DEKALB — The DeKalb City Council on Monday held a first reading of an ordinance that would update several sections of the municipal code governing volunteer boards and commissions. The proposal would reactivate the Human Relations Commission with members made up of executive directors from Hope Haven, Safe Passage, Family Service Agency, Elder Care Services, and RAMP. It would also eliminate the Landmark Commission due to inactivity and clarify that the City Council may recommend landmark status with property owner consent. The ordinance would allow the Citizen Police Review Board, Citizens Environmental Commission, and Citizens Community Enhancement Commission to meet as needed instead of holding required monthly meetings.
Mayor Barnes said he wanted to put the power back into the hands of area experts.
“These are all professionals that will be in that group, focused on and understanding the particular issue and all the opportunities there are that are out there to be able to address it. I would love to just see, let’s form it. Let’s get them together. Let’s give them something to tackle and man, if we want to modify it in the future, we can modify it in the future,” he said Monday
The measure passed 5 to 3 after council discussion and will return for a final vote in two weeks after a motion to waive a second reading failed.
