2019-12-04 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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RELEVANT LINKS: There are several differences between independent boards and advisory boards. State statutes establish most independent boards and commissions and give them some discretionary powers. Advisory boards conduct studies and investigations on behalf of the council, and submit reports and recommendations for council consideration. An advisory -board's recommendation does not take effect unless the council accepts it by passing an ordinance or resolution. The council may organize advisory groups in any manner it deems appropriate. The council may find it wise to appoint people who represent various special -interest groups in the city. An advisory commission may be created by the council for a special purpose, such as for conducting an investigation, and will cease to exist once the purpose of the commission has been achieved. 1. Planning commissions Minn. Stat. §§ 462.351-.364. Cities can establish planning commissions by passing an ordinance See LMC information memo, Planning Commission Guide. describing their organization and powers. City officials, such as the mayor, attorney, and engineer, frequently are advisory members. 2. Other advisory boards and commissions Other advisory boards and commissions commonly established by city councils include: industrial commissions, which have power to study the ways and means of attracting more commercial and industrial development to the city; safety councils, which advise the council on safety programs; and intergovernmental agencies, such as a joint -planning commission, which the city sponsors in cooperation with other units of government. As government has become increasingly complex, cities have used fewer independent or administrative citizen boards and commissions. Instead of diffusing authority for government administration over a number of See Handbook, City different agencies, many cities place all authority in the city council. This Administrative Staff for more decision centralizes responsibility for the proper direction of local information about the manager and administrator government affairs and increases voter understanding of government. positions. Frequently, this trend leads to pressures for greater simplification and centralization in administration as well. The council-manager form of government (Plan B) is an answer to this pressure. Administrators, whose duties and functions lie somewhere between those of a manager and those of a clerk, may also help to centralize government. League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 7/10/2019 Elected Officials and Council Structure and Role Chapter 6 1 Page 34