02/14/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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He did not see any necessity to bridle the commissions with any unnecessary restrictions and he was in favor of turning the amendments for the resolution over to the Manager's office to make the language more workable, but still giving the commissions the right to testify before the Legislature. Ms. Smith said she hoped that staff would give a strong direction to the commissions to have them come before the Legislative Subcommittee for authori- zation to testify on various matters. . Mr. Bradley stated a concern that perhaps a remedy should be included in case the policy statement is not followed. Mr. Martin replied that the Council could restrict the powers of the Commission with a legislative act. He indicated that he was not aware of anyone being unable to testify in the 1975 legislative session. He said with the 24-hour notice for some hearings by the legislature, the eity Manger uses his authority to allow testimoney, indicating that it had not been reviewed by the eouncil. Mayor Keller asked if any testimony had ever been approved which was in direct conflict with the City, to which Mr. Martin replied, no. Mr. Obie stated that he felt an amendment should be made then that the Legislative SUbcommittee should be disbanded, as he would see no need for it if the proposed amendment were adopted. Mr. Lieuallen brought up the fact that there was a difference from the 1975 to the 1977 legislative session, and that boards and commissions had been created by the City in that period of time. Mr. Martin replied yes, the situation was different, and that there were a large number of bills before the legislature which would affect the City. e Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to adopt the resolution. Ms. smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to amend the resolution to include the proposed additions to Sections I and II with staff to work out a draft with appropriate wording. Mayor Keller cautioned the Council that he hoped they were not taking lightly the position that they were in, considering this resolution and its amendments. He said he found it difficult to believe the Council wanted to have people speak against the poli- cies set by the Council. He indicated he was uncomfortable with spending the public's money to allow people throughout the state to know that there are local people who disagree with the City eounci1 's positions. He said that if the eouncil wanted people to speak against the policy which the eouncil had set, then per- haps the eouncil should change the policy it was uncomfortable with. He also indicated it was inconsistent to allow the Com- mission to speak when the Council does not allow the mayor to do so, and he again cautioned Council to consider deeply what it was doing. Councilman Haws disagreed with Mayor Keller, say- ing the City Council should not be in a position where it tells people they cannot speak on certain issues. He said some oeoole . on the boards and commissions have expertise in their areas, and should be allowed to so testjfy; also, that nejther the proposed amendments nor the . ~- resolution were an attempt to keep the Mayor from speaking. 2/14/77--16 ~1.,