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<br /> - --- <br /> . <br /> . <br /> Page Two . <br /> March 15 and again on May 17, while on September 20, five members were <br /> present (again, two were new members). Since September, there have been <br /> no additional meetings. According to Section 2-83 of the Code of <br /> Ordinances, the number of members allowed on this Commission is set at ten <br /> (0) . At the present time eight members serve, but usually only half that <br /> number attends meetings. Staff questions the need for this Committee and <br /> their function, since there is a Minnesota Department of Human Rights <br /> which handles discrimination grievances. As far as staff can determine, <br /> there have not been any grievances brought to the City's commission in a <br /> number of years. If Council feels a strong desire or need for this group, <br /> they should verify that Ray Conroe, Howard Myers and Sushila Shah are <br /> willing to serve another three year term, and then reappoint them as well <br /> as the remainder of the volunteers to this group. However, if Council <br /> questions the need for this group, they should move to disband the Human <br /> Rights Commission and direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary <br /> amendment to the Ordinance, deleting reference to a Human Rights <br /> Commission. <br /> NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION COMMITTEE <br /> This group meets the first Thursday of the month on a quarterly basis at <br /> 6:45 A.M. at Perkins. Staff does not receive minutes from anyone on this <br /> and questions the need for the committee or its function. Perhaps . <br /> Councilmember Mahowald, as liaison, could address the purpose/function of <br /> this committee and decide if it serves a viable purpose. It should be <br /> noted that Town Crier editor Sue Schroeder receives copies of the City <br /> Council minutes and receives information to place in the Crier. Council <br /> should determine whether they wish to have this committee continue. If <br /> so, they should reappoint the four volunteers listed. <br /> BOARD OF APPEALS <br /> Five members currently serve on this Board. In reviewing staff minutes, <br /> it was noted that this group met four times in 1989, on January 28, to <br /> consider two variances, with two members present; on May 23 to consider <br /> two variances, with three members present; on August 29 to consider one <br /> application with four members present; and on September 26 to consider one <br /> applicaton with three members present. During the other months, the <br /> meetings were cancelled as there were no applications requested. This <br /> group meets during the summer months on the fourth Tuesday at 5:30 P.M. on <br /> site, and during the winter months on the fourth Saturday at 10:00 A.M. <br /> It would be staff's recommendation that this Board and the Planning <br /> Commission be combined, with the members meeting on the first Wednesday of <br /> each month, at 7:30 P.M., the same as the Planning Commission. (Note that <br /> Barbara Piotrowski is the Board of Appeals Chair and also serves on the <br /> Planning Commission). Variances could be considered by the Planning <br /> Conunission. This would eliminate an additonal agenda being sent and . <br /> additional minutes being transcribed and distributed and could be handled, <br /> as many other cities do, with one agenda and one set of minutes. Council <br /> should consider this possibility and perhaps Councilmember Growe, who acts <br /> as liaison to both the Board of Appeals and Planning Commission could <br />