2021.04.27 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Rn•INEW 1U BRIGHTON building tomorrow today Council Worksession April 27, 2021 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle Councilmember Graeme Allen Councilmember Pam Axberg Councilmember Emily Dunsworth Absent: Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust Guests in Attendance: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting was held virtually. Commission Optimization Discussion Massopust stated the City of New Brighton has four different Commissions that consist of the Planning Commission, Economic Development Commission, Public Safety Commission, and Parks, Recreation and Environment Commission. The purpose of the Commissions are to utilize members of the community to advise the City Council on how we achieve our goals and objectives. They also allow for certain oversight and conversation to occur regarding our departments and corresponding work. Not only do the Commissions provide practical and operational support, but Commissioners serve as strong ambassadors from the community and to the community. Massopust commented during the Council's January meeting and the City Council work session of February 2nd , the desire to address how our Commissions function was identified as an area of discussion to be had. Staff stated as the City Council prepares to create another Commission and as new Commissioners come on board. It should be noted that the Commissions now do good work and serve as excellent resources to the City Council and community as a whole. But there is always an opportunity to improve and build upon current practices to further enhance our delivery of municipal services. City staff will present how we believe our Commissions can be leveraged even further as a resource. This includes, but is not limited to: • Create a formal, annual work plan that is approved by City Council • Focus on more joint meetings when cross-commission issues arise • Have more Council check-ins with Commissions • Update the Commission onboarding process Massopust reported the goals of these actions are to ensure Council and Commission has alignment on priorities and goals in a given year, maintain and enhance relationships between Commissions and Council, further enhance the role and responsibility of Commissions as advisory bodies, and utilize and partner with community members with certain skills and a desire to assist. Staff commented further on the proposed work plans and example timeline with the Council and comment on how to proceed.