Governance Committee Report - January 2, 2008
Meeting Notes – January 2, 2008
Present: Members: Ian MacConnell, Sharon Young Catherine Girves and David Hegley (Chair), Absent: Sean Cunningham, Robert Caldwell and Grayson Atha Guests: Doreen Uhas Sauer and Lizabeth Warncke
Meeting called to order @ 7:05 PM
I. Reviewed remaining agenda items for the Commission year
The only item discussed was our attendance policy. A discussion ensued on the each member’s responsibility to attend meetings and a few ideas to change requirements and enforcement.
- Result: This item will be moved forward to the February meeting agenda.
II. Discussed Commissioner Training Plan, including poll workers
- Training requirements for Commissioners are defined in by laws Article II Section 7, paragraph c. (Please review)
- The Committee agreed Commission reference books will be handed out to any Commissioner who has not yet received one before the January Commission meeting.
- Result: Commissioner Uhas Sauer agreed to complete the books.
- 1 hour training class will be set up in February open to all Commissioner but required for new Commissioners to review by laws and basic UAC information.
- Result: Commissioner Hegley will find a time in February when new Commissioners can meet and work with Governance Committee to support.
There is still 3 hours of required training for new Commissioners that will be fulfilled by attending the City of Columbus Commissioner training programs.
- Result: All Commissioners are asked to review the letter sent to them by the City to find classes and dates that fit into their schedule. Also, Commissioner MacConnell agreed to send out a copy via email.
There was a discussion on Election bylaw requirements to post at polling locations. The Committee agreed to 7 items that should be posted on 11X17 paper. For reference here are the sections chosen: (They can find in the UAC Election by laws) 5.2, 5.4, 7.1, 7.4.1, 7.5, 7.6 and 11.2
- Result: This list was given to Commissioner Warncke, Chairperson of Election Committee and an electronic copy will be sent to her. Commissioner MacConnell agreed to format and print the posters.
III. Wrapped up discussion on when the Chair of Commission can and should speak. It was noted that Commissioner MacConnell got into the queue during the December meeting when speaking on debatable motions and everyone felt this worked well.
- Result: No further action will be taken on this item.
IV. Discussed language to limit the length of time a person can serve in any role on the Commission from officer to chairperson of a committee.
- Based on the conversation it was quickly realized that no formal requirement to limit this is necessary. The election process in place for these roles puts the onus on Commissioners to consider a candidates experience when voting for them.
- As a result of this discussion there was strong support to offer current and future Commissioners programs to help with their leadership development. Including:
- Mentoring program on the Commission
- Training program to be offered 1 month before general elections for people wanting to run for the Commission. (It was noted this is required for USG)
- Internal leadership development program
- High School internship program
- Develop Co-Chair positions for each Committee
- Result: Language to create term limits on the Commission will not be pursued. The other ideas discussed will be considered for possible future recommendations to the Commission.
Meeting adjourned @ 8:04 PM