01/22/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Keller said he felt very strongly this was his appointment to be made. He said in making appointments, he had strived very hard to keep all Councilors happy. He noted in November, 1978, he had requested ~ Councilors to express interest in serving on the boards, and he had ,., labored long and hard to make those appointments as requested. He does not take the appointment process lightly and never will, and will always attempt to do what is in the best interest of the Council so that all will serve to the best of their ability. Vote was taken on the motion to appoint Gretchen Miller as repre- sentative to MPPC, which carried with Councilors Haws, Delay, Lieuallen, Miller, and Schue voting aye; Councilors Obie and Smith voting no. A short recess was taken. VIII. DISCUSSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS--Materials distributed. Manager said the concern had been raised by the Council as to whether the Human Rights Commission had obtained their goals and objectives, and the possibility of need for reorganizing or restructuring the commissions because of high turnover on some of the commissions. Regarding the objec- tives, it seemed the commissions had generally impressive accomplishments. Council could direct its initial discussion at reviewing those, and then secondly, could consider establishing a process regarding solutions to the high turnover. Suggestions made by the Manager were perhaps consolidating the commissions, forming them as a subcommittee of a single commission, and/or reducing the size of some commissions which have difficulty in maintaining full strength. He suggested Council might consider a Council ~ subcommittee to address these problems. ~ Ms. Smith felt it important the Council discuss the concerns and sugges- tions, but also that members of the commissions be involved in those discussions. She noted the lack of applicants on those commissions having difficulty as compared with the strong applicants for the commissions which were not experiencing difficulties. Mr. Lieuallen was not sure a Council committee was the best procedure. He did not believe the turnover was of a nature that warrants restructuring the commissions. He wanted to hear discussion and recommendations from the commission members and Human Rights Council, and said perhaps they could suggest a process. Julie Lamberts, Vice-President, Women's Commission, noted her commission had not experienced the problems of others, and felt they had been very vital and effective. However, they were aware of the other commissions' problems. She appreciated the commissions having the right to input into the decision. She was not ready to comment on the suggestion of a Council committee. Personally, and not speaking for the Women's Commission, she felt a small committee could be very effective and helpful at this time to allow the commissions to share concerns with the Councilors. 1/22/79--10 e ~o