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Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />July 11, 2023 <br />Page 4 <br /> <br />Commissioner Westgaard explained that he and Chair Dietz receive that training as <br />members of City Council. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zerwas, Bell, and Acting Chair Stewart expressed overall comfort with their <br />current understanding of parliamentary procedure. <br /> <br />During discussion of Question 7 - One Voice, Acting Chair Stewart encouraged <br />respondents with anything less than “agree” as a response to provide further <br />details/examples in the written response section. <br /> <br />Commissioner Westgaard encouraged his peers to bring issues to the group for discussion <br />when they have them. <br /> <br />Regarding Question 8 - One Direct Report there was a discussion about the purpose of the <br />One Employee policy. Mr. Hanson informed the Commission that, while it is acceptable <br />for them to reach out to individual staff members for information in the interest of <br />expediency, all directions for action should be sent to the general manager for delegation. <br />There was discussion about whether the respondent who selected “disagree” was stating <br />their disagreement with the policy or the Commission’s adherence to it. Mr. Hanson <br />reiterated the value of providing examples in the written response section. <br /> <br />During discussion of Question 15 - Environment, Acting Chair Stewart noted the vote of <br />“neither agree nor disagree” suggested that response could be related to a need for more <br />education for the Commission. <br /> <br />During discussion of open ended Question 20, Mr. Hanson encouraged the Commission to <br />feel able to bring topics to the meetings for discussion. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zerwas shared his belief that the Utilities Commission operates in line with <br />other governing bodies he has been a part of. <br /> <br />Commissioner Westgaard restated his preference for seeing the evaluation include staff <br />responses in the future, valuing a 360-review format. There was agreement among the <br />commissioners to pursue this approach. <br /> <br />Mr. Hanson asked the Commission if they were happy with the questions being asked or if <br />they would like to see any changes. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zerwas shared his opinion that there would be more value in perhaps <br />having half as many questions but emphasizing the need to provide written responses. <br /> <br />Commissioner Westgaard agreed and expanded that there may not be additional <br />response needed when an individual agrees or strongly agrees with a question but that <br />they should provide details for any other response. <br />39