The mayor of Bloomington acknowledged in a WGLT interview that the city's Human Relations Commission needs new people on it. The terms of all but two of the current seven members have expired.
Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe said sometimes it's hard to find people willing to serve.
"That's something we are looking at. I was made aware of that so, I talked to staff to take another look at that," said Mwilambwe.
Mwilambwe said he values the work of the Human Relations Commission, which investigates and mediates discrimination complaints. The commission has not met since August. It has not been able to secure a quorum.
“We do get people who apply for boards and commissions. But some boards are more popular than others,” said Mwilambwe. "Oftentimes I have the staff reach out to individuals that have not been able to be placed and then ask them if they would be interested in serving on another board or commission."
Previous mayors have also struggled at times to fill vacant volunteer positions with the city. Mwilambwe noted moderate income people or those with young families often cannot afford the time needed to volunteer.
Mwilambwe said he would welcome applications from people who want to serve on the Human Relations Commission and there are ways to do that.
"I've had people reach out to me personally by email. But on the city website there is a form they can fill out," said Mwilambwe.
He also noted there are printed copies of the form available at the government hub in downtown Bloomington.
The commission meets on the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m.
