HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-COW-2023-05-31COMMON COUNCIL
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Date: Wednesday, May 31st 2023
Location: City Hall, 108 E. Green Street 3rd Floor, Council Chambers
Meeting Called to order: 6:05 P.M.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:37P.M.
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQCGIUq-Few&list=PLfplo_VA57eoynrqxkGvi11vxHlwByjZw
Attendance Record of Voting Members
Name Present (In Person) Remote Absent / Excused
Mayor – Laura Lewis X
1st Ward – Cynthia Brock X
1st Ward – George McGonigal X
2nd Ward – Phoebe Brown X
2nd Ward - Ducson Nguyen X
3rd Ward – Jeffrey Barken X
3rd Ward – Rob Gearhart X
4th Ward – Jorge DeFendini X
4th Ward - Tiffany Kumar X
5th Ward – Robert Cantelmo X
5th Ward - Kris Haines-Sharp X
Total voting members for this meeting 10
1.1 Brief Update on City Manager Transition Process
YouTube Timestamp: 2:01
Discussion Summary: Mayor Lewis pointed out that the purpose of this meeting is to give Council the
opportunity to discuss and redesign the Rules of Procedure in Voting Procedure and Budget Process. This
restructuring of City Government requires significant changes in the role and responsibility of the mayor. In
November 2022 the Referendum passed with a 73% approval. The City Manager will be selected based on their
skills in management.
1.2 Overview of Legislation Passed at Referendum
YouTube Timestamp: 6:44
Discussion Summary: City Attorney Lavine gave an overview of the legislation that was passed at Referendum
on November 2022 and read the Proposition and Abstract that was included with referendum package for the
Board of Elections.
1.3 Special Topics Working Session
1.3A- Brief Presentation- Roles Clarification Activity
YouTube Timestamp: 12:10
Discussion Summary: Chief of Staff Deb Mohlenhoff reviewed Goals and Objectives Goal Mayor Lewis clarified
that the draft prepared in 2021 by Donna Fleming is Not a position description but on of a range of information to
be used as the “position description” is being developed. Discussion continued with more questions and
comments from council regarding position description. Discussion was turned back over the Deb Mohlenhoff to
continue with Presentation of current and future Organizational Structure. Discussed City Manger’s Primary
Function and Role of the Mayor. Council participated in an activity named Who’s Job Is It Anyway to get an
understanding of the Roles and responsibilities of the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager.
1.3B- Rules of Procedure Review and Discussion
YouTube Timestamp: 44:33
Discussion Summary: Chief of Staff Mohlenhoff explained The City Administration suggested addressing Rules
of Procedure section by section. Discussion began with a review of voting procedures, working meetings, and
voting meetings. Council discussed Councils’ vision on who creates the Common Council Agenda content. City
Attorney Lavine explained the tax vote procedure and language. Discussed COW migrating to work sessions.
1.3C New Budget Process
YouTube Timestamp: 2:07:31
Discussion Summary: Chief of Staff Mohlenhoff reviewed the Current Budget Timeline, and presented what a
Possible Budget Timeline could look like under the new procedure; explained the Budget will no longer be the
Mayor’s Budget but will be the City Manager’s Budget including the Mayor. Approved Budget Highlights from
Alexandria, VA was shared with Council giving an example of what other cities are doing under a similar City
Manager Structure. Discussion continued with questions and comments from Council.
2- Meeting Wrap Up
Timestamp: 2:27:13
Discussion Summary: Mayor Lewis encouraged Council to review the links and examples given in Agenda
packet/attachment. A review of Up Next: June 14th will be addressing City Manager Process, July 12th Special
Budget Meeting to discuss Board or Public Works, and Staffing and Structure of City Manager and Mayor
Departments.
Adjourn
Timestamp: 2:32:06
Moved By: Alderperson McGonigal
All in Favor
Passed 9-0