Agenda - Council - 05/10/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

what is needed at the time. He thought if the application process starts in October, during an October Work Session they would formulate what is being looked for so they are ready for December. Councilmember Howell replied if it was kept broad, and all it says is that Council is looking for someone thoughtful and take that into consideration, which could be static. Councilmember Woestehoff replied he didn't disagree but thought it could be something that is reviewed at least every year to affirm that is still what they are looking for. Councilmember Howell agreed. Councilmember Riley commented he didn't think it was a good thing to say what the City is looking for. He thought the fact that the applicant is willing to fill out an application shows they are thoughtful and willing to get involved. He thought the list sounded limiting, not all registered voters. He didn't want to see limits put on the type of people the City is looking for because it could seem they are looking for people who look like the Councilmembers. Councilmember Howell replied she didn't think they are looking for people who look like them. She stated the idea is to say, if this person is going to be making laws, that they have an interest in it instead of signing up for something they don't understand on a whim. She thought the applicant should be able to at least define the Charter Commission and the relationship to the City Council. She didn't think that was trying to look for someone like her. It is saying that this is a serious position that has more power than the City Council. She stated anyone can apply and say whatever they want. She stated giving a list of desired characteristics would be helpful to the judge in making their decision but it wouldn't be telling them what to do. Mayor Kuzma replied in his experience in the last ten years, the Council has very little interaction with the Charter Commission. He stated he couldn't say what the Charter Commission needs in terms of people because he doesn't know who is on it. He stated when there is an issue that is when Council hears from them, but otherwise the Charter Commission meets once a year and is otherwise pretty quiet. He thought it was the judge's responsibility to be looking for the well- rounded person that has some education that is going to be able to fill the seat. He thought it would be hard to narrow in on a specific personality. Councilmember Howell replied asking the right questions is important to give people the opportunity to show themselves. She thought giving the judge more information through the application was important. Councilmember Heineman commented he thought what Councilmember Howell was doing is not trying to limit people but to put ideas forward that would help shape a narrative of what makes a good Charter member. He understood Councilmember Riley's comments also and suggested instead of listing desired qualifications including in the Charter post that duties may include, for example review of legal documents, review of constitutional laws. He thought if someone had a relaxed idea of joining the Charter Commission and they see that duties may include a general City Council Work Session/April 12, 2022 Page 8 of 18