Authorize Renewing the Northwestern Anoka County Community Consortium (NWACCC) Joint Powers Agreement

In May 1995, the Ramsey City Council authorized entering into the Northwestern Anoka County Community Joint Powers Agreement.  The JPA included Anoka County, the Cities of Andover, Anoka and Ramsey, and Anoka-Hennepin School District #11.  Youth First Community of Promise operates under the direction and administration of the NWACCC.  The focus of this group was/is to increase the ability of youth and others to succeed in society.  The Mayor and/or a Council Member have traditionally been appointed to serve as a representative of the City for this group.  In 1995, and for a few years thereafter, each entity had two representatives on the Board and one alternate. 

A few years ago, the Board of Directors voted to increase the number of representatives on the Board from two voting, and one alternate, to four voting, and one alternate.  This change was made when they applied for non-profit status, plus they felt it was a way to diversify the representation on the Board.  However, the JPA was never amended to reflect this change, and it still reads two representatives, and an alternate.  Mr. Borrell of Anoka County Human Services has been made aware of this error and has asked that Council approve the JPA as is at this point, and the JPA will be subsequently corrected.  Mr. Borrell is concerned that if the approval of the JPA is delayed, it may affect the County funding for year 2013.  Staff contacted the Cities of Anoka and Andover to find out the direction their Councils took in adopting a JPA without the proper language.  Both of the cities have adopted the JPA as is with the knowledge that once all the agreements are signed off on and returned to the County, the language will be revised and each entity will be sent the correct Agreement for their files.

The current Board of Directors representing the City of Ramsey are Councilmember Jason Tossey, Michelle Anderson of North Hennepin Community College (Vice-Chair), Chandra Kreyer, Ramsey Police Department (Secretary), and Jim Steffen, Trott Brook Financial (Treasurer).  It was noted that Ramsey was short an alternate position, and suggested that be filled.  With regard to making appointments, staff was told that it has been customary to allow members to remain on the Board until they no longer desire to serve.  In a case written for the City Council back in 2002, it was stated that then Councilmember Beahen was resigning from the Board of Directors and Council was asked to appoint someone in her place.  In a letter from the then Co-Chair of the NWACCC Board of Directors, it was stated that the Board may suggest some Ramsey residents for this position who are familiar with or active in Youth First; however, the City Council is welcome to appoint whomever they wish to represent them on the board.  It appears some appointments have been made by Council and some may have been made by the Board. 

For your information, the Board meets once a month - the first Thursday at 7:15 a.m. - Anoka Police Department.

Attached to this case is the Joint Powers Agreement and also a list of the current Board of Directors representing each entity.

Staff is recommending that Council authorize renewing the NWACCC Joint Powers Agreement, knowing that the member representation language will be amended from two member to four..  Staff is also recommending that the Ramsey representation continue with the four incumbent members (i.e., Council Member Tossey, Michele Anderson, Chandra Kryer, and Jim Steffen) and that Council appoint an alternate.  Council Member Tossey, who is currently serving on the Board, has expressed his interest in remaining a representative and staff is recommending Mark Riverblood be appointed to the alternate position.  These appointments are included in the case dealing with annual organizational appointment s.

N/A

Motion to authorize Renewing the Joint Powers Agreement with the Northwest Anoka County Community Consortium, subject to an amendment reflecting member representation of four members and an alternate.