7.8.
CC Regular Session
- Meeting Date:
- 03/09/2021
- Submitted For:
- Kurt Ulrich
- By:
- Kathy Schmitz, Administrative Services
Information
Title:
Adopt Resolution # 21-068 Directing City of Ramsey Staff, Authorities, Boards and Commissions to Take and Follow Direction from the Ramsey City Council
Purpose/Background:
Councilmembers Heineman and Howell have requested consideration of the attached resolution. The following language was provided:
Councilmembers represent the residents of Ramsey and have a duty as their representatives to advance initiatives in their best interest. Per the City of Ramsey Organizational Chart, the Ramsey City Council is responsible for giving direction to city staff and by proximity, to the EDA, EPB, Parks and Rec and Planning Commission via City Administrator.
The direction given to the City Administrator, Staff, Authorities, Boards and Commissions are directives and should be heeded in all due diligence to the best of the abilities of all parties involved. Failure to heed to these directives may be construed as failure to adapt to the City Council’s initiatives and subsequently undermine the residents through their elected representatives.
Councilmembers represent the residents of Ramsey and have a duty as their representatives to advance initiatives in their best interest. Per the City of Ramsey Organizational Chart, the Ramsey City Council is responsible for giving direction to city staff and by proximity, to the EDA, EPB, Parks and Rec and Planning Commission via City Administrator.
The direction given to the City Administrator, Staff, Authorities, Boards and Commissions are directives and should be heeded in all due diligence to the best of the abilities of all parties involved. Failure to heed to these directives may be construed as failure to adapt to the City Council’s initiatives and subsequently undermine the residents through their elected representatives.
Recommendation:
Council members Heineman and Howell have requested consideration of the attached resolution. The following language was provided:
It is recommended the Ramsey City Council adopt the resolution to ensure that necessary expectations are outlined assuring a mutually successful relationship between the residents, city council, administration, staff authorities, boards and commissions.
Staff recommends clarifying language in the resolution that Council direction is direction from the Council acting as a body, not from individual Councilmembers. While the council/staff relationship is firmly command/control in nature, the relationship with Authorities, Boards and Commissions is advisory by nature, so direction might be limited to certain higher-level policy directives. Boards like the EDA and Planning Commission may also have certain statutory authority and Council direction on some items wouldn’t be appropriate (e.g., when they are acting as an independent hearing board on a zoning case). It is recommended that the resolution contain language to make these distinctions.
It is recommended the Ramsey City Council adopt the resolution to ensure that necessary expectations are outlined assuring a mutually successful relationship between the residents, city council, administration, staff authorities, boards and commissions.
Staff recommends clarifying language in the resolution that Council direction is direction from the Council acting as a body, not from individual Councilmembers. While the council/staff relationship is firmly command/control in nature, the relationship with Authorities, Boards and Commissions is advisory by nature, so direction might be limited to certain higher-level policy directives. Boards like the EDA and Planning Commission may also have certain statutory authority and Council direction on some items wouldn’t be appropriate (e.g., when they are acting as an independent hearing board on a zoning case). It is recommended that the resolution contain language to make these distinctions.
Action:
Defer to future Council work session, or Motion to Adopt Resolution #21-068 Directing the City of Ramsey Staff, Authorities, Boards and Commissions to take and follow direction from the Ramsey City Council, as amended.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kurt Ulrich | Kurt Ulrich | 03/08/2021 04:27 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Kathy Schmitz
- Started On:
- 03/08/2021 03:46 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 03/08/2021