CCMin 2011-06-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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BCC's had been in existence and Ms. Hetrick said she would obtain this information for that Council Member. One Council Member inquired about the overtime that Mr. Beth and Ms. Ekas departments pay staff. Mr. Beth explained that in his Department he does not get overtime and his Secretary adjusts her schedule. Mr. Beth, Parks Recreation and Community Services Director, added that there was a great partnership on events and BCCs were invaluable in supporting these events. Another Council Member wanted confirmation that if there was time saved then at least staff could refocus its energy to do what must be done. Mr. Beth confirmed that in reality his Department was under staffed. Dr. Bell clarified that the Secretary either adjusted her schedule or gets compensatory time per the MOU. Mayor Ira commented that this was before Council, because everybody had to give. In his opinion, it was not a dollar issue but a time issue due to the lean organization we are. He wanted to make sure the community was engaged and staff was freed to provide the services they were supposed to provide. Public Comment Warren Dale, Civic Cultural Commission (CCC) Vice Chair, complimented Council for its diligence in looking at issues pertaining to doing more with less and the selection of BCC members. He spoke about economic impacts and what the CCC had been doing: creation of a strategic plan, private and public fund-raising, adjusting the frequency of their meetings, and having more subcommittee meetings. Dr. Harold Draeger, Senior Affairs Commission (SAC) Vice-Chair spoke in favor, both personally and on behalf of the SAC, that it remain a BCC. He spoke about how approximately 20 percent of the population was over age 65 and this figure was expected to increase and the need for a strong voice to and for the Council. He also commented that they could operate on a bimonthly basis using subcommittees to help reduce staff support time. Janet Borgens, Planning Commission Chair, spoke about looking for savings, getting "more bang for the buck" and how the Planning Commission represented the eyes and ears of the community for things Council may not be aware of. She spoke against being reactive as opposed to proactive and against term limits. She noted that BCCs do an enormous amount of work that freed up staff. She did not want to lose more staff. Diane Howard, Pride and Beautification Committee Chair (and former Mayor and former Council Member), opined that she spoke for many in thanking Council, staff, and the BCCs in keeping solvent. She commended the recommendations that would save staff time and money, but questioned how the report did not elaborate on how they were made and that they were not asked for their thoughts nor approached by any of the - consultant team to her knowledge. She said they want to be a role model for other committees in saving staff time and they have been able to find supporters and funding and hold early morning meetings. She expressed the hope that these decisions will not discourage others from volunteering in the future. Richard (Dick) Claire, Port Commission Vice Chair (and former Mayor and former Council Member) opined that the BCCs save Council work and headaches. He said that when the Senior Affairs Commission (SAC) used to report to the Parks, Recreation JOINT CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD June 27, 2011 MEETING/BUDGET STUDY SESSION II MINUTES PAGE 8 MINUTE BOOK NO. 63 Page No. 357