HUMAN RELATION COMMISSION TO
REDUCE ITS MEMBERSHIP FROM SEVEN TO FIVE MEMBERS
BACKGROUND:
When the Ames Human Relations Commission was first created in 1974, it was
established as a five-member body. However, in 1976, the City Council approved an
expansion to seven members. Staff has been unable to identify from any previous
reports or from the Council minutes what precipitated the increase in membership.
On Thursday, August 23, 2012, the Ames Human Relations Commission met and
discussed a change to the number of Commission members. This discussion was
brought about after having several openings on the seven-member Commission
in the last two months. Finding new members has been difficult, as has having
enough members present to constitute a quorum. The Commission concluded
that the size of the body was perhaps larger than necessary, and made a motion
to ask the City Council to consider reducing the size of the Commission from
seven members to five members.
The City Council referred this request to staff on September 11, 2012, for a revised
ordinance that would reduce the membership from seven to five members to assist the
Ames Human Relations Commission.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can adopt an ordinance approving reduction of the Ames Human
Relations Commission from seven to five members.
3. The City Council can deny adoption of an ordinance approving the reduction of the
Ames Human Relation Commission from seven to five members.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Due to the continued difficulties with recruiting new commissioners to participate in the
Ames Human Relations Commission, it has been determined by the current members
that five commissioners would be sufficient to carry out the duties described in the City
Code. Staff feels this change would benefit the Commission while still providing them
enough membership to work on programs and activities that raise awareness of
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discriminatory actions against a person because of his or her race, ethnicity, national
origin, color, creed, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender, physical disability,
age, familial status, marital status, or developmental disability.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, thereby approving the Ames Human Relations Commission request to
reduce its membership from seven to five.