The following is an except from a story by Edwardsville Intelligencer reporter Matt Winte that was posted on Saturday, March 22:With an eye towards the future, the Edwardsville City Council approved the creation of a new board, which will have members from both the city of Edwardsville and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The council heard the second reading of an ordinance establishing the city of Edwardsville-Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Community Destination Board.
According to Alderman Jeanette Mallon, this ordinance is intended to strengthen the relationship between the city and the university and to make the university more aware of the opportunities in the city.
Changes have been made to the ordinance since it came to the council and Alderman Tom Butts wanted to know what the changes were.
Mallon explained a revision was added to ensure minutes were taken and a chairperson appointed. Additionally, appointments will be made by the mayor with the consent of the council.
Mayor Hal Patton described the board as a recommending body to an existing committee. The board would not be authorized to spend any money or make final decisions.
The board will be made up of at least 11 members and no less then seven. At least four of the members will be appointed by the SIUE Chancellor from the SIUE community and made up of representatives from the SIUE administration, a representative from the SIUE faculty and two representatives from SIUE student government.
The ordinance was unanimously approved.