10-28-09-TCAAP WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL TCAAP WORK SESSION-OCTOBER 28 2009 12 C. Process and Rules for Meeting Order (continued) Discussion ensued regarding how the Council reached a consensus. Councilmember Grant indicated that only the regular Council meetings were governed by Roberts Rules of Order and that the work session meetings were non- voting meetings. Mayor Harpstead stated Roberts Rules of Order did create consistency but that a work session meeting did allow for more free form discussion on items. Councilmember McClung agreed that the Council was not being courteous to one another and at many times was talking over each other. He encouraged the Council to discontinue this behavior. Councilmember McClung stated he was not a fan of the word "consensus" and stated that at future work session meetings, the Councilmember's opinions could be provided to give staff guidance. Councilmember Grant indicated he would be in favor of running the TCAAP work session meetings as official voting meetings. He stated the regular work sessions could remain information and consensus gathering meetings, as the items discussed would take a vote from the bench at a regular Council meeting. Mayor Harpstead agreed with this statement as it would provide a formal reference to votes. His only area of concern was that work sessions were discussion times that would then be followed by a vote and would leave the community out of the process, which he was opposed to. Mayor Harpstead -- suggested that items be discussed and voted on at a future meeting. Councilmember Holmes stated the information was published and made public through the agendas. Councilmember McClung indicated that if votes were going to be taken, it should be from the dais and through a televised meeting. Councilmember Holmes agreed stating the work session meeting was not the proper setting to take formal votes. _