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The Draper City Council is set to review their current anti-nepotism ordinance Tuesday after council members requested a revision four weeks ago.
The current ordinance prohibits the city from hiring relatives or spouses of relatives of elected officials for any kind of work.
Councilwoman Michele Weeks requested the change at a meeting on March 1, saying that while she understands hiring a family member as a department head would be inappropriate, she thinks hiring family members as laborers would be "fine," according to the meeting minutes. She mentioned that she expects her large family of six children and two grandchildren to continue to grow.
According to City Manager David Dobbins, the city is "having a challenge hiring for some of our positions because the labor market is tight right now."
"In general, we just have quite a few positions that we're not getting the number of applications that we've received in the past," Dobbins said.
Councilman Alan Summerhays agreed with Weeks at the meeting, but noted that the proposed change would not put family members in "any leadership role."
Weeks also received support from Councilman Jeff Stenquist, who noted that under the current law, his son would be turned down for a job mowing lawns at a city park. Dobbins said he is unaware of any specific relatives of officials vying for jobs and that the main intent of the Council is to have a discussion.
He said council members will discuss the request "and decide what changes, if any, they want to make," at a meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Draper City Hall, 1020 E. Pioneer Rd.