2017.12.12 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Burg commented on the Ma rnita’s Table event and explained this was a great event for individuals to get to know one another. Councilmember Strub stated the IZI events were another great way to bring differe nt groups within the community together. Mayor Johnson proposed she sit down with the City Manager to firm up the goals and objectives of the task force and that this information be passed along to the City Council for further discussion on October 3 rd. Student Involvement in Commission Mayor Johnson discussed how she would like to see student involvement on each of the Commissions and asked the City Council for feedback. She proposed students serve for two years, their junior and senior years and that t he terms be staggered. She recommended that each of the students have a mentor in the community. Councilmember Jacobsen stated in theory he supported the proposal. His only concern was how the groups would be impacted by increased numbers and questioned if the students would be a voting member. He suggested the Council also consider having student alternates. Mayor Johnson appreciated Councilmember Jacobsen raising these concerns. Councilmember Bauman stated she did not mind having students on the Commissions, but agreed the voting part may be a concern, especially for the Planning Commission. She proposed the students act as a liaison versus a voting member. Councilmember Burg indicated she would leave the student member off of the Planning Commissio n altogether given the level of reading and research that was required. She did not want to place too much pressure on a student. She asked how George Howard was doing on the Public Safety Commission. Public Safety Director Paetznick reported George was doing very well with the group. Lotter believed the Council could provide teachable moments for student liaisons even without voting rights. Councilmember Strub believed that the students would feel more important if they had the right to vote. Counc ilmember Bauman anticipated student liaisons would still want to be a part of the groups, even if they did not have a vote, for the rich learning experience. Mayor Johnson stated she would like for the students to be voting members in order for them to truly have a voice. Councilmember Burg requested staff investigate how the League of Minnesota Cities views student involvement with Commissions. 2018 Preliminary Budget Lotter reported the Council would be reviewing and approving the 2018 Preliminary Budget at this evening’s Council meeting.