HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 [03] Mar 09
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Josep
on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall.
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March 9, 2004
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met in special session
Members Present: Mayor Larry Hosch. Councilors Gary Utsch, AI Rassier, Dale Wick, Ross Rieke.
Administrator Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: EDA Consultant Joann Foust
Mayor Hosch opened the meeting at 5:00 PM and stated that the purpose of the' meeting was to continue
the discussion of February 18, 2004 Council/Department Head retreat. Weyrens stated that the Council
requested to discuss communication concerns regarding subsidiary boards/commission and the City I
Council. Particularly there has been some concern with the relationship between the City Councii and
EDA. .
Utsch stated that he had asked that this item be discussed as he has received some concerns about the
role and function of the EDA and is looking for clarification. There is a perception among some residents
that there is a conflict of interest on the EDA and they function like a second City Council. Wick and I
Rassier concurred with Utsch that there is some concern with confiict of interest and would like an
assurance the matter is being addressed. !
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EDA consultant Joann Foust presented the Council with the bylaws of the EDA and the enabling
Ordinance. Foust stated that the organization of the EDA is controlled by Statute and the Board can I
consist of three, five or seven members, of which two must be Councilors. Foust also explained that in
accordance with the enabling Ordinance, all actions concerning development districts and financing
require approval from the City Council. Therefore the Council has final authority over the EDA.
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Hosch stated that he could address the confiict of issue concern. Their was an issue regarding a conflict
of interest and the EDA Board addressed the concern and has implement new policies. For example, ¡my
member can question another member if a conflict exists and the questioning will be accepted without I
prejudice. In addition the EDA has received signed letters from members acknowledging that their may
be a perceived conflict of interest and they will abstain from those issues. Rieke concurred with Hosch;
and stated that he is confident that they have resolved any conflict issues. .
The Council aiso discussed the need for all Boards and Commission to work together as a team all .
serving the best interest of the residents of St. Joseph. Not everyone will agree with ali decisions, nor are
they easy decisions to make, but the end result should be what is best for the taxpayers. The Council I
agreed by consensus that the bylaws should be amended to include the regulation of confiict of interest.
In addition the Council was in agreement to meet jointly with the EDA to discuss issues of mutual I
concern. Meeting with subsidiary boards and commission should be done on an annual basis to addre~s
concerns before they become unmanageable and to increase communication. I
Hosch and Rieke updated the Council on the goals of the EDA. The City has iimited land available for I
Industrial Development, so the EDA has been researching alternative land sites and alternative i
development methods. The Council agreed to discuss this matter further when they meet jointly with the
EDA. ! I
Adiourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn at 6:20 PM; seconded by Rassier and passed
unanimously.
~~;Áley~
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