04-12-2001 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission April 12, 2001 Page 10 Commissioner Bening. G. Absence Policy -Chair Sullivan noted the issue of an absence policy was raised at the January 11, 2001 meeting by Commissioners Rafferty and G. Lane who asked that the list of terms be updated. Then a discussion occurred about excused and unexcused absences. He advised this is not in the By-Laws but was put out to some members while others were not aware of it. Chair Sullivan stated there was a problem with not having a quorum so it was decided by a prior Charter Commission that if you were going to be absent, you had to contact an officer. Commissioner Montain stated the practice and policy established was that for an excused absence, you needed to call an officer. Two unexcused absences would result in the Chair writing a letter advising you were in violation of the policy and would be removed from the Charter Commission. Commissioner Trehus asked if it was not left up to the Charter Commission whether it was or was not excused. Commissioner Carlson noted the By-Laws do not define what an excused absence is. Commissioner Montain stated the policy adopted only required a call to an officer indicating you would not attend and was not based on the reason for the absence. Commissioner Trehus noted it could occur that an emergency happens and the member is unable to call an officer. He stated he believes there should be some provision to"forgive" an absence. Commissioner Montain noted that it would not bo an arbitrary decision of dismissal by the Chair, it would result from a Charter Commission discussion at the third absence. Chair Sullivan read the language of the By-Laws and asked if the notification by letter is within the By-Laws. Commissioner Montain stated it is not but is part of the policy which was adopted. Commissioner Christopherson noted the problem with a policy is that it is not written so new Commissioners may not be aware of it. Chair Sullivan asked if there is a member with two unexcused absences. In that case,the Commission should take action. Commissioner Zastrow stated he does have two absences. He explained that he had tried to reach the Chair but could not so he talked with staff member Mary Kay Wyland who said she would let the Chair know He stated he also informed Commissioner Aldentaler Chair Sullivan asked if it is policy to take an action of dismissal if it is not part of the By-Laws. Commissioner Montain stated other groups he has worked with consider practice and policy followed over the years to be just as powerful as if it is included in the By-Laws. 10