4.4. SR 01-21-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Board and Commission Residency Requirement Background Information Page 2 January 13, 2003 Councilmember Thompson indicated that he felt boards and commissions that have the ability to impose fees or to propose a tax levy should require the members to be residents of the city of Elk River. Councilmember Farber stated that he concurred with Councilmember Thompson as the issue relates to the park and recreation commission. Councilmember Farber further stated that he felt it was acceptable for some non-city residents to be members of the ice arena commission. He stated that the youth hockey association reaches beyond the city of Elk River and has representatives on the Ice Arena Commission. Councilmember Dietz stated he did not feel the Council should be able to pick and choose which commissions should have a residency requirement. He further stated that the City Council is the body that makes the final decisions in increasing fees and levying taxes. Councilmember Dietz indicated that he was opposed to placing residency requirements on boards and commissions. Councilmember Holmgren gave the background as to how the ordinance was amended to allow non-resident members on the park and recreation commission. He stated that this amendment was made ten years ago himself. He indicated that he is in support of changing the ordinance back to not allowing non-resident members on the park and recreation commission because the city of Elk River is a growing city and has capable residents to serve on the commission. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON MOVED THAT ANY BOARD OR COMMISSION THAT HAS THE ABILITY TO RECOMMEND OR PROPOSE A TAX LEVY OR FEE INCREASE ALLOW ONLY RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER ON THE BOARD OR COMMISSION. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. Councilmember Farber indicated that he felt the ice arena commission should be excluded from the motion. Councilmember Thompson indicated that he felt the restriction should apply to all of the boards and commissions. THE MOTION FAILED 2-3. Councilmembers Farber and Dietz, and Mayor Duitsman opposed. 4. 12/14/98 - Council Minutes 6.2. Board and Commission Appointments Councilmember Thompson stated that individuals who serve on commission for the city should be residents of the city. He further stated that commissions charged with recommending an increase in fees or imposing levies or bonds should have all its members be residents of the city. Councilmember Thompson stated that there are capable people living in the city to serve on boards and commissions. Councilmember Farber stated that the ice arena commission is different than the other commissions. He explained that Elk River Youth Hockey owned the original ice arena building and turned it over to the City of Elk River. He further stated that Elk River Youth Hockey has invested significant funds into the new arena. S:\CLERK\BOARDCOM\HistoryX~Residency Requirements Background.doc