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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: February 28, 2024
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 2-VI, Sec. 2-414 "Policies and Procedures".
PURPOSE:
This amendment seeks to address a gap in the Boards and Commissions ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council approved substantial amendments to Chapter 2, Article 2-VI entitled "Boards and Commissions" in 2021. This amendment seeks to address an identified gap in the current ordinance.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of the amendments was to bring consistency to the manner in which city boards, commissions and councils (BCCs) operate. The ordinance revisions were intended to replace the need for individual by-laws for the thirty (30) plus BCCs. While BCCs are able to adopt by-laws specific to their individual mission, the code supersedes individual by-laws.
Since the implementation of the new ordinance and the re-instatement of BCCs following COVID-19, the processes and procedures have been effective and beneficial to staff liaisons and BCC members. While the changes were comprehensive, two-plus years in operation have identified additional areas of improvement. This proposal seeks to:
• Amend Sec. 2-414, Sec. (c), "Code of Conduct" (which each member is required to sign) by adding a reference to Chapter 22 entitled "Harassment and Discrimination".
• Amend Sec. 2-414, Sec. (d) from "Duty to Cooperate" to "Cooperation, Civility, and Harassment"; adds two additional points to this section.
• Add a provision to 2-414, Sec. (f) "Removal of Members"; tied specifically to the two proposed points above.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approval of the proposed amendments will have a positive impact on the city’s 30+ boards, commissions and councils.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff respectfully requests approval of the attached ordinance.
cc: Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
An Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 2, Division 2-VI-5, Sec. 2-414 entitled “Policies and Procedures”.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has established a system of advisory boards and commissions to assist it in the performance of its duties; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has previously enacted guidelines, policies, and procedures governing the operation of these boards and commissions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that further amendment to such guidelines, polices, and procedures is necessary and convenient to the efficient operation of the City's boards and commissions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the changes to Sec. 2-414 of the Code of Ordinances set forth in Exhibit A will help ensure that the important work of the City's boards and commissions will continue to be performed by members who adhere to the highest ethical standards and perform their duties with civility and professionalism;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that Chapter 2, Article 2, Division 2-VI-5 of the Code of Ordinances shall be and hereby is amended by changing Sec. 2-414 as set forth in Exhibit A.