01/31/1991 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. e D. Postponement Mr. Boles asked that the council be careful not to add items to the agenda and take action on them without the opportunity for full council involvement. The council discussed its ground rules regarding postponement of an item. Council ground rules permit councilors to request postponement of an agenda item. The council reached consensus that individual councilors should make it clear in advance if they want to reschedule an item. Staff noted that a list of upcoming agenda items is attached to the Council Newsletter and urged the council to review this list to make this determination. E. Time Limits The council discussed ways in which to make the meeting times as valuable as possible and to ensure that the council remains on task during discussion. Noting that the Mayor is responsible for facilitating the discussion, the council requested that he be particularly cognizant of time limitations. Specifically, it asked that he terminate discussion when it becomes repetitive and that he provide staff with a clear summary of the action that the council wishes to take on an issue. Mr. Nicholson acknowledged the need to work within time limits, but stressed the importance of not allowing a time line to force the council into making a premature decision. If there is a value or need for further discussion, e action on the item should be postponed to a later date. F. Appointment Process for Boards and Commissions The council discussed its appointment process for boards and commissions. Traditionally, it is the Mayor's responsibility to appoint, with council approval, board and commission members. The council highlighted several problematic instances that have occurred recently in the appointment process. The council discussed ways in which it might prevent this type of incident from taking place in the future and agreed that it would require the commitment of both the Mayor and'council. Mr. MacDonald spoke about the need for increased communication between the council and the Mayor regarding the appointment process. The council agreed that when the Mayor nominates citizens to boards and commissions, information about the nomination should be shared with the council. If the Mayor feels particularly strong about the nomination, this should be conveyed as well. The council also discussed its responsibilities in the nomination process. It.realized that it is the council's obligation to inform the Mayor well in advance of any concerns it has with a nomination. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Quarterly Process Session January 31, 1991 Page 3