Governance Committee Report- March 5, 2008
Meeting Notes – March 5, 2008 Present: Members: Sharon Young Catherine Girves, Sean Cunningham, Grayson Atha, Lizabeth Warncke, Robert Caldwell, Ian MacConnell and David Hegley (Chair), Guests: Doreen Uhas Sauer
Meeting called to order @ 7:05 PM
1. Discussion on the proposed by law changes
Ø Article I Section 7 – No discussion
Ø Article II, Section 4 Paragraph A – No discussion
Ø Article IV, Section 2 Paragraph E – No discussion
Ø Article VI, Section 8
o Discussion on what would happen if the December meeting was canceled. It was decided no change is necessary. If a vote to cancel the December meeting were taken this item would have to be done at the November meeting.
Ø Article II Section 2 Paragraph B & C – No discussion
2. Discussion on Officer positions on the Commission
Ø A concern was brought regarding how many officers are appointed rather than elected which could be a problem if they have special interests.
Ø Currently of the 6 officers, 4 are appointed and 2 elected
Ø It was pointed out, historically, this is not a problem having these people focusing on special interests
Ø It was brought up to consider future by law language changes that give special preference to elected Commissioners over appointed ones for officer positions.
Ø This committee will take no further action at this time.
3. Commissioner Training
Ø It was decided the Committee would provide no additional training this Commission year. The training offered by the City will suffice.
Ø It was decided to request time on the agenda for “Learning Moments” consisting of 3 minutes to review a topic either related to the Commission by laws or Robert’s Rules of Order.
Ø If any Commissioner has questions about the by laws they can contact David Hegley to set up time to go over them.
Ø A formal training program will be developed for new Commissioners to attend in June after the formal elections. This will be required training for new Commissioners and optional for existing members.
Ø There was also lengthy discussion on creating a mentor program to help all new Commissioners in their first year. No formal motion was put forward to implement this program.