Agenda - Council - 11/14/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

On August 9, 1989, the Ramsey Economic Development Commission met and gave the following/ consensus position: Although the growing population should provide a large pool of people to serve ~ on Commissions/Boards, there is still a need for qualified commission members. It is not seen as / a problem for a person to serve on more than one commission unless there is a problem with ~ attendance. It is the feeling of the Commissions that those persons who are not fulfilling their ~) commitment should be removed rather than removing those who are serving on two commissions~ and are fulfilling their obligations. On September 19, 1989, the Ramsey Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the proposed resolution. Commissioner Hendriksen noted that it has been beneficial to have Roy Shumway serving on both the Planning Commission and the Park Commission. It was also noted that it appears that there is not a sufficient amount of citizens responding to commission vacancies to rule out dual membership. With respect to dual membership allowing individuals to have an excess amount of influence, it was noted that commissions are only advisory; City Council makes the final decisions. Motion by Commissioner Hendriksen and seconded by Commissioner LaDue to recommend that City Council deny the proposed resolution governing appointments to Boards and Commissions and continue the practice of appointing the most qualified person from the available applicants. Further Discussion: Commissioner LaDue noted that except for Item #2, the resolution is a statement of the City's current policy with respect to appointments. Commissioner Bawden stated that the proposed resolution would obligate Council to avoid dual membership even in a case of a commissioner transferring from one commission to another with a temporary overlap of commission service due to term expiration dates. Commissioner Hendriksen noted that commissioners are asked to deal with sensitive issues using professional control and the resolution implies that the same professional attitude is not possible when serving on two commissions; if an individual has an intent to exercise an unfair advantage, it can be done as well on one commission as two. Commissioner Hendriksen also noted that the resolution uses the word 'avoid' and it sets a priority in reviewing applicants; it also calls for 'adequate~ qualifications which means minimum, not best qualified. Commissioners Hendriksen and LaDue repeated the motion to recommend that City Council deny the proposed resolution governing appointments to boards and commissions. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairman Zimmerman, Commissioners LaDue, Hendriksen, Bawden, Shumway and Deemer. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Terry. Recommendation: Based upon discussion. Re,dew Checldist~ City Administrator X City Attorney X Fire Board Community Development Director X Airport Commission Economic Development Commission__ Planning & Zoning Commission __ Park & Recreation Commission