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HRA Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, January 29, 2014 Page 2 1 Member Majerus questioned if it was preferable or more beneficial to take the advice of the 2 HRA Attorney to be more consistent with the operations of other HRA’s and Economic 3 Development Authorities (EDA’s) or to be consistent with City Council advisory 4 commissions. Member Majerus explained his rationale by noting that , he could see the 5 benefit of ten (10) versus fifteen (15) years, he was concerned about losing institutional history 6 of members and the time they would need to gain traction, based on the HRA’s mission in the 7 community versus advisory commissions. Not intending to take anything away from those 8 advisory roles, Member Majerus noted the involvement of the HRA in things taking 9 considerable time to develop and mature, and questioned if ten (10) years was long enough to 10 keep productive members on board, as well as retaining that institutional history for the benefit 11 of the body as well as the community vision. 12 13 Chair Maschka noted that, after one year of absence, a member may reapply and restart 14 another ten (10) year cycle as application, being considered as a new applicant. However, 15 Chair Maschka asked for additional information on how that would play out over ten (10) 16 years based on historical appointments to the HRA, and how it would stagger out over that 17 time. 18 19 Ms. Kelsey noted that some HRA’s didn’t have any term limit whatsoever. 20 21 Member Lee concurred that the nature of the HRA business is more unique that advisory 22 commissions. 23 24 Member Masche questioned the number of members who have filled out their terms; and noted 25 the tremendous talent pool available when applicants have come forward for other 26 commissions, opining that there were numerous residents willing to serve the community. 27 28 While respecting that willingness to serve, Member Majerus reiterated his concern that the 29 HRA retain its institutional knowledge. 30 31 Member Willmus concurred that institutional knowledge is vital; however, he also recognized 32 the opportunity to hear from fresh voices and new ideas. As anyone involved in real estate 33 over time, Member Willmus noted the rapid changes in that field; and opined that this provided 34 an opportunity for those new voices to come forward in creating a strong benefit to the body 35 and the community. 36 37 Member Masche noted that in past years when the HRA was first initiated, there was not a 38 strong and consistent staff leadership in place; and opined that with that staff leadership 39 consistency now available, some of the institutional memory would be retained. 40 41 Discussion ensued regarding whether the HRA was to retain current by-laws as amended and 42 the number and length of terms, with the majority preferring to wait until the next meeting for 43 further consideration once a review of the overlap of membership and those on their second 44 term or not; and adopt the remainder of the resolution (2014 meeting dates, election of officers, 45 and appointment of Acting Executive Director) at this time. 46 47 Chair Maschka noted that the by-laws could be amended at any time, and he would prefer to 48 adopt them now and get the terms of office research, at which time the by-laws could be 49 amended if necessary. 50 51 Member Majerus spoke in support of tabling the by-laws for additional information to be 52 provided by staff, and then adopt them at the next HRA meeting. 53