Four positions on Ames city commissions may have their terms shortened to provide opportunities for ISU students to serve in city government.

The proposal is intended to improve relations between ISU students and the city. Seats on the Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Art Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission are up for debate. Three of the commissions — Human Relations, Parks and Rec and Public Art — are three-year terms. Planning and Zoning has five-year terms.

Mayor Ted Tedesco has recommended that the first three be changed to have one-year terms and Planning and Zoning be changed to have a two-year term. The two-year term would allow for a greater adjustment period to the more technical commission.

Tedesco said he hopes the ordinance change will be in effect by April 1. Applications for these and all other board and commission positions are due Feb. 11 and can be found on the City of Ames Web site.

He said he would then recommend applicants to the City Council. Candidates who are approved would take office April 1. He said the idea came about partially from the Veishea task force in order to rebuild relations between the university and the community.

The task force — which was composed of people from the City of Ames, the Ames community and the ISU community — released a series of recommendations in November 2004 in hopes of preventing another riot.

“Younger members of the community can participate in the city government process,” Tedesco said.

Andrew Tugan, ex-officio student member of the Ames City Council, said the shorter terms will still be an effective amount of time for students to serve.

“As long as you’re interested, you’ll be effective,” Tugan said.

Tedesco said students who are not from Ames would be a valuable asset.

“If they come from different places, they will bring new ideas,” he said.

The Human Relations, Parks and Recreation and Planning and Zoning Commissions have seven members each, and the Public Art commission has 16 members. Tugan said the board duties are somewhat self explanatory.

“The [public] arts commission is exactly what it says. Anyone really into the arts would be useful,” Tugan said.

Tedesco encourages students to go to the Web site and read about the various duties of each position.

The subject is to be discussed at the next City Council meeting on Feb. 8. Students are encouraged to attend and express their opinions.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Tugan said.

“I don’t see a terrible amount of drawbacks.”