2015.07.14 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Jacobsen noted there would be a pub crawl for the North Metro Mayors, Jacobsen thanked the Council for their input and stated he would bring this item back for consideration at a future Council meeting. Citv Attorney Primer and Robert's Rules of Order Lotter stated at several recent Council meetings conversations have become layered and demanding. For this reason, he proposed staff provide the Council with a review on Robert's Rules of Order. City Attorney Gilchrest advised the Council on parliamentary procedure and the City's adopted Rules of Order. He reported that the Council has not formally adopted Robert's Rules of Order, but rather in 2012, has adopted Council Standards and By -Laws. He reviewed these standards of conduct in further detail with the Council. He discussed the benefits of having an orderly system for meetings. He provided the Council with a cheat sheet for City meeting proceedings. He supported the Council not following Robert's Rules and appreciated the balance found within the City's Standards and By -Laws. He provided further comment on voting expectations. He indicated the current Standards allow for a five minute time limit for debate. He explained how motions and amendments should be made, along with defining how tabling and motion reconsideration should be completed. Councilmember Bauman thanked City Attorney Gilchrest for the refresher. Watering Ban Comments Lotter explained that staff recently discussed the City's water situation and it was noted the City has recently begun using new money to address the City's water supply. He indicated that questions from the federal government are being raised on how the City was spending its money. It was his suggestion that the Council speak with staff prior to speaking with the press regarding the water ban or water situation. He believed this was a sensitive issue and he reported that he was being put in an awkward position based on the comments made by a Councilmember. Mayor Jacobsen reported that each of the Councilmembers were contacted by the same reporter and no one offered a response except Councilmember Bauman. He encouraged Councilmember Bauman to heed staff's request and follow protocol. Councilmember Bauman commented that she only spoke to the press regarding the watering ban and did not address the DX issue. Councilmember Burg was pleased that the Council was having this conversation, as it would ensure the entire Council was on the same page. Mayor Jacobsen feared that reporters did not fairly represent the Council or comments may be misunderstood. Lotter read the letter from Fredrickson and suggested that the City have a single point of contact for water related questions.