CCWS 06-20-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES June 20, 2005 8 . Councilmember Larson requested that there be more of a distinction between standing committees and City Council appointed committecs. In the past, he has received complaints from residents that the City Council does not listen to conunittees, commissions, or task forces. Therefore, these groups are unable to provide a finished product. It is important that a task force has a charge or mission to complete a quality work product that can be used by the City Council. He believes that the City has the right number of committees at this time. Councilmember Holdcn would like to see term limits implemented on committees. Mayor Aplikowski asked the City Council if they would likc to implement term limits or implement an annual renewal process. Councilmember Larson mentioned that the Planning Commission is very important and is a statutory requirement. It is very important to have experienced members on a plamling conunission. City Administrator Wolfe reviewed the suggested steps to be implemented by the City council pertaining to when a task force is formed. The goal is to have a consistent approach in the formation of task forces. It is proposed that at a future work sessions, the City Council would discuss and review the purpose of a task force, work plans, and time lines. Prospective members . of a task force will be asked to complete a committee application form. City Administrator Wolfe said that the implementation of term limits will have to be a policy issue decided by the City Council in regards to committee and conunissions. Mayor Aplikowski stated that term limits minimizes personal ownership and allows more opportunities for others to participate on commissions, committees, and task forces. This item will be placed on a future work session agenda for further discussion. Northwest Areas Librarv Aeeess Task Foree City Administrator Wolfe stated that the Ramsey County Library Board has created a Northwest Area Library Task Force to study and evaluate library services in the northwest portion of the county. The City has been asked to appoint an elected official and a citizen representative to the task force. Councilmember Holden said that she belicves that Ramsey County Library Board leans toward larger library branches. The current Arden Hills is very restrictive with its building and location. Also, the library is only open certain times of the day and this forces people to visit the Roscville or Shoreview branchcs. Mayor Aplikowski mentioned that she has received mixed messages from residents rcgarding the . need for a larger library, while some residents want to keep our existing library open. 8 ------------------