Establishing the South Bend Commission on the Status of Women

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ORDINANCE NO. 5690-74 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE SOUTH BEND COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN. WHEREAS, it is the public policy of the City of South Bend to protect all of its citizens from the injustices of discrimina- tion, prejudices, and outmoded customs based on sex; and WHEREAS, discrimination and prejudices based on sex act as barriers to the full realization and potential of the basic rights of women; and WHEREAS, it is in the city's interest to promote respect, commitment to human dignity, economy, and general welfare of its citizens through the most efficient and effective utilization of the skills of all persons; and WHEREAS, all women should be assured the opportunity to develop their capacities and aspirations to the fullest; and WHEREAS, the City of South Bend desires to establish a commission charged with the responsibility of developing recommenda- tions to eliminate sex discrimination in all spheres of community life, for developing programs which will facilitate this process, and for developing recommendations for service which will enhance the role of women and assist them in making maximum contribution to the world around them. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana: SECTION 1 Establishment of the South Bend Commission on the Status of Women. (a) There is hereby established the South Bend Commission on the Status of Women, referred to herein as the "Commission ". (b) The Commission shall be composed of fifteen members appointed by the Mayor who are residents of the City of South Bend and who are willing to pursue a positive cause of action for achieving equal rights and responsibilities for all women. These appointees will serve three -year terms as members; however, the first Commission will have one -third of its membership appointed for a three -year term, one -third for a two -year term, and one -third appointed for a one -year term. (c) Successors to all members of the Commission shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years except when appointed to fill a vacancy in which case such appointment shall be for the unexpired term. (d) The Commission shall elect once a year a President, Vice President and Secretary from among its members. (e) All members of the Commission shall serve without compensation and any ten (10) members shall constitute a quorum. (f) The Commission shall meet not less than nine (9) times per year at the call of the President. (g) It shall take the concurrence of a majority of the Commission membership to take official action.