Laserfiche WebLink
<br />e <br /> <br />Alluding to the process which was followed for the Tree Commission <br />appointment, Ms. Ehrman emphasized that prospective appointments should not <br />be brought before the boards and commissions for review or recommendation. <br /> <br />Mayor Miller stated that it should be implicit council policy not to <br />reappoint an individual to a board or commission who has resigned from that <br />position in protest. <br /> <br />The council discussed the constituency of boards and commissions. <br />Specifically, it discussed whether persons who hold contrary positions would <br />be an asset or an obstacle to commission work. Mr. Nicholson felt that an <br />adversary's position would be of benefit to the commission because it would <br />encourage the group to have a broader perspective of the issues. Other <br />councilors felt that such an appointment would likely obstruct commission <br />work. The council agreed that because each prospective appointee brings a <br />slightly different background and viewpoint to an issue, it would need to <br />review this type of appointment on a case-by-case basis. <br /> <br />G. Staff/Council Relations <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />Mr. Nicholson voiced concern with the way lay citizens are being treated in <br />the public process. Specifically, he expressed concern with the amount of <br />staff input that is allowed on an issue and said that the material is being <br />presented in a way which might be offensive to many citizens. He suggested <br />that out of respect for the work of boards and commissions, all <br />recommendations should be passed directly to council without staff <br />intervention. <br /> <br />Mr. Rutan disagreed with Mr. Nicholson. He felt that it is beneficial for <br />the council to encourage the staff, as informed professionals, to advise the <br />council on its actions.' He pointed out, however, that it is also each <br />councilor's responsibility to fully examine and evaluate each staff <br />recommendation. <br /> <br />Mr. Gleason remarked that the council has given clear direction in the past <br />about the preferred format for staff presentations. However, he noted that <br />it is appropriate for the council to be alert and to bring to the attention <br />of staff, any concerns regarding the "filtering" of material. It is the goal <br />of staff to remain as objective as possible. <br /> <br />The council agreed that this item is worthy of more discussion and should be <br />raised at a future process session. <br /> <br />H. Councilors' Positions and the Public Record <br /> <br />Mr. MacDonald voiced frustration that he has not been given the opportunity <br />to clearly state his position on an issue at past council sessions. He felt <br />that it is important that his position on an issue be clearly stated during <br />council discussion so that it can become part of the public record. The <br />council acknowledged Mr. MacDonald's concern and suggested that for future <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council <br />Quarterly Process Session <br /> <br />January 31, 1991 <br /> <br />Page 4 <br />