2012-10-23_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Further discussion included use and simplicity of Rosenberg's Rules versus Robert's Rules for parliamentary processes; with Chair Vanderwall clarifying that the City Council had adopted Rosenberg's Rules as the official meeting protocol, but noted if and when the PWETC held public hearings, consideration may need to be included to allow them to do so and the process delegated to the body to proceed accordingly. Chair Vanderwall advised that he had also brought to City Manager Malinen's attention the current constraints in commissioners being unable to communicate amongst their members outside that correspondence being made part of the formal public record; and when or if exceptions were available for generic correspondence between members. While recognizing these constraints, Mr. Schwartz noted that those rules went beyond that of City Code, since they originated with State Statute and Open Meeting Law restrictions for communication outside a public meeting by a public body. Chair Vanderwall recognized those statutory restrictions, he opined that with ever-improving technology, those restrictions needed to be updated as well. Member Stenlund noted, in the general comments at the beginning of the ordinance, he thought more should be added on ethics, and the need for annual ethical training by commissioners or an annual waiver by members. Member Gjerdingen also noted the need to stipulate annual financial disclosure information by commissioners. Mr. Schwartz clarified that ethics training was not mandatory, and readily available along with general ethics operating procedures and processes available on the City's website. Chair Vanderwall suggested that, in lines 109-112 of the draft ordinance, mention of a handbook or framework of behavior may be appropriate. Member Stenlund noted that, if 2-4 year terms were adopted, he would no longer be eligible to serve; and while wanting more people to be involved in local government to obtain more and better ideas, he would be disappointed if no longer serving on the PWETC. Member DeBenedet noted that Roseville had a strong history of willing volunteers; however, he also noted that some commissions had been difficult to fill in the past. Chair Vanderwall noted line 420 and following in the document under "Duties/Functions," particularly the "maintaining an interest" phrase and Page 6 of 17