Michigan City Commission for Women adopts three-absence limit for members

At its Jan. 15 meeting, the Michigan City Commission for Women approved an internal attendance policy limiting members to three missed meetings per calendar year before the commission recommends the appointing authority consider removal.

Commissioners debated whether the limit should be two or three absences and whether the commission should distinguish excused absences (funerals, serious illness) from unexcused ones. After discussion, members moved, seconded, and approved a motion setting the limit at three absences per calendar year, effective Jan. 15, 2026; the commission chair said members who exceed the limit will be reported to the appointing authority for potential removal under the applicable ordinance provision.

During the discussion the commission referenced an ordinance section governing member removal for absenteeism; the text as read in the meeting cited that a member may be removed by the appointing authority for absenteeism during the term, and the commission agreed to formalize a numerical recommendation for internal administration.

The commission also emphasized internal communications practices: members were reminded to 'reply all' to meeting notices so the chair and other members can confirm whether a quorum will be present. The chair said she will notify appointing authorities where appropriate to prompt replacements for longstanding vacancies.

Next steps: the chair will notify affected appointing authorities of the new internal standard and will send email reminders to commissioners about the 'reply all' expectation and the new three-absence guideline.