Agenda - Council - 07/09/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Some of the feedback was: they feel someone should not be applying as a vendetta, how would the applicant affect the n-fix of the group, they feel advertising in the Ramsey Resident does not give a good enough picture of what it's like to serve, they feel we should be more descriptive - an actual job description would be helpful. It should be treated more like a position in the City. There were mixed feelings on how they should be advertised. Some thought if the applicant did not read the Ramsey Resident, then we do not want them. Some felt we should advertise on all the public bulletin boards. There should be an orientation when people are appointed. Make sure people know when the meetings are being broadcast, etc. Ms. Waite Smith continued that she then thought about what questions could be asked to elicit information that would be most beneficial. She presented the Committee with a list of questions she felt could be modified for each commission. She also presented a number of things that came up during the conversations - such as communication seemed to be a high priority. A number of the Commissioners felt that the joint meetings with City Council were helpful. There are still a lot of frustrations. Every Commission felt they had done something that prompted this review of the appointment process. Their frustration stemmed from the fact they do not understand why some decisions are made. Some things are lost in the communication. They do not understand their role is advisory. Maybe we should take more pains to explain the reason when recommendations are not taken. Maybe a letter could be sent or the staff liaison or elected official could go to the next meeting to explain why. One person was irate that he had to reapply when his term was up. Some are concerned about the embarrassment factor if he/she is not being re-appointed. They still (ali except one new person) said we need to see how these people will "fit with us". I I I I I I i Councilmember Beyer inquired how Ms. Waite Smith recommended the interview process be done. Ms. Waite Smith replied that she recommended she work with the Commission Chairpersons and put together interview questions - taking the common list of questions and tailoring them to each Commission and letting each Commission continue to do their own interviewing; however, the feeling she had is that City Council would not support that. Her second recommendation would be to have a panel comprised of a couple members of City Council, a couple members of that Commission and her. ! I Councilmember Beyer commented that she did not necessarily care to see City Council involved in the interview process. Ms. Waite Smith reported that she does have a concern that there seems to be a lack of understanding of what role the Commissions have. She felt it was important that she be present at the interviews. Councilmember Beyer felt there are a lot of misunderstandings on the part of the public as well with regard to the role the Commissions have. Councilmember Beahen suggested it may be beneficial to have Council sit in on the interviews - even if it's just to listen to be able to make an accurate decision on the appointment when it comes to the Council. Ms. Waite Smith felt that was a valid point. She added that the Commissions do not see her as having a role in this process at all. She inquired how she could be helpful without being intrusive and added that she would work with this however the Council directs it. Councilmember Beahen inquired what the feeling is about City Council being involved at any level. Ms. Waite Smith responded that the Commissions would accept it but do not see a need for it. I Personnel Committee/June 11, I996 .., ' Page 2 of 4 I I I I