2021.10.12 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Allen stated he did not like how the appointment section was written. He commented currently the Equity Team will decide who is on the Commission and he explained this was different than how all other Commissioners were appointed. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas agreed this was different. Councilmember Allen suggested the Equity Team vet the candidates. Councilmember Dunsworth discussed how her work, in the interest of equity, has had candidates record themselves answering the same five questions and these videos are then submitted for viewing. She believed it would be important for the Council to have interaction with the candidates. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas supported candidates making a recording but did not want this to be a requirement. Councilmember Abdulle supported the Council being involved in the recruitment and interview process a well. Massopust stated the City could follow the normal process for Commission appointments with staff looking into the video option. Councilmember Allen suggested staff start the vetting process but supported the Council making the final appointments to the Equity Commission. Ms. Tabor spoke to the importance of having balance on the Commission. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned if current Commissioners could serve on multiple Commissions. Spangrud reported there was nothing within City Code that would preclude this from happening. Councilmember Dunsworth suggested language be added to the code to encourage Commissioners to communicate civilly and to respect the opinions of others. Discussion ensued regarding compensation for the Commission members. Spangrud explained the City of New Brighton does not compensate its Commission or Councilmembers for attending meetings. Ms. Tabor commented it has been her experience that there is a benefit to compensating Commission members in order to allow them to participate. Councilmember Axberg stated should this then be considered for all Commissions, versus just the Equity Commission. Councilmember Dunsworth supported the City providing a stipend for Commissioners. Councilmember Abdulle explained he supported paying all Commissioners. He commented this shows the City values their time and service to the City. Councilmember Allen stated he would be against paying one Commission and not the others. Massopust reported if the City were to pay all of its Commissioner's he estimated this would cost the City $25,000 per year. He explained staff would have to make an adjustment to the 2022 budget.