City Council Meeting Date: January 22, 2019
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Ordinance for Human Rights Commission Amendment to City Code Section 2-337.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council is being asked to consider the second reading of Ordinance for Human Rights Commission Amendment to City Code Section 2-337.
Summary Report:
The City Council unanimously approved the first reading of this ordinance on January 8, 2019. Mayor Pownell and City Administrator Martig are recommending an amendment to the Human Rights Commission ordinance to allow for up to four voting or non voting advisory members that would have one-year appointments to the Human Rights Commission. The current membership is at 9 plus one youth voting member so it would give the ability to have up to fourteen total members. The intent is to give them one-year appointments so they would be distinguished from other members.
There has been significant interest in serving but there are sometimes limits on time availability where they need to miss meetings. This would allow for greater membership and participation from individuals who have expertise or who have some other unique perspectives related to classes protected from discrimination.
There are some other advisory committees that have advisory members such as the Environmental Quality Commission.
The Human Rights Commission met on January 4 and reviewed the ordinance. The Human Rights Commission suggested clarification on term limits related to the advisory members so they would not be limited to three one-year terms. Staff reviewed this with the City Attorney. The City Attorney noted that term limits only apply to regular members per section 2-337(c). Term limits do not apply to youth or advisory members and they would not be limited to three one-year terms.
Alternative Options:
Leave ordinance as-is or consider some variation to the amendments.
Financial Impacts:
None.
Tentative Timelines:
January 4 & 10 - Human Rights Commission Review
January 8 - City Council First Reading
January 22 - City Council Second Reading
Effective 30-days after publication