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6.3. SR 07-06-2004TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM Mayor and City Council Joan Schmidt, City Clerk July 6, 2004 Advisory Board and Commission Policy Item During the worksession meetings with consultant Jim Brimeyer, the need for the Council and commissions to have better communication with each other was acknowledged. The vision identified to pursue to address the situation was: · Training for boards/commissions (roles/responsibilities, expectations, legal issues); · Have boards/commissions give options to Council rather than recommendation; · Pre-appointment (to boards/commissions) o Outline expectations o Roles. · Set standard questions for board/commission interviews. A barrier identified was "turf" with perhaps commission members feeling Council is stepping on toes. The strategy identified to pursue to overcome this barrier was to develop procedures with training of new board/commission members and for Council to adopt expectations. Staff has put together a proposed Advisory Board and Commission Pohcy. Staff took into consideration: · The City of Elk River's, "Board and Commission Appointment Policy"; · The City of Golden Valley's, "Guidelines for Advisory Commissions, Committees, Boards and Councils" (as recommended by Mr. Brimeyer); and · The City of Brooklyn Park's, "Resolution of Standards for City Boards and Commissions". The department heads that are directly involved with Boards/Commission met to give input for this policy. Staff feels that the policy that is before you for your consideration does meet the vision that was identified. Some discussion points that I wish to acknowledge: 1) orientation; 2) Council liaison; 3) annual goal-setting work session; and 4) possibility of fewer boards and commissions. City Council Minutes May 24, 2004 Page 4 · To Council June 2004 for discussion · Discuss reduction in force, pay impact with Council/City Administrator/Staff · Framework/guidelines for Council/Staff communication and interaction Steady, consistent growth toward approved plans and Council direction shared with commissions and staff. (This is two issues combined.) What is the question that we should ask that will address the issue? · How do we develop plans for growth that are understood and can be implemented by the Boards/Commissions/Staff? Why is this an issue? · Boards/Commissions/Staff sometimes advocate their own beliefs (differently than as directed) · Boards/Commissions/Staff need clarity on the desired end "result" Consequences of this issue: · Boards/Commissions/Staff will "advance" an agenda o sometimes lacking clear direction o in spite of direction · Cause confusion · Disputes - change in leadership · No action taken · "Hurt" feelings · Less than preferred results · Council decisions are uncertain · Improper use of staff time · Public confusion/acceptance · Developers plan/control the agenda · Board/Commission confusion on direction What are the practical alternatives, dreams, or visions we might pursue to address this strategic issue? Vision Improved staff communication on policy issues o impacts of choices o share info Internal check and balance (Council/staff check in from time to time) Training for boards/commissions (roles/responsibilities, expectations, legal issues) Have boards/commissions give options to Council rather than recommendation Pass various "plans" Pre-appointment (to boards/commissions o outline expectations o roles Set standard questions for board/commission interviews City Council Minutes May 24, 2004 Page 5 Barriers · Turf (commission feels Council stepping on toes) · Current staff organizational structure · Staff discussion is incomplete Strategies to pursue to overcome barriers · Develop procedures o train new board/commission members o Council adopt expectations · Check/balance system o at staff level o between Council/staff · Phase out commission role in policy formation Mr. Brimeyer concluded the session by asking the Council and staff to process the information received in the three worksessions for a couple months and see how different suggestions work for the city. Mr. Brimeyer stated that if needed, he would be willing to come back in the fall for a follow-up session. Mayor Fdinzing expressed her thanks to staff for participating in these worksession. 1 Other Business Consider Koehler Property. Proposal City Administrator Pat Fdaers stated that a letter was distributed to the Mayor and Council from Mr. and Mrs. Koehler requesting $185,000 for their home and property located at 1221 5th Street. Mr. Klaers stated that although he does not hke having the city pay more than the appraisal value ($178,000), he believes in this case the city should accept the Koehler's offer. Mr. Fdaers explained that if the city does not act quickly, the Koehlers may decide to stay in their home for a number of years and this would make acquisition in the future more expensive than the offer currently on the table and would make also future library expansion plans difficult. Discussion took place on whether or not it is in the city's best interest to purchase the property no~v and tie up $185,000 for several years before the library expansion actually takes place or if it would be better for the city to wait until the expansion is ready to take place and then either purchase it or exercise its eminent domain rights. Mr. Kdaers stated that there is no long-term master plan for the library expansion but it is expected to expand in its current location. Mr. I~aers stated that if neither the Koehler nor the Peterson property is purchased, the library would be "boxed in" and expansion would be difficult. It was noted that eminent domain could clearly be used to obtain the surrounding properties but using eminent domain for the expansion or construction of public buildings isn't viewed favorably with the public. