CC_Minutes_2015_0105 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,January 5, 2015 Page 13 is intended to be more focused on those things, Councilmember Willmus stated that he then had even more concerns. Mayor Roe suggested that the budget element be removed from discussions at this point. In seeking a consensus on whether or not to pursue an RFP, Mayor Roe gleaned no response from the body. Mayor Roe suggested trying this as proposed at a cost of less than $5,000. Specific to the staff follow-up portion of$2,500, Mayor Roe suggested that it be left up to City Manager Trudgeon as to that expenditure as part of his decision-making in how he manages his staff and money. Public Comment Gary Grefenberg,91 Mid Oaks Lane Mr. Grefenberg stated that he was appearing as a resident, but admitted his com- ments were informed in his role as Chair of the Community Engagement Com- mission. Mr. Grefenberg read his written comments, and provided a copy to City Manager Trudgeon as a bench handout, attached hereto and made a part hereof In general, Mr. Grefenberg expressed concerns that the Rapp proposal seemed more staff-involved while ignoring community collaborative efforts, particularly in providing an opportunity for public comment as part of the retreat. Mr. Gre- fenberg opined that his initial understanding of the retreat was to determine com- mon ground rather than the current proposal for a workshop to develop a City Council strategic plan. Mr. Grefenberg further opined that part of the problem with his concerns may be Mr. Rapp's role as a City Manager for thirty years, es- pecially with the City Council and staff's recent efforts to engage new forms of public participation and communication with its residents. If the City Council chooses to proceed as proposed, Mr. Grefenberg asked at a minimum that time be allowed for public response and comment between Session 1 and 2 after the public has an opportunity to review meeting discussions and pro- vide their input. While pleased to hear the ongoing interest in accountability and transparency, Mr. Grefenberg cautioned that the Rapp proposal seemed a step backward since there were still perceptions of how receptive City Hall was to public comment, and that opportunity needed to be available prior to a final sum- mary report being issued, allowing for others to contribute their ideas. Mr. Gre- fenberg suggested an extended schedule for the process, as well as selection of a staff person available for residents to monitor the process and receive public comment. Lisa McCormack,Wheeler Street Ms. McCormack agreed with the comments of Mr. Grefenberg, and reviewed her research of Mr. Rapp's service to the communities of Vadnais Heights and New Brighton. Ms. McCormack expressed her concern especially in light of the dif-