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City Council Minutes March 11, 2013 Page 4 Mayor Dietz indicated that he believes it may benefit residents and contractors to be open earlier and a little later. He would like to see the new hours advertised well. Mayor Dietz questioned if the alternative hours would apply to the police as well. Mr. Portner explained that the police scheduling may be best determined within their department. Councilmember Motin expressed concerns that employees with small children or daycare may not be able to make this schedule work. Mr. Portner indicated that there are already some employees working modified schedules due to daycare issues and policy allows for flexibility with city administrator approval. Councilmember Westgaard is in favor of the new hours on a trial basis to see how it is received by residents and employees. Consensus of the Council was to move forward with the alternative city hall office hours on a trial basis. Mr. Portner will draft a policy for formal Council approval. 6.5. Temporary Increase in HR Support Hours Mr. Portner presented his staff report. Consensus of the Council was to increase the payroll clerk's hours as outlined in the staff report. 6.6. Council Roles, Conduct, and Public Hearings Mr. Portner presented the staff report. Council Roles Councilmember Motin questioned the role of Council liaisons. He stated that it appears that each Councilmember is handling the liaison role differently. Councilmember Westgaard indicated he believes it is appropriate for a Council liaison to get involved in discussions upon request of the commission. He stated that the liaison opinion is just one out of five on the Council. He added that incorporating a monthly update on commissions into one of the Council meetings would be beneficial. Councilmember Motin liked the way Prior Lake's policy is outlined. Councilmember Wilson indicated that he inquired about his role as liaison when he was appointed to the Council and was informed it would be discussed soon. He believes the Prior Lake policy provides clarity as to the role of the Council liaison and he believes having such language would be helpful for all Councilmembers to understand their role. Councilmember Burandt concurred. She stated she also questioned her role and the response she received was mainly consistent with the Prior Lake policy. She concurred that having language in our policy would provide clarity and standardize the liaison role. Mayor Dietz stated he believes Councilmember Motin's comments are aimed at him talking too much during Parks and Recreation Commission meetings.