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER TO ACCEPT THE OFFER FROM MR. AND MRS. KOEHLER TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY AT 1221 5TM STREET FOR Adopted by the Council on October 25, 1993 Revised by the Council on November 8, 1999 Revised by the Council on January 10, 2003 ADVISORY BOARD AND COMMISSION APPO! ~T.~. E.~!T POLICY Document Purpose The Council is directly responsible for the actions of its advisory, boards and commissions and this policy serves to provide guidance to those bodies. It is hoped that through this policy the expectations of the Council, with respect to its advisory boards and commissions will be clearly understood and followed. The Mayor and Councilmembers welcome any request for discussion or clarification of information that is contained or thought appropriate to be contained in this policy. The goals of the Council are better communication with its advisory boards and commissions and better service to the citizens of Elk River. Creation of Advisory Commissions and Independent Commissions State statutes govern the creation of Council advisory commissions. These commissions are authorized to exercise all duties which the Council has legally assigned to them. They are frequently authorized to conduct investigations and make recommendations. It should be remembered, however, that advisory, commissions may not make decisions on behalf of the Council. In many cities, it is routine practice for the Council to accept an advisory commission recommendation if the commission has done a thorough and competent job. It must be emphasized, however, that it is the Council's final decision on the matter and not simply the commission recommendation which is effective to bind the municipality.. No recommendation of any advisory commission takes effect unless it has been adopted by formal action of the Council. These advisory, commissions may be organized in any manner deemed appropriate by the Council. The Council may create and dissolve them, appoint persons to serve on them, and exercise powers of general supervision over them. A Planning Commission, however, must be established by ordinance (per Minnesota Statutes, Sections 462.351-462.365) and, once established, may be dissolved only by an ordinance, which passes, by a 2/3-majority vote of the Council. There are several differences between independent commissions and advisory commissions. State statutes establish most independent boards and commissions and give them some discretionary, powers. Advisory commissions conduct studies and investigations on behalf of the council, and submit reports and recommendations for council consideration. Advisory commission decisions do not take effect until the council has accepted the decision by passing an ordinance or resolution. Advisory Commissions The Elk River City Council currently has four standing advisory, commissions. Heritage Preservation Commission Ice Arena Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Planning Commission. They are: Independent Commissions Minnesota statutes authorize the Council to create independent citizen boards and commissions. The amount of discretionary, power the Council can give to such bodies varies. The City. of Elk River has the following four: The Economic Development Authority is established as authorized by Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.090-469.108, to include, but not be limited to, promoting commercial and industrial growth and development in the City. of Elk River. The Housing and Redevelopment Authority. in and for the City. of Elk River was created by an act of the Legislature of the State of Minnesota entitled the "Municipal Housing and Redevelopment Act," Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.001-469.089. The HRA may not transact any business or exercise any powers until the Council, by resolution, finds the city. has substandard, slum, or blighted areas that cannot be redeveloped without government assistance; or, has a shortage of decent, safe, and sanitary, low-income dwellings. The Elk River Public Library. Board of Directors is established as authorized by Minnesota Statutes, Sections 134.07-134.15. The Utilities Commission is established as authorized by Minnesota Statutes, Sections 412.321-412.391. This statute gives the Utilities Commission all discretionary, authority necessary, to operate the utilities. This Advisory. Board and Commission Policy applies to each of these groups as appropriate and as permitted by the laws and