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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Liesje Howard, Graduate Intern
DATE: June 23, 2016
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances Entitled "Administration."
PURPOSE:
This proposed amendment is to change the membership requirements of the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial (G.A.R. Post 20) Commission from members who are strictly residents of the City of Aurora, to a more regional and inclusive membership focusing on members' active in the City.
BACKGROUND:
The current ordinance establishing the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Commission with the 9 Aurora resident members' qualifications and responsibilities was adopted in 1969, following the City of Aurora's commitment to make G.A.R. Post 20 a veterans' memorial.
DISCUSSION:
The Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Commission consists, by current city ordinance, of nine members "all of whom shall be residents of the city." This restriction detracts from the Hall's presence as a memorial to all civil war veterans. Established during the time of Reconstruction, the G.A.R was a fraternity of all Union soldiers, and interestingly, one of the first racially integrated brotherhood organizations in the United States.
The G.A.R. Post 20 was chartered in Aurora, Illinois, in 1875. Of the once 718 G.A.R. Posts in the State of Illinois, Aurora is one of only two G.A.R. Memorial Halls in the State of Illinois. This unique Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall is in honor of all Civil War Veterans and a recognition of the many national contributions of the G.A.R.
The amended ordinance will expand commission membership in scope. Two (2) members, of the (9) members, will be eligible for the commission if they reside outside of the City of Aurora and either volunteer in Aurora, work in Aurora, own a business in Aurora or are employed by a business that serves Aurora residents.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
N/A
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Respectfully request the...
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