Agenda - Council - 04/27/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #2: Terms of Office for EDA Members City Administrator Norman referred to the following background information: State Statute requires that "those initially appointed shall be appointed for terms of one, two, three, four, and five years" and two six-year terms. The City Council can set the term of two Council representatives to be consistent with their terms of office or new appointments can be made at the time a vacancy is created because of an election. Mr. Norman' reported that the Ramsey Economic Development Authority (EDA), at their February 9, 1999 meeting, drew names from a hat for each term served. Since that time, Mr. Norman stated that he has had different conversations with Councilmembers about this process. He realized after conversations, that some Councilmembers might feel more comfortable with different term limits for different people, therefore, he requested that ail of Council be present for this case discussion. Mr. Norman made the following proposal: David Kent - five-year term, Councilmember Natalie Haas Steffen - three-year term, Kenneth Wagner - two-year term, Councilmember Gerald Zimmerman - four-year term, Glen Hardin - one-year term, Lydia Scheiber and Chris Riley - six-year terms each. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that he is more comfortable with Mr. Norman's proposal for EDA term limits. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if these limits mean that these same people cannot be reappointed. Councilmember Haas Steffen cautioned on dictating who applies for the EDA and who doesn't and also what other Council's may want to decide. Councilmember Zimmerman felt that if there is no understanding that these people cannot be re-appointed, than we are just postponing this situation and not really dealing with the concerns that some of the Councilmembers have. Councilmember Haas Steffen suggested having a discussion with City Attorney Goodrich to determine what can and cannot be done. Mr. Norman suggested that it be understood that when a vacancy comes up, the appointment could be made differently. The process could be opened up to the Council as opposed to the Mayor appointing them. Councilmember Haas Steffen felt that the reappointment cannot be a part of the motion as this Council cannot commit another Council to doing the exact same thing, however, on our honor, we understand that we will not vote these same people in. Mayor Garnet agreed that he is not willing to bind another Council to this commitment, Councilmember Hendriksen stated he does not want to make this compromise and then nine months from now, Mr. Hardin gets reappointed. Personnel Committee Page 2 of 4 ! I I I I I I [! I i I I I I I I I I I