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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, October 23,2017 Page 14 Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe. Nays: None. Subcommittees of Advisory Commissions in General Councilmember Laliberte noted some investigatory or homework tasks that may be needed between monthly meetings, observing that it sometimes worked well for someone outside the meeting to make calls, perform research or make con- tacts; then reporting back to the full body for a more robust conversation based on that information. Councilmember Laliberte stated that she felt strongly that when interviewing candidates for commissions, the City Council was looking for di- verse viewpoints to provide for healthy debate, opining that when the full com- mission was unable to participate, they and the community were missing out. Councilmember Willmus stated his strong feeling that, even with larger groups like the HRIEC, all commissioners should be involved in discussions from their genesis through fruition as recommendations moved up to the City Council for ac- tion. When appointing members to a commission, Councilmember Willmus also stated that he looked to varying backgrounds and opinions. When asking Assis- tant City Manager Olson for a breakdown of subcommittees before tonight's meeting, Councilmember Willmus noted that all areas the various groups were working on were important. However, Councilmember Willmus stated that he wanted all commissioners to be working on them; possibly meaning that such an aggressive work plan was not feasible, but beyond a task force to look at a certain issue if and when indicated, he was not supportive of discussions outside a full commission meeting. If any task force or subcommittee meetings were held, Councilmember Willmus stated his preference that they be made available for public observation by the community, and on a set schedule if ongoing meetings. Councilmember Willmus asked that commissions err on the side of openness and transparency for the benefit of all. At the request of Councilmember McGehee, City Attorney Gaughan advised that the city held advisory commissions to the same standards of the City Council when a quorum of members was participating. In general, Councilmember Etten agreed with the comments of Councilmembers Laliberte and Willmus, and whether or not a subcommittee met and met noticing requirements, at a minimum asked that notes be taken and made part of any agen- da packet materials coming back to the full commission and/or the City Council, and that they be posted on line as well. Councilmember Etten opined that was an important part of being open and transparent. Councilmember Etten stated that he was skeptical of the need for most subcommittees, but recognizing that one per- son may be tasked with researching a topic for the benefit of all members and making that information known to the full body. Councilmember Etten opined that the only exception may be the annual Essay Contest given the realistic time to filter them. However, in general, Councilmember Etten stated that he didn't see business being done well through subcommittee work.