5.1. SR 08-02-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Adopted by the Council on August 2, 2004 ADVISORY BOARD AND COMMISSION POLICY Document Purpose The Council is directly responsible for the actions of its advisory boards and commissions and this policy serves to provide guidance to those bodies. It is hoped that through this policy the expectations of the Council, with respect to its advisory boards and commissions will be clearly understood and followed. The Mayor and Councilmembers welcome any request for discussion or clarification of information that is contained or thought appropriate to be contained in this policy. The goals of the Council are better communication with its advisory boards and commissions and better service to the citizens of Elk River. Creation of Advisory Commissions and Independent Commissions State statutes govern the creation of Council advisory commissions. These commissions are authorized to exercise all duties which the Council has legally assigned to them. They are frequently authorized to conduct investigations and make recommendations. It should be remembered, however, that advisory commissions may not make decisions on behalf of the Council. In many cities, it is routine practice for the Council to accept an advisory commission recommendation if the commission has done a thorough and competent job. It must be emphasized, however, that it is the Council's final decision on the matter and not simply the commission recommendation which is effective to bind the municipality. No recommendation of any advisory commission takes effect unless it has been adopted by formal action of the Council. These advisory commissions may be organized in any manner deemed appropriate by the Council. The Council may create and dissolve them, appoint persons to serve on them, and exercise powers of general supervision over them. A Planning Commission, however, must be established by ordinance (per Minnesota Statutes, Sections 462.351-462.365) and, once established, may be dissolved only by an ordinance, which passes, by a 2/3-majority vote of the Council. There are several differences betxveen independent commissions and advisory commissions. State statutes establish most independent boards and commissions and give them some discretionary powers. Advisory commissions conduct studies and investigations on behalf of the council, and submit reports and recommendations for council consideration. Advisory commission decisions do not take effect until the council has accepted the decision by passing an ordinance or resolution.