CC_Minutes_2014_0106 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council 06 M2014 eeting ,January , Page 24 Councilmember Etten noted the need to have clear definitions for acronyms and jargon; and key aspects explained in average layman's terms. Mayor Roe suggested this may be a role for the Communications Department to work with departments on consistent educational materials in layperson language. Councilmember Laliberte spoke in support of Mayor Roe's suggestion; and fur- ther spoke to the need for an automatic touch point for the advisory commission Chair to follow-up with new members beyond the initial data dump to keep them from feeling overwhelmed. Mayor Roe suggested a mentoring arrangement for a new member with a more senior member of an advisory commission, outside the role of the Chairperson. Councilmember McGehee opined that some mentoring happened automatically, with some advisory commission's working very well indicating their desire to work together. Human Rights Commission (HRC) Councilmember Laliberte noted that she and Councilmember McGehee had dif- ferences in their recommendations; but spoke in her personal support of breaking the Civic Engagement Task Force out by creating a separate Community En- gagement advisory commission. Councilmember McGehee opined that the task force proposal is the job for the In- terim City Manager and Communications Director to come forward with their proposals to implement recommendations of the task force; opining that she did not see the need for a advisory commission. Councilmember Laliberte noted that the Task Force recommended that it become a commission; and offered her support of their recommendation. Community/Civic Engagement Councilmember Willmus concurred that it should be a standalone commission as recommended by the task force; with its own individual charge and unique scope. Councilmember Willmus opined that it was not the role of the City Council step back and wait for staff to make a determination and offer direction to the City Council; but rather for the City Council to direct staff how to proceed in the best interest of the community. Councilmember Willmus reiterated his support for a standalone Community Engagement advisory commission. Councilmember Etten spoke in support of a separate commission. Mayor Roe spoke in support of a standalone commission, specifically to meet the needs of newcomers to the community. However, Mayor Roe noted that this did