1993-11-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes November 23, 1993 Page 3 Council Business. continued Should an attempt be made to have seniors and students as voting members? All Chairs responses were negative, it is felt that this would be categorizing/targeting specific groups of people. All felt that if a senior or student is on the commission they should be a voting member (students would be anyone 18 or older.) None of the other cities had procedures to ensure that seniors and students would be involved, but some do have seniors as full voting members. Rebelein requested a follow-up to this swdy which would provide more information to allow the Council to base their decision. In considering the appointment of the chair, she added the following: identify the purposes for which the advisory group exists; the way in which a commission functions; the potential a Chair would have for putting the City at risk by purporting to represent the City; identify other factors which relate to why commissions exist; and what should a commission accomplish. She stated the following purposes for which advisory groups exist: to provide citizen contributions to the decision-m:ddne process through research and advisory opinions; identify and bring problem solving opportunities to the Council; and share community expertise so the Council is better informed and can make an informative decision. She feels the Council would need more background information in regards to the positive and negative aspects of Council appoinonent of chairs versus commission appoinonent of their own chairs. Gunderman thanked the CSC for their work. He questioned whether it is more important for a Planning Commission chair to be appointed by Council, versus other commissions appointing their own chairs. He feels that student and senior representation is important, especially when the City's age demographics shows an increased senior population. He has strong feelings regarding parliamentary procedures, and feels it is important to install a decision making model for commission actions. Rebelein added that it may be helpful to determine what type of experience, training, and/or education is required for a chairperson to better prepare the chairs for their important roles. Benke questioned whether the mission of each commission should be reviewed to give clearer expectations to its members. Rebelein agrees with Benke and feels that Council should give clearer direction to commissions when requesting research. Williams does not disagree that Council should take a broader look at each commission's mission. However, he feels immediate efforts should be concentrated on commission appointments because of the timeliness of the commission reappointments in January. He encouraged the CSC to continue its independent judgement which is of great value to the City. Lere confirmed that the CSC's mission is to continue its independent judgement. Gunderman feels that the CSC has provided Council with the requested information. Benke suggested that Rebe1ein, Lere, I eanetta and himself meet, incorporate perspectives articulated by Council and bring a more detailed committee charge to Council. Council Business Policy for Advisory Commissions/Boards Report 93-321