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i <br />City Council Minutes Page 4 <br />April 8, 2013 <br />Mayor Dietz noted that he spoke with Elk River Municipal Utilities and they are not <br />interested in implementing summer hours for their employees. <br />This policy will be brought back for formal approval on an upcoming consent agenda. <br />6.4. Council Liaison Policv <br />Mr. Portner presented his staff report. <br />Councilmember Burandt is in favor of allowing a Council liaison to participate in discussions <br />with their boards or commissions to a certain level. <br />Councihnember Motin indicated he likes the policy as drafted. <br />Mayor Dietz explained he is not convinced a policy is necessary. He would like to be allowed <br />to participate in discussion /deliberation at any time during the meeting and not just when <br />asked to participate. He also stated a Council liaison should be able to provide his /her <br />personal opinion on an item if a commissioner asks for it. <br />Councilinember Motin disagreed. I Ie stated the boards and commissions are advisory and <br />Counciltnembers will be given a chance to provide their opinion when the item comes <br />before the Council for consideration. He stated that the exception would be if the Council <br />has already discussed the same issue as outlined in 1(d) of the draft policy. He added he <br />believes discussion and debate on an item should be limited to the actual appointed <br />members of a commission. <br />Councihnember Burandt stated she believes the Council liaison should be able to provide <br />background information and assist in clarifying issues when needed. She stated many times a <br />Council liaison will have background that may be helpful to the commission and she doesn't <br />believe one Councihnember's opinion would sway a vote. <br />Councilmember Westgaard indicated a Councilrnember should be able to provide their <br />opinion if asked but should not advocate their personal position. <br />Mayor Dietz clarified whether or not it is appropriate for the liaison to ask questions in order <br />to clarify an item on the agenda. Consensus was that gathering information in order to clarify <br />an issue would be appropriate. <br />Councilmember Wilson indicated he believes a liaison expressing their personal opinion may <br />actually influence the commission's decision. <br />Mr. Portner stated he will revise the draft policy based on feedback and bring it back. <br />6.5. Council Code of Conduct <br />Mr. Portner presented his staff report. <br />Councihnember Westgaard indicated he likes the Pro - Plymouth Pledge but he is not sure it <br />is much different than what is currently in place. He believes current policy covers what is <br />necessary. <br />