ordinances that establish them. Nothing in this policy is intended to supersede any provision in state law or city code. To the extent that there is any conflict between state law or city code with the provisions of this policy, state law or city code shall prevail. Nothing in this policy is intended to limit, expand, or otherwise modify the authority given to city boards and commissions by state law or city. code. Commission Organization and Procedures 1. Applications. All applicants, including board and commission members who are seeking reappointment, must complete an "Application for Appointment to City Board or Commission" and submit the applicafon to the City Clerk by the deadline date. Notification of Openings. Board and commission expirations and vacancies will be advertised in the Elk River Star News, "The Current" newsletter, and the city web page. 2 10. 11. 12. 13. Appointments. The Council will review all apphcations and make all board and commission appointments. Applicants will be interviewed by the City Council, if the Council so desires, however, the Council has the option to make board and commission appointments and/or reappointments without s,~-~s ...... s ...... intcr*Acw pracc3s conducting interviews. Vacancy. Board and commission applications will be kept on file for one year. If a vacancy occurs during the year, the Council may make an appointment from the applications on file. Vacancies in commissions are filled for the remainder of the unexpired term. Terms beginning in March. Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Utilities Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, and the Ice Arena Commission terms run from March 1 to the last day in February in any given year. The term of office is for three years as provided in the governing ordinance and is designated by the Council at the time of the appointment. If the appointment is to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term, the appointment is for the balance of the term. Interviews for these annual term expirations will be held in January or February so that terms can begin on March 1. Terms beginning in January. HRA, EDA, and Library Board terms run from January 1 to December 31 in any given year. The Mayor, upon approval of the Council, shall make appointments to the HRA, EDA, and Library Board. The term of office for the HRA is five years, six years for resident members of the EDA, and three years for members of the Library Board as provided in the governing ordinance and is designated by the Council at the time of the appointment. If the appointment is to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term, the appointment is for the balance of the term. The Mayor shall decide whether or not to advertise for these positions. Residency. Applicants to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Ice Arena Commission, and Heritage Preservation Commission do not need to reside in Elk River. However, it is expected that a preference be given to city residents, but residency by itself shall not be a disqualification. (Ord. No. 03-00/, 03-002, 03-003). Officers. Each standing advisory, commission shall elect officers as stated in their By-laws or in the governing ordinance. By-laws or Rules of Procedure. Each commission shall adopt By-laws or Rules of Procedure governing its work and these By-laws should be reviewed every three years. Resignation. Voluntary resignations from a commission should be communicated by letter from the person resigning to the Mayor or City Clerk Orientation. It shall be the responsibility of the Chair or his designee to provide to each new member as soon as possible after that member's appointment, a copy of 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. the commission's current By-laws or Rules of Procedure, a membership roster, minutes of meetings from the last three months, this Appointment Policy, and any other information necessary, to the orientation of new members. A formal orientation of newly appointed commission members shall take place during the month of April. Council Liaison. The Mayor shall annually appoint one Council Member as an ex- officio member without voting rights to each advisory, commission who shall serve as liaison between the Council and the commission. Scheduled Meetings. The commissions shall meet as stated in their respective By- laws and governing ordinance, and meet as necessary, to fulfill the objectives of the commission. Meetings shall be governed and operated pursuant to the By-laws of the Commission and Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised Ninth Edition. Meetings are subject to the Open Meeting Laxv. Dates, time, and place of meetings shall be published in the City. Newsletter, and posted on the City's Principal Bulletin Board located in the entryway of City. Hall. Notice shall be published in the City's Official Newspaper if stated in the governing ordinance. The Open Meeting Law applies to "any committee, subcommittee, department, board or commission" of the City. Special Meetings. Meetings of commissions held for a specific purpose outside of their regularly scheduled meetings must have a special meeting notice posted on the City's