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City Council Minutes <br />February 16, 2021 <br />Page 8 <br />Council consensus was to move forward with an ordinance amendment for further <br />discussion. <br />9.5 Advisory Commission Selection Process <br />Ms. Allard presented the staff report. <br />Councilmember Wagner noted there were a lot of community members who came <br />forth and are willing to be engaged with the city. She stated with this new procedure <br />Council would never know their names and who they are. She questioned how <br />Council could make this process a step better and ensure capturing these individuals <br />who step forward to keep them engaged. She stated she would like to ensure the <br />Council is aware of the interest out there so they could serve later if there is a <br />vacancy or could be added to the Elk River Resident Advisory survey group. She <br />expressed concern with only capturing reappointments. <br />Mayor Dietz and Councilmember Westgaard asked how to do this if these applicants <br />will not be appointed, which makes it worse when they come in and don't get <br />appointed. <br />Councilmember Beyer asked what if the new candidate is better than the current <br />member. <br />Councilmember Wagner stated she doesn't want the uncomfortable situation as <br />we've had in the past, but she also doesn't want to miss the opportunity to meet new <br />applicants and suggested a different avenue to bring them in. She also noted it can be <br />awkward with appointments when a new applicant gets nominated over an existing <br />member who is also very good. <br />Councilmember Christianson stated he liked Councilmember Beyer's idea to still <br />advertise and interview for vacancies and then appoint at the next meeting. He didn't <br />feel there should be an automatic appointment of existing members. He stated the <br />new applicants have a willingness to want to serve and he doesn't want to turn them <br />away. <br />Mayor Dietz stated he doesn't want to get the expectations up for the new applicants <br />and then have them walk away upset and questioning why they bothered to apply. <br />Councilmember Beyer stated he felt the process was rushed. He stated being new he <br />didn't have the connections other Councilmember may have. <br />Mr. Portner suggested having a language where it's known that after a set number of <br />terms, such as three, then the position would be advertised. He stated it would give <br />someone else a chance to serve and let the current board member know Council is <br />happy with their work but want to give others opportunity. <br />NATUREI