05-31-16-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – APRIL 18, 2016 10 H. Start by Believing Initiative Details and Dates 1:38:30 Mayor Grant stated that this is an initiative by Ramsey County and they have asked that cities pass a resolution. He said that common practice for Arden Hills has been to not act on many resolutions that are requested as by approving some and not others, it could be construed that the City Council is passing judgement. He indicated that typically the Council has supported additional resolutions that support its employees (such as Public Works Week, for example). Councilmember Holmes challenged the Council’s stance on the position that the Council does not pass resolutions. She said she does not personally agree with that position and that she supports this particular resolution. Councilmember McClung stated he is not a huge proponent of resolutions in general. Councilmember Holden stated the Council can receive many requests for resolutions each month but that the Council does not necessarily see them as City staff does not bring them forward because they know the Council does not pass many resolutions as a general rule. Councilmember Holmes said she would rather the Council have a discussion about all suggested resolutions before making a determination, otherwise it is a preconceived notion if resolutions are not even placed on the agenda. Councilmember McClung said that broad discussions have taken place in the past when former City Administrators raised these questions. He said it was decided that the Council did not want resolutions being presented constantly. He also said people tend to know that Arden Hills does not pass resolutions and therefore have stopped forwarding them to the Council. He agreed that City staff generally would not bring forward a resolution as they know the Council’s position regarding the matter. Councilmember Holmes said she would like to know how many resolution requests have been received. Mayor Grant stated again that the Council would then be put in the position where it must pass judgement. Councilmember Holmes stated she sees a difference in the types of resolutions requests that are received. Councilmember McClung agreed with Councilmember Holmes that the two resolutions on the current agenda are different than other resolutions received as they are from the County and Met Council. He said he has no problem with the content but that he just does not like resolutions in general. He said that Arden Hills has chosen to pass resolutions that directly impact the City. Mayor Grant pointed out that City staff will be in communication with the League of Minnesota Cities many times regarding resolutions.