02/17/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e Holmer mentioned that although there was an established policy of not respond- ing to the testimony from witnesses, it might sometimes be helpful if the Councilors could ask a question of the witness. Boles suggested that a witness could be asked a question during a break, on a somewhat informal basis. Schue said that she also at times would like more information from the witness, but also doesn't want to open up a dialogue or personal exchange with the witness. Miller suggested that questions of a witness be funneled through staff. Rutan said that people can call the Councilors at City Hall if they want to talk to the Councilors. Boles said that he sometimes was frustrated at public hearings because there seemed to be no way to have a thoughtful middle ground discussion of the issues. Miller then suggested that questions to a witness be passed through him, and he, as chair would exercise his discretion in asking a question of a witness. The others in the group agreed to this and agreed to try it for a while in Council meetings. Rutan said he appreciated that process by which the Council President made the motion and the Vice President provided the second as a means to get the issue on the table for discussion. Holmer expressed that sometimes he preferred to make his comments on an issue prior to the motion, so that the motion could be properly amended. Miller wondered what the best use of time was around this matter. It was generally agreed that it worked well to use both methods, and that there was no perceived problem(s) about making amendments to motions. Rutan reminded the group of the ground rule that states that a majority of the Council must agree before proceeding with a project that would require a great deal of staff time. Holmer also mentioned that the same rule held for the development of ordinances by staff; a majority of the Council must agree prior to directing staff to develop the ordinance. Bennett made the comment that sometimes he feels he gets too much information; and wondered if everyone needed a copy of the full ordinance. He said he would like more general and less detailed information. Boles wondered if a one page summary of an ordinance could be prepared on the changes and new passages of ordinances. Rutan suggested that for longer ordinances, longer summaries be prepared. Ehrman questioned if it was necessary to receive the minutes of the Planning Commission and Downtown Commission, and suggested that summary minutes would be more helpful for her. Holmer responded that he wanted to see the full text of ordinances, and in lieu of full minutes suggested that Councilors listen to the tapes from meetings and review summary minutes. Boles said that he would like to see an expanded summaries on the agenda item summaries and that he would prefer a summary of the Planning Commission meetings, instead of the full text of the minutes. Schue stated that it would be extra work for the staff to provide a summarized version of minutes in addition to the full minutes, and that she preferred to read the full minutes, as she does read all of the material in the agenda packet. Boles suggested that a checkoff list be prepared to indicate which items are to be included in each Councilor's agenda packet. Gleason indicated that such a system would be very difficult to implement, as the agendas are systematically prepared, and customizing the packets would greatly reduce the efficiency of the system. Boles requested that the Council consider the use of a consent agenda. There DRAFT COUNCIL GOAL SESSION PAGE 6