Agenda - Council - 09/25/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Jeffrey requested a review of the process of reappointing commission members. Human Resources Manager Reed Kone explained in August or September of each year staff looks at which commission and board seats will become vacant at the end of a given year. The members whose terms will be expiring are asked if they would wish to reapply. If they are interested in reapplying the member submits a brief questionnaire. The Committee changed the process last year to include the Chair and Vice Chair in the consideration of the reappointment, rather than just submitting their recommendation in writing. Each member of the Personnel Committee, the Chair and ,vice Chair of the commission vote on the reappointment, and that information goes to the City Council. In situations where an individual does not wish to be reappointed, those seats would be advertised. Mr. Olds' seats on the Park and Recreation Commission and EPB have been advertised and included in the Ramsey Resident. Chairperson Jeffrey clarified with Human Resources Manager Reed Kone that as they recommend the reappointment, the Chair and Vice Chair get to cast a vote on the reappointment. Human Resources Manager Reed Kone advised State Statute requires 6 year terms for EDA members, rather than the 4 year term as was included in the staff report. Mr. LeTourneau'sterm would expire in 2013. Councilmember Dehen inquired about having a policy where people that are applying for reappointment would be put in the same position as new applicants. He noted the reason to have reappointments is likely to provide some continuity; however, the down side to the continuity is that you do not get the new ideas, which may be beneficial. He is not against these individuals, but as a greater policy decision he would ask why they give someone an automatic in just because their term expires, and why they would not go through a process where they can evaluate everyone on the same playing field. Chairperson Jeffrey explained this isthe first time they have gone through this type of process. Prior to this, Chairs and Vice Chairs could submit comments, but often the Committee did not get to hear from them. There was a point in time with the Planning Commission where they threw everyone into a pool. They could revisit the policy at some time, but he is not sure tonight is the time. Councilmember Dehen questioned what the down side would be to table this for a discussion on what the policy should be. He pointed out that these terms expire December 31 st, so there are still four months to decide whether there should be a new policy. Human Resources Manager Reed Kone indicated this policy has been looked at many times in the four years she has been here, and Councilmember Dehen's suggestion was considered as an option. If she remembers correctly, part of bringing the Chairs and Vice Chairs to the table was to help the Personnel Committee members know whether they were making a good decision. The expectation was that the Chairs and Vice Chairs could say whether a particular individual was adding value to a committee. The other piece is when applicants are being evaluated, many Personnel Committee / August 28, 2007 Page 2 of 6