Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/08/2014

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Councilmember Tossey stated he does not support a survey, because that comes at the time of an election. He doubted that residents have time to participate in a long telephone survey but if it is approved, he wants to assure that the information provided is considered and used to the City's benefit. Mayor Strommen suggested the survey indicate, at the beginning, the purpose of the survey and how the results will be used. Councilmember Johns stated it is important to share the survey results, what residents are excited about, areas where the City needs additional work, and what will be done in the next five years to address those areas. Councilmember Backous asked if the Council is able to act on 75 questions. Assistant to the City Administrator Brama stated staff pulled information from one vendor and their standard survey is 150 questions. He stated they lay out 15 questions and have 10 items to rate so it totals 150. Councilmember Backous asked what can be done with that high level of information and asked whether 20 questions are enough. The consensus of the Council was to support a Third Party Survey and direct staff to move forward with an RFP or quotes. 2.05: Review the Updated Policy for the Recruitment, Application, and Interview Process of Appointing City Board and Commission Members Human Resources Manager Lasher reviewed the staff report and updated Policy for the recruitment, application, and interview process of appointing Board and Commission Members. She noted the recent process, appointing and re- appointing members to terms beginning April 1, 2014, was conducted based on the City Council's direction at the November 26, 2013, Work Session. Human Resources Manager Lasher stated staff has prepared the Policy as well as an alternative policy that excludes the Charter Commission language. In both cases, the updated policies primarily revise the process of considering incumbent members for reappointment. She explained the primary focus is on reappointing incumbents, as detailed in the policies. Human Resources Manager Lasher stated the other issue is that a stipend is available for Board Members and Commissioners but it is no longer mandatory to accept a stipend. She described the City's process for giving a stipend, noting it involves a lot of staff work, and asked if there is interest in changing the policy related to the stipend. Mayor Strommen asked if staff is suggesting the stipend be eliminated or to make it clear it can be waived. City Council Work Session / April 8, 2014 Page 9 of 10