Principal Bulletin Board in the entryway of City Hall 72 hours in advance of such special meeting, in accordance with state law. Special meetings may be called in accordance with the By-laws established by each Commission. Attendance. Commission members are asked to regularly attend all meetings. A standard commission attendance form shall be used by all commissions for the commission secretary to record attendance. The Chair or their designee shall forward the attendance record to the City Council each quarter ending March, June, September, and December. The Council shall conduct a quarterly review of the attendance of members of city commissions. Excessive absenteeism, excluding illness or necessary travel, is cause for removal of a commission member. Three unexcused absences will be considered as a resignation from the commission. Commission members should notify, the staff liaison or Chair of planned absences prior to the meeting missed. Acting as a private citizen. A commission member testifying before the Council as a private citizen should clearly note before testimony that he/she is not representing the advisory commission on which they serve. Compensation and Expenditures. Commission members shall serve without pay. 20. Members of some commissions may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred while performing duties as a commission member as stated in the governing ordinance. Minutes. Staff will be provided by the City to take minutes for the advisory commissions. All such minutes are matters of public record and shall be kept at City 21. Hall. The minutes should contain an accurate report of the sequence of events and names of citizens who appear and are heard. Staff Liaison. A staff haison is provided for each commission. The purpose is to provide direct information to each commission regarding City. pohcy and practices within its area of interest. Commission members do not have the authority, to direct 22. 23. 24. staff personnel. Any commission recommendation for modification of City. pohcy and practices should be directed to the Council. (.see Commission Requests to Council) Work Sessions. The Mayor and Council will hold an annual goal-setting work session with board and commission members, as well as other meetings when circumstances dictate. This work session serves as an opportunity, for open dialogue regarding matters of mutual concern and to address issues that tony have budgetary. or policy impacts. Training. Board and commission members are allowed on a voluntary, basis (mandatory. for Planning Commissioners) to attend training courses, meetings and conferences offered by the city., state, and other governmental units and agencies subject to availability, of funds. Involvement in relevant professional organizations as a member is also encouraged. Planning Commissioners must attend, within their term, at least one State Planning Annual Conference. Planning Commissioners are strongly encouraged to annually attend other training opportunities afforded them. Subcommittees. From time to time, the Council may appoint subcommittees of certain commissions in order that special attention be concentrated in specified areas. At the same time, the Council also wants the opinion of the commission regarding each subcommittee's recommendations. Each subcommittee should submit any report or recommendations, intended for the Council, first to the commission for review and comment. Such review and comment should take place at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the commission. If it does not, the report or recommendation of the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the Council without commission consideration. The subcommittee report or recommendation, together with the commission's comments, should be submitted to the Council at its next regularly scheduled meeting. As in the case of commission presentations, a spokesperson for the subcommittee should attend the Council meeting and be prepared to make a presentation and answer questions. The commission is free to appoint subcommittees of their membership as the commission sees a need. Council Requests to Commissions. From time to time, the Council will refer items to commissions for recommendation. The purpose of such a referral is to assist the Council in gathering all pertinent facts. The request will be referred to the commission in writi~ b~y the Ma~yor and will include a ~e4/~c time peffod to complete the stud~y. The Council would request a written report from each commission with regard to each such referral. The report should set forth all the pertinent facts and detailed recommendations from the commission. The report should be submitted to the City. Clerk the Wednesday before the Council meeting so that it may be included on the agenda. Any time a commission report comes before the Council, one representative of the commission should be present to make a presentation and answer questions. In the event there is a difference of opinion on the commission, a minority, report written by the commission may be presented in the same manner. Commission Requests to Council. Any commission request or recommendation for Council action should be