2009-10-07 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Serving as a Council Member, what does it involve? A local elected official is responsible for upholding the Constitutions of both the United States and the State of Minnesota, in addition to upholding, creating and updating local ordinances of the City. They should be committed to the health, safety and the welfare of the community. Health is providing safe drinking water, sanitary sewer service and safe roadways. Public safety is 45% of where your current tax dollars are spent. Welfare is combining the need to be fiscally responsible (taxes and budget) while providing these services, meeting environmental requirements, manage development, and preserving a quality of life within the City that keeps property values stable. The Council is responsible for policy and decision making for the City. Your decisions can be based on Committee and Commission recommendation, information provided from the Attorney, Engineer, Consultants, City Staff and your own research. You will visit sites within the City, talk with residents and business owners, you will ask questions and investigate until you have all the information you feel you need to make a decision. Elected officials don't need to know It all or do it all. The League of Minnesota Cities provides training for newly elected officials. If you haven't served on a City committee or commission, or in government previously, it is helpful for you attend at least one of the training conferences. The State and Federal Government mandate various training for both city staff and elected officials. The City Staff is responsible for the day-to-day functions of the City, including a City Attorney and City Engineer who advise the Council. The City has active volunteers in the areas of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Committee who make recommendations to the Council. The Council's regularly scheduled meetings are on the second and forth Wednesday's of the month. As a Council Member you will be expected to serve on or be a liaison to various Committees and Commissions, these duties are divided up amongst the members and include, but not limited to: Planning and Zoning Commission - One Council Member liaison Park and Recreation Committee - One Council Member liaison Anoka County Solid Waste Advisory Committee - One elected official 135WE Coalition - Mayor and Council Members North Metro Telecommunication Commission - One Council Member and one altemate Council Member. Centennial Lake Police Commission - Mayor, one Council Member and one alternate Council Member. Centennial Lake Fire Steering Commission - Two Council Members and one altemate Council Member. Rush Line Corridor - One elected official. Weed Inspector - Mayor by Minnesota State Statute.