Minutes - Charter Commission - 11/20/2003

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good idea fei' new Commissioners and they felt there was not real communication with regard to what to expect. Staff will talk with Human Resources Reed to find out what type of orientation/hand books would be available. The orientation should give a commissioner an idea of what they need to do and what is expected of them. Commissioner Bertzyk thought maybe the City Council should contact the Charter and let them know what they think the Commission should be dealing with. Commissioner Swanson felt that he received a lot of information when he camc on board with the Commission. He continued that the issues we are talking about could be solved. When someone new starts, assign him a "buddy" who is currently on the Commission. Encourage telephone calls between the new member and the "buddy" - talk about tho agendas, see if the new member has any questions, etc. This could be done prior to three meetings. Councilmcmbcr Pearson was present and told the Commission he would have nothing against setting some money aside for the Charter Commission if they felt they needed it. He added that be likes to have the Commissioners have the most input in picking people to serve on their Commissions. Commissioner Deemer felt there is a need for the Chatter Commission to have a fund available to them - money for orientation, training, etc.; just have it labeled for the Charter Commission. Commissioner Milless felt there has to be a precise item named to spend the money on. It has to be defined. She felt that everyone receiving a Robert's Rules of Order would help, noting it is probably available on the internet, and that the buddy system is a very good idea and should help the new people become oriented. Chairperson Vogt suggested an item be placed on the February agenda to talk more about training. Thc Commission should entertain a motion at that time to ask for a specific amount of money from the City and put specifics for spending it behind that. It could be with the understanding that maybe the money would be used, but maybe it wouldn't be. He thought it would be a good idea to have someone come in to talk about parliamentary procedure also. Commissioner Ebel suggested having Dave Ke~medy come in and talk about policies. We need to find out what money we have available; $750 to $1,000 could be suggested. The $1,500 alnOUl~t is talked about in State Statutes. Chairpcrson Vogt suggested that during the February meeting, the Commission could lay out training guides and topics. Motion by Commissioner Deemer and seconded by Commissioner LaMere to request a $750 training budget line item for the year 2004. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Vogt, Commissioners Deemer, LaMere, Bertzyk, Ebel, Milless and Swanson. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Simenson. Chairperson Vogt offered to be present at the City Council meeting when the request is made. Charter Commission/November 20, 2003 Page 5 of 7