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Council amends AMAC membership language at first reading, adding flexibility for county members
Summary
At first reading of Ordinance 44-26, council debated residency language for the Athens Municipal Arts Commission and amended the ordinance to require 'at least 5' commissioners be city electors, allowing up to four members from outside the city.
During first reading of Ordinance 44-26, which would expand the Athens Municipal Arts Commission from seven to nine members, council members discussed how to balance city electors with seats for Athens County residents. Council member Isherwood described the change as driven by a growth in public art and the commission’s workload and said the amendment arose from committee conversation.
Council member Swank asked whether the proposed language would permit six city residents and three county residents; members explained the intent was to allow flexibility while preserving four slots for county participation. After law director input on the difference between 'shall' and 'may,' council member Swank moved to amend the ordinance to add the words 'at least' before the requirement that five members be city electors. The motion to amend was seconded and adopted; the ordinance was then read for the first time as amended.
Mayor Patterson supported the revision, saying changing 'shall' to a formulation including 'at least' provides flexibility in appointments. The amendment will be reflected in subsequent readings if the ordinance advances.
