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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, January O5, 2009 Page 9 Councilmember Johnson advised that commissions had great access to in-house assistance through staff providing good communication flow; and noted that commission Chairs could serve as conduits between their respective groups and the City Council, similar to ambassadors. Mayor Klausing reiterated his preference that the liaison roles for the City Coun- cil would be informal, allowing for continued independent advice from advisory commissions. Councilmember Roe noted the original intent in having a City Council liaison to the HRA was to ensure a good connection between the two bodies. Councilmembers concurred that additional thought needed to be given; and re- quested that staff provide an updated list of assignments and involvement in vari- ous groups by current Councilmembers. Mayor Klausing asked that individual Councilmembers provide feedback to staff on their specific interests to include with the updated list for Councilmembers to facilitate further discussion and con- sideration. Councilmember Johnson sought clarification on the original point of reference for liaison assignments, whether at the request of or from frustrations expressed by commissions, or in the City Council's efforts to be more communicative with their advisory commissions. Councilmember Roe advised that it was initiated from his review of other cities and their interactions with their advisory commissions and other government agencies. Councilmember Roe specifically noted that roles of the City Council li- aisons in the Ramsey County League of Local Governments (RCLLG) and the Cable Commission, and potential need for designated alternates for those groups. Mayor Klausing noted his ongoing interest in serving as an alternate to the Com- munication Commission. Councilmember Pust noted that part of the discussion should be whether Coun- cilmembers wished to continue serving in their current liaison roles, or whether they were interested in expanding or refreshing their interests. Mayor Klausing concurred, noting that there was value in continuity, but also value in educating Councilmembers in other areas of interest to aid their decision- making. Councilmember Ihlan noted that a designee to the Cable Commission could be a member of the public, as well as a Councilmember.