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06-24-1992 - Special . , ~ ..., CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER SPECIAL MEETING June 24, 1992 Minutes Mayor Tanya Wessler called a Special Meeting of the City Council for the purpose of reviewing the citizens Council Advisory Committee meetings and for Council to determine direction or action required. ROLL CALL Mayor Tanya Wessler Councilman Kirk Jones Councilperson Louise Martin Councilperson NoraJane Gillespie Councilman Michael Hays City Manager George McMahon City Attorney Krista Storey City Clerk Susan Wadsworth Police Chief Lawrence Schumaker Sergeant Larry Westfall Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Excused Present Mayor Wessler stated that Charlene Dennis was not present at the meeting being discussed,she wanted to assure everyone that Mrs. Dennis was not part of the meeting. Councilman Hays stated that he has some real concerns regarding the citizens Council Advisory Committee. These concerns led to his request for the meeting tapes and he suggested the rest of the Council listen to the tapes. He felt that some of the committee members did not have a grasp of what the committee is about. He reminded everyone that there was a meeting addressing the duties of the committee and an ordinance was passed addressing those duties. One of his concerns is about some of the incorrect information that is given out at the meetings. He explained that some of the committee members have resigned and he referred to a comment made in one of the letters of resignation. The comment was,"it is not my desire, wish or intention to be ridiculed by the members of the Council". Councilman Hays stated that was not his intent nor does he believe it was the Council's intent. He stated he had considered having the tapes played at this meeting, but he was not sure everyone would want to. He went over the notes he took while listening to the tape regarding the criticism of the Mayor, Council, City Manager and a lot of people. Councilman Hays referred to the negative comments on the street lights. He went on to express his concerns for the comments regarding the City's indebtedness not being correct. This is misinformation and he does not feel it is the role of a board to give this type of mis- information. He expressed his disappointment in this board,and he questioned what is being done in a positive manner for the City. councilman Hays mentioned the number of members this board has had. He questioned whether the members that are left on this board still wish to participate. He has spoken with Mr. Jones and he still wants to Chair the meetings. Councilperson Gillispie feels that a charge should be given to the committee to be positive, she feels the committee can work. Councilperson Martin reminded everyone that in the beginning the complaint was that the committee had no format. Then the Council passed Resolution 92-R-Ol which established the purpose of the committee. After hearing the tape, it sounded more like a critic committee than an advisory committee. We are looking for them for advice. At this point she would like to see it continue with new members,unless the ones who are left want to stay on and work it out. " ~ ..... Councilman Jones stated that after hearing the tape, he felt there was no direction, or no agenda, being followed. He also spoke on the member turnover in the past two years. He thought the Chairman was trying to pull the members together and get back on track. He feels the community needs to have a committee like this to bring them all together. Mayor Wessler stated that she did listen to the tapes. One of the first things catching her attention was the fact that the Chairman and a committee member were getting together to see what should go on the agenda. They really did not know what should go on the agenda. She feels part of the problem with the committee is, when they don't have anything to go on the agenda, they don't need to have a meeting. Another problem is, we, as a Council, need to do a better job in interviewing and screening applicants. The members of this committee should be independent of the different organized groups already established within the city. She finds Mr. Jones, the Chairman, to be very responsible. She would like to see a letter go to Mr. Jones asking him to reconsider his resignation. Mayor Wessler determined the general consensus seems to be to continue with the committee. The rest of the Council agreed that a letter be sent to Mr. Richard Jones asking him to reconsider his resignation. Councilman Jones explained that the Council needs to put an agenda in process with items for the citizens Council Advisory Committee to handle. It is Councilman Hays' feeling that, if the Committee wants to do a project, they should get Council's approval before taking it on. Councilman Jones added, this would be a way for the Council to stay informed of what they are working on. Councilperson Martin stated, since this is an advisory committee to the council, it would be a good idea to have a resume attached to their application. Councilman Hays added that on this resume it should state what the applicant can do positive for the City. Mayor Wessler asked Mrs. Charlene Dennis and Mrs. Janet Ptaszek if they would like to continue on the committee. Mrs. Dennis responded that she would. Mrs. Janet Ptaszek stated she has been with the committee from the beginning and wishes to stay. There was some discussion of a probationary period for the members. Mrs. Dennis stated that she was interviewed by Councilman Hays. She explained the reason she would like to be on a committee like this is to put back into the community. Mayor Wessler suggested the Council provide the city Clerk's office with a menu of items for the committee by the first Tuesday of each month. When there is more than one item, an agenda can be prepared. If there is only one item presented, then there does not need to be a meeting, depending on the Council's need. Councilman Hays stated he feels that these applicants need to be screened. He would also like the Committee to know if they feel a member is causing a problem, to please contact the council. Mayor Wessler asked the citizens Council Advisory members present if something comes up at their meetings that is not on the agenda that a memo be sent to the council to see if it is something we want them to work on. She agrees a resume with why they believe in Edgewater, why they want to be on a committee, and what they can do for the committee, would be excellent. councilman Hays stated he hopes we can get more applicants. -2- special council Meeting June 24, 1992 ~ "WI Pat Montrowl, 331 Schooner Drive, asked the Council to look into getting members from different parts of Edgewater. councilperson Gillespie spoke on the Street Light ordinances. Mayor Wessler summarized that the committee will continue, projects come in a week before the committee's scheduled meeting, which is the second Tuesday of each month, to get on their agenda. Anything the committee comes up with should come to Council in a memo to make sure it is something for them to work on. When applying for this Committee they should be asked to attach a letter, stating why they think they are qualified. Doris Hill stated she attended one of their meetings, there was an agenda and she felt the meeting was very well run. Dominick Fazzone,302 Paradise Lane, stated he is a member of the MPO citizens Advisory Board. He explained what the Council has done tonight is exactly what the County does. The committee gets together and has an agenda that was put together by the Volusia County government. He suggested there be a place on the citizens Council Advisory Committee agenda where the members can make their comments. He also mentioned he is on the LDRA and at that meeting the City Attorney advises them of what they can discuss. He feels maybe our attorney should do the same for this committee. Councilman Jones stated the Council sent the Menard May Park issue to them, they came back to the Council with a recommendation and the Council acted on that recommendation. Mayor Wessler stated that before the next Council meeting she is going to be bringing up two issues. The times we are facing now with cutbacks etc., we need to look at whether we need to continue with our Computer Specialist and our Horticulturist. Councilman Hays thanked the members of the citizens Council Advisory Committee for being here. Councilperson Martin moved to adjourn. Councilman Hays seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned 7:40 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Debbie Sigler -3- Special Council Meeting June 24, 1992