Agenda - Council - 02/13/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

3. Staff would maintain control to assure that things don't get out of control 4. Should have prepared questions Park Commission should have an RYAA designee in that no one spends more t/me in the active use areas of parks than these people Observations: Initially, the Park Commission concern regarding avoidance of seats designated to specific groups of interested persons has merit. Where does one draw the tine for a designated seat? If RYAA, why not the Hockey Association, environmental groups, or the Snow Rams? Alternatively, it seems that Council would want advisory commissions to be seated with a wide variety a persons with varied interests, expertise, geographic location of residence, and so on. Certainly, to have the advantage of an "advisor" that has in-depth knowledge of youth sports is wonderful and should be sought out. This expertise, however, may not be any more important that persons with expertise in horticulture, passive recreation, and other such areas. It seems to be agreed upon by most persons involved that the selection process needs to be reviewed and maintained by the Personnel Department~ Therefore, it is the staff recommendation that the Administrative Services Manager review this process with a recommendation within 60 days. Ultimately, Council is charged with authority over this process as well as determining who their advisory commissioners are. In the past, Council has not seemed interested in taking over the process and conducting the interviews (my interpretation). However, we do have a Personnel Committee that could be used for this process. Perhaps, when vacancies occur, this Committee could invite in two or three members of the affected Commission to assist with interviews. This would seem to be a compromise between the Commission's continuing the process and the Council taking it over (and apparently it has not been tried in the past). If the Commissions are to continue in the role of recommending a candidate, perhaps Council should clarify expectations in a written fashion as to the expectation criterion for selection (in any case, such criterion is one expected outcome of the Personnel Department review , . but this would need periodic revisiting). Council briefly discussed the possibility of expanding the Park Commission from the current seven members to nine. Growth of the commission seats would tend to dilute the opinions of any one member and may, in fact, make quorums easier to achieve (although this has not been a problem for this Commission). It would also provide the opportunity to have more voices in the community gaining input on the park needs and voicing the message of the Commission. The primary disadvantage is that it would be harder to achieve complete consensus (although a simple majority carries the day) and also that it is slightly more costly and time consuming for staff (agendas, meeting reminders and the like). There are currently three applicants for the open Commission seat (Reid Droegemueller, Margaret Connelly, and Bev Swanson). Also the Park Commission has stated that they wish to have Ron Hetland re-appointed to the seat that expired in January. I believe Mr. Hetland is interested in that seat but I haven't confirmed that. Hence, it seems that there are perhaps four candidates for one existing vacancy or perhaps three vacancies if Council creates additional seam. I believe that Council should fill the existing vacancy. A process has been completed but for Council appointment of one of the applicants. If Council creates additional seats, I believe they should do so after completion of the review of the process at which time you should re-advertise. I I I I i I I I I: I I I I I I I I ! I