communicated by letter from the Chair to the Mayor, giving a full explanation of the background of the matter. Along with the letter, the commission should submit or refer to the pertinent portion of its minutes on the subject. The letter to the Mayor should be delivered to the City. Clerk on the Wednesday before the Council meeting. A presentation for commission should be made by a representative from the commission. A minority, report may also be presented. Communications With Those Other Than the City. Council. Based upon past experience, the Council believes that there is some potential for misunderstanding regarding communications with persons and governmental units or agencies other than the City Council of Elk River. It is essential that members of commissions understand and observe appropriate policies and practices in this regard. The Council alone has the responsibility, and authority, to adopt the decisions, policies, and recommendations of the City. of Elk River. The Council values the opinions and advice of its commissions and invites the communication of the same to the Council. The Council will take such opinions and advice into account in formulating the City's official position. Any such communication, which purports to, or has the effect of communicating an official City. position or decision, should be submitted to the Council for prior approval. Other types of communications, which are purely informational and do not involve unresolved questions of City policy, may be disseminated without prior Council approval. This method of proceeding does not p~reclude a commission from gathering such information as may be pertinent to its activities. Commissions are free, without prior Council approval, to make inquiries and to give necessary, background for such inquiries, but careful consideration must be given that these communications cannot be reasonably construed as statements of official City policy and opinion. ELK RIVER BOARDS AND COI~IMISSIONS Board/Commission Term Length Residency Number of Other Issues Requirement Members Mayor/Council Jan 1 - Dec 31 (4 yrs) Elk River Resident 1 mayor 4 council Planning Commission Mar 1 - Feb 28 (3 yrs) Elk River Resident 7 members Parks and Recreation Mar 1 - Feb 28 (3 yrs) Preference given to 7 members Commission city residents, but residency by itself shall not be a disclualification. Utilities Commission Mar 1 - Feb 28 (3 yrs) Elk River Resident 3 members 1 council representative Heritage Preservation Mar 1 - Feb 28 (3 yrs) Preference given to 7 members 1 Sherburne County Commission city residents, but Historical Society residency by itself member if available shall not be a disqualification. Ice Arena Commission Mar 1 - Feb 28 (3 yrs) Preference given to 7 members 2 Youth Hockey city residents, but 1 School Dist. residency by itself 1 Park & Recreation shall not be a 1 Councilmember disqualification 2 Public Economic Development Jan 1 - Dec 31 (6 yrs) Elk River Resident 7 members 1 Mayor Authority (EDA) Length of council term 3 Council Members for Council/Mayor 3 Residents Housing and Jan 1 - Dec 31 (5 yrs) Elk River Resident 5 members 1 Council Member Redevelopment Length of council term 4 Residents Authority (HRA) for Council/Mayor Library Board Jan 1 - Dec 31 (3 yrs) Sherbume County 5 members 3 term maximum Resident 1 Member may be a member of the city council. S:\CLERK\BOARDCOMXApplication and Descriptions\Appointment Policy Revised. DOC June 2004 City ~ River TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM Mayor and City Council Joan Schmidt, City Clerk July 6, 2004 Advisory Board and Commission Policy Item ~,~ During the worksession meetings with consultant Jim Brimeyer, the need for the Council and commissions to have better communication with each other was acknowledged. The vision identified to pursue to address the situation was: · Training for boards/commissions (roles/responsibilities, expectations, legal issues); · Have boards/commissions give options to Council rather than recommendation; · Pre-appointment (to boards/commissions' o Outline expectations o Roles. · Set standard questions for board/commission interviews. A barrier identified was "turf" with perhaps commission members feeling Council is stepping on toes. The strategy identified to pursue to overcome this barrier was to develop procedures with training of new board/commission members and for Council to adopt expectations. Staff has put together a proposed Advisory Board and Commission Pohcy. Staff took into consideration: · The City of Elk River's, "Board and Commission Appointment Policy"; · The City of Golden Valley's, "Guidelines for Advisory Commissions, Committees, Boards and Councils" (as recommended by Mr. Brimeyer); and · The City of Brooklyn Park's, "Resolution of Standards for City Boards and Commissions". The department heads that are directly involved with Boards/Commission met to give input for this policy. Staff feels that the policy that is before you for your consideration does meet the vision that was identified. Some discussion points that I wish to acknowledge: 1) orientation; 2) Council liaison; 3) annual goal-setting work session; and 4) possibility of fewer boards and commissions.