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<br /> <br />Councilmember Specht thanked all the people that serve on Commissions noting that the City <br />would not be as successful without the contributions of those that volunteer their time to serve on <br />those bodies. He stated that when he read the resolution it seems to reiterate the status quo in that <br />the Council has the final say. He stated that he feels bad that the language is being interpreted <br />differently by some people as he does not feel it devalues the work of the Commissions. <br /> <br />Councilmember Heineman referenced the statement that the Council is wanting to have its cake <br />and eat it too and likening this to the State Executive Orders as well as the comment that <br />Councilmember Howell and himself are being inconsistent. He stated that the issue with the <br />Executive Order is that is goes against the constitution while this resolution simply reaffirms the <br />organizational chart that already exists. He stated that it is apparent that readers are taking this in <br />a direction it was not intended and stated that he would amend the resolution to include the <br />language “to not supersede statutory requirements or independent opinions or to influence the <br />Commissions”. He referenced the statement that Mayor Kuzma made related to a process that <br />exists but noted that he has not seen that in writing. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma believed that process is outlined in the manual given to new Councilmembers on <br />procedures. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff echoed the concerns of the Board and Commission members and was <br />disappointed. He was worried that this would cause the City to lose valuable volunteer members <br />of Boards and Commissions because of an issue that could have been handled administratively. <br />He stated that according to the personnel policy, the Council is not supposed to wear jeans and <br />believed that the Council should spend its time focusing on issues that actually matter. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma commented that he feels that this resolution is an overreach by the Council and did <br />not feel that this would be necessary. He stated that in the eight years he has been on the Council <br />there has not been an issue that could not be worked out. He felt that this could cause the City to <br />lose members of its Commissions. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley asked if there is a procedure in the policy that addresses how a member of <br />a Commission could be removed for attendance and/or conduct. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich confirmed that to be true. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley commented that this is an isolated incident and there are policies in place to <br />deal with this. He stated that this is broad language and if this is an issue with masks, it should be <br />stipulated. He commented that it is clear that the language of this resolution is not being interpreted <br />well by members of Commissions. He stated that the amendment proposed by Councilmember <br />Heineman would make it better but believes the issue could be handled specifically with that <br />person if there is an issue. He stated that as Councilmembers some latitude should be given as <br />everyone has the best intentions in serving their community. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich clarified that a motion has not been made thus far. <br /> <br />City Council / March 9, 2021 <br />Page 19 of 21 <br /> <br />