HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 [03] Mar 31March 31, 2011
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in special session
on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 4:00 PM in the St. Joseph Hall.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz. Councilors Dale Wick, Steve Frank, Bob Loso, Renee
Symanietz. Administrator Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: Police Chief Peter Jansky, Public Works Director Terry Thene, Finance Director Lori
Bartlett, City Engineer Randy Sabart, EDA Director Cynthia Smith - Strack, City Attorney Tom Jovanovich.
Rick Schultz stated the purpose of the meeting is to have discussion regarding transparency and public
information. He stated that during his many conversations with residents and members of the
Community, there seems to be a perceived notion that the City is not as open as they should be. He is
not sure if there is a problem or if it just a perception.
Weyrens addressed the concern and stated that the word "transparency" has been used in many different
contexts and the staff has previously expressed frustration over the use of this word. Sometimes
information that is requested is not public information all requests for public information have been
fulfilled. Staff would encourage the Council to define what they are looking for or what deficiencies they
are aware of.
Schultz stated that it is probably more of a perceived concern and questioned how applications for
development or assistance are processed. Smith - Strack stated that when a developer requests financial
assistance, an application is submitted and alternative resources are discussed. Not all of the information
included on an application is public information so staff reviews the application and data that is available
is released to the EDA and Council. The staff has to balance the open meeting law, data practices while
providing the Council with the most complete information possible.
Schultz stated that for him transparency is an action word, the ability to share. He would like to see as
much information available to the public and Council as possible. In addition he would like to see all
Board and Commission meeting minutes available on the website. Frank stated for him transparency is
a process of communication. It is not directing staff; rather it is providing the same information to all. An
example, Schultz stated is the rental housing work group. The general public is unaware of what they are
working on as there are no minutes of the meeting or packet information.
Wick stated that he is part of the housing work group and the Council will receive a report after an open
house is conducted with the landlords. At this time the working group has completed a brain storming
session and prioritized the ideas and is ready to share them with the property owners. It is important to
determine if the property owners are interested in converting their properties and if so, what is there intent
or interest. Schultz stated that he would prefer that the working group report at the next Council meeting
to provide an update and what they have accomplished and the future direction. By consensus it was
agreed that the Council would receive an update after the study group conducts an open house with the
landlords.
Schultz stated that he would like to see the website improved as it is marketing tool for the City and he
has heard complaints that the site is difficult to maneuver. Frank stated that the he receives comments
from users that they cannot always access the information due to a user limit.
Weyrens stated that in an effort to increase communications beween departments and the City Council,
each department head will prepare a monthly report that will only be transmitted to the Council, similar to
the one that she prepares. The Council requested that the EDA submit a quarterly activity report to the
Council in an effort to increase communications between non EDA members of the City Council.
Schultz stated that he would like to discuss at a future the foot print of the City with respect to city
facilities, both present and future. He stated that the Council needs to discuss if the City facilities are
going to remain downtown as the City grows and if all functions will operate from one facility. They
Council also need to discuss if the vacant building adjacent to the City Hall should be purchased for
March 31, 2011
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expansion. Weyrens stated that typically the City each year discusses short and long term goals which
could be another meeting topic.
Adiourn: The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 6:30 PM.
*Jy refisator