Agenda - Council - 05/13/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Other Metro .Area Cities As part of a survey in April 1996, City staff collected information about term limits for commissions in other metro area cities. Of the 37 cities responding to that survey question: 62% (23 of 37) 30% (11 of 37) 8% (3 of 37) Have no term limits for commissions, except Charter, which is determined by State Statute. Have term limits for all commissions (Bumsville, Cottage Grove, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Lino Lakes, Minnetonka, Richfield, Rosemount, Roseville, Shakopee, St. Anthony) Have term limits for some commissions (other than Charter) (Arden Hills, Bayport, Chaska) .I 996 Survey of Ramsey_ Commissioners and Elected Officials Most Ramsey commission members who completed March 1996 questionnaires seeking input for the commission appointment policy were in favor of term limits, with the proviso that it generally takes at least a year for a commissioner to get up to speed on process and issues, and that any term limits should allow for that learning curve. Elected officials generally did not think term limits were necessary. One person stated that the power of the City Council to appoint and reappoint commission membes is more important than term limits. .1997 Survey of Ramsey Commissioners Eight of the 20 people surveyed returned completed questionnaires. The Planning Commission, Park & Recreation Commission and Economic Development Commission were ali represented. The questionnaire pointed out that Charter Commissioners are limited to four. two-year terms and asked if eight years, plus any partial term is a reasonable limitation on other commissions as well. Five of the eight respondents said yes, absolutely. They stated that term limits can be positive because new members often bring with them enthusiasm, new ideas, and questions that help senior members look at things differently. Periodic turnover helps prevent rigid political positions from developing and one' or two long-serving members from dominating the direction of the commission. Two repondents agreed that term limits can be good. They stated that being able to serve five- year terms would be helpful to Park & Recreation Commission members in order for them to completely work through one or two five-year Capital Improvement Programs. One respondents opposes term limits unless the City Council and Mayor impose them on themselves as well as on commissions. The respondent that believes term limits can and will be used by elected officials to control commissioners. I I I I I I I I I I I I