Minutes - Council Work Session - 03/09/2021

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Mayor Kuzma replied that he believes that a majority vote of the Council would be needed to change that ordinance. Councilmember Howell commented that during the Council worksession in January the Mayor commented that he would prefer Councilmember Heineman remain on the EDA, if elected, and that Councilmember Woestehoff be the liaison to the Planning Commission because of the previous experience of those members. She stated that it was generally implied that veteran Councilmembers would receive preference over new Councilmembers for assignments, with the exception of the EDA where the seat was being held in case a current EDA member won the special election. She commented that because she won her seat on the Council in November, she would be more of a veteran Councilmember than Councilmember Heineman. She stated that while the Mayor appoints that position it is voted on by the Council for adoption. She stated that the Mayor made a statement at a previous meeting that he comes to the meeting without making a decision but did not receive that impression from the previous discussion. She asked why she would be unqualified for the EDA position simply because she was not a prior member. Mayor Kuzma stated that the EDA position is the only appointment that he makes the recommendation on. Councilmember Heineman stated that he did suggest allowing three members of the Council on the EDA because of the vacant seats but noted that he has since spoken with staff and is aware that there have been applications submitted for those seats. He was no longer interested in allowing three members of the Council to serve on the EDA because there are residents interested in serving. He stated that as much as he has loved serving on the EDA, he would give up that assignment and instead serve as the Park and Recreation Commission liaison. He stated that he would also serve on the Happy Days Committee. He noted that Councilmember Howell is an At-Large member and would most likely receive additional calls from residents. He reviewed some of his background experience with the armed services, public safety, and working with members of the youth as those could help to identify potential assignments. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he would be happy to give Councilmember Heineman the Anoka County Fire Protection assignment. Councilmember Heineman agreed that he believed he could add value to that position. Councilmember Woestehoff asked that Councilmembers Howell and Heineman review their business experience as related to the EDA seat. Councilmember Heineman commented that while he has not owned a business, he is the number two at his current company which has grown very rapidly, and he does provide input to the CEO. He stated that he has experience in many areas of how a business is run. He stated that running a business is not a prerequisite for the EDA but business experience in general is beneficial. City Council Work Session / March 9, 2021 Page 3 of 9