03/11/1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 1996 Kuether explained that the Council had been using a consent agenda but found that many of the items on the consent agenda had to be removed for various reasons. She did feel if the items on the consent agenda are "clean" items, it does speed up the meeting. However, there will always be circumstances where an item will have to be removed for further discussion. Council Member Lyden asked if there should be some baseline criteria such as all Council Members would have to attend the Council work session where the item was fully discussed. Council Member Kuether explained that when a Council Member is reviewing his packet for the upcoming meeting and finds an item on the consent agenda that he/she does not understand, that Council Member should call the appropriate staff member at city hall and get a clarification. This would eliminate the need to remove the item from the consent agenda. Mr. Tesch suggested that the City Council try using a consent agenda for a month and if it appears that it is not working, the consent agenda can be eliminated. Council Member Bergeson noted that the City Council always has the power to amend the agenda so if there is an item on the consent agenda that needs further discussion, that item can be removed and placed elsewhere on the agenda. Council Member Lyden said that a consent agenda may give the Council more time to talk about an issue that needs added discussion. It was the consensus of the City Council that the consent agenda should be reinstated. Council Member Neal moved to continue the Council meeting until all business is completed. Council Member Lyden seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Selecting a Date for Interviewing Board Applicants - Mr. Tesch explained that advertisement for board members was again placed in the February 20th local newspaper. The deadline for responding to the ad is February 29, 1996. He suggested that the City Council interview each applicant on March 6, 1996 which is the regularly scheduled work session. Council Member Bergeson said that the work sessions are typically two (2) or three (3) hours long and based on interviews in the past, they have taken a considerable amount of time. He asked if interviews should be scheduled for another date. Mr. Tesch explained that last year interviews were scheduled for 7:00 P.M. on the evening of the work session. This meant that the City Council had to complete the work session meeting by 7:00 P.M. Council Member Lyden said that it is his understanding that the deadline for submitting applications for the boards has been extended because there were not enough applicants for the vacant positions. He asked what is the magic number. Council Member Kuether said that this has happened in the past because the advertisements were placed during the holiday season. She said that the City Council should make sure that anyone wishing to apply for a position is aware of the deadline. PAGE 24