2015.07.14 Packet Combined - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Jacobsen and the Council were in favor of the Met Council investigating additional transportation routes through the City given the new development taking place in both New Brighton and Arden Hills. Councilmember Bauman believed that the north metro was forgotten at times with respect to transportation needs. Council Expectations of Commissioners Mayor Jacobsen requested the Council discuss the expectations of Commissioners. Councilmember Bauman commented that the new Planning Commissioner missed his first meeting, did not speak at the second meeting, and did not read the packet prior to the third meeting. She questioned his commitment level to this group. Mayor Jacobsen agreed with this assessment. Councilmember Jacobsen inquired if the new Planning Commissioner was just in over his head. He could be contacted and asked if this was an improper placement. Councilmember Burg supported staff speaking with him. Lotter reviewed the expectations of commissioners as described by the Council and noted he could have a discussion with the Planning Commissioner. Councilmember Burg was not in favor of the Commissioners working against the Council process. She discussed a quote that was taken out of context and used against her by Councilmember Bauman. Mayor Jacobsen discussed some of the recent actions of the Planning Commission that have gone against the mission of the Council. Councilmember Bauman stated slanderous comments have been made against her as well and she did not respond. She encouraged the Council to keep in mind that it goes both ways. Councilmember Burg believed that these Commissioners were not acting according to the expectations of commissioners and this should be addressed. Lotter further discussed the expectations of Commissioners and how biased comments from Commissioners should be handled. It was his understanding that Commissioners were to be unbiased, uncomplicated and impartial. Councilmember Bauman questioned where he Council wanted this to go. Councilmember Burg indicated Commissioners serving on a City Board were to be held to a higher standard and were acting on behalf of the City. These members of the public can have opinions, but need to understand the responsibility they have to the City. She recommended that a letter be sent from the Council addressing the concerns of the City Council. Lotter suggested that the Council identify the actions that occurred and determine from there how to respond to the individuals at fault. At that time, letters could be sent to address behaviors in the most appropriate manner.