Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/08/1996 - Joint with CC

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Commissioner Ostmm stated he was not offended by Mr. Droegemueller at the Council meeting where the recommendation of appointment to the Park and Recreation Commission was dealt with. What bothered him was the comments made by the City Council. He was never given the opportunity to speak about it. If he had not been there he would not have been elected to this board. He was second guessing if he wanted to serve because of questions about the credibility of the Park Commission. If City Council had taken time to look at previous appointments, most on the board had been in the City less than a year when they were elected. If this was a concern, it should have been noted in the request for application. This situation was poorly handled by the City Council. He felt, however, that if he had not been appointed, the interviewing process followed by the Park and Recreation Commission was fair. He did not feel anything was mishandled. - it was not a problem. He expressed more disappointment in the credibility standpoint. Mr. Droegemueller stated that the City Council did not know he was planning to attend that meeting. He explained being a competitive person and hating to lose. He felt he would serve this City better so he came to voice his opinion. It was not against Mr. Ostmm. Mayor Hardin suggested focusing on where we are going - not where we have been. We need to focus on the process and the Commission and residents are welcome to supply input. Ms. Connolly stated that when this was discussed, she had people asking her what special interest group she was representing. She stated she is not a member of RYAA and she does not have any ties with anyone. She was surprised to hear that the decision was based on not wanting a special interest group representative. Mayor Hardin stated that anyone with suggestions on how it should go in the future, should direct them to the City Administrator or to the Administrative Services Manager. Mr. Hendriksen stated that at last evening's interviews conducted by the Planning Commission, from comments made, he tlnderstood that the Commission was frustrated and would send the case to Council without a recommendation. Mr. Schroeder stated that the Planning Commission is recommending that Mr. Paul Holland be re- seated on the Commission and that Council determine how to fill the remaining vacancy. Councilmember Beyer felt this is an unfair burden to place on Council.- Mr. Hendriksen reiterated that it appeared that the Planning Commission would not make a recommendation because of Council's position. He wondered if Council would re-interview or if they would make a decision based on information, which he thinks is inadequate. Vice-Chair Cook stated that Mr. Hetland did the interviewing process as he had always done plus his re-appointment was recommended. Council denied Mr. Hetland's re-appointment and he (Cook) announced he would still like to see Mr. Ron Hetland re-appointed to the Park and Recreation Commission. He did not see any improprieties why he should be removed. There was no forewarning that he would not be on the Commissiom He commented on Mr. Hetland's strength and leadership. He asked for a reason from Council as to why Mr. Hetland's re- appointment was denied. Commissioner Asfahl inquired if this issue would be discussed further. Mayor Hardin responded that we have already talked about the number of people on a commission and that will go to the Personnel Committee. City Council/Park & Recreation Commission/February 8, 1996 Page 13 of 15