Agenda Packets - 1990/06/11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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WORKLOAD AND STAFFING then originally formed, the AMM had four full-time staff members. Shortly thereafter, in response to a financial shortfall , the staff was cut to three and has remained at that number since. During that time, the number of legislative policies has increased from 35 to over 100, and the number of legislative study committees from two to five. The Association has taken on other responsibilities including the license and permit survey, and coordination and administration of the Metropolitan Salary Survey. With more time being spent on lobbying of statewide issues and support for committees, there has been a decided time shift away from interaction with the Metropolitan Council and operating agencies. Yet the AMM is the only organiza- tion providing any real oversight of these agencies. For example, we are usually the only commentor on the Metropolitan Council ' s annual work program and budget. The AMM Membership has come to expect more involvement by the Association, not only in metropolitan issues, but in tax policy, pay equity, tax increment financing, and other areas of statewide concern and involvement. The 1984 Mission and Membership Services Task Force report recommended very strongly that the Board of Directors seek ways to add a staff member. Yet this is the only one of the 1984 recommendations that has yet to be implemented. To quote that report, "the present staff simply cannot adequately cover all the critical issues, agencies, committees and the legislature." The present Task Force report, if ultimately adopted and implemented by the Board and membership, will •nly serve to increase the workload significantly. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. The Task Force strongly recommends that the Board of Directors add a staff person. We further recommend that this person have responsibilities in: a. communicating with member cities and maintaining the legislative contact system b. public relations, including media contacts c. staffing some of the standing and ad hoc legislative committees d. some monitoring of Metropolitan Council and agency activities, particularly during the legislative session. 2. With regard to lobbying at the Capitol , the Task Force observes that this effort will fluctuate from time to time. Therefore, it is recommended that increased efforts in this area be handled through use of contract lobbyists. • - 14 -