12-13-2016 CCM WorkshopHUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL WORKSHOP
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 AT 4:00 PM
CITY CENTER — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
I . Call to Order
Mayor Gary Forcier called the meeting to order. Members present were Chad Czmowski, Mary
Christensen and John Lofdahl. Member absent was Bill Arndt. Otherspresent were Matt
Jaunich, City Administrator, Kent Exner, City Engineer and Marc Sebora, City Attorney and
other city directors.
DISCUSSION/REVIEW ITEMS
2. Review of current Committees, Commissions and Boards
3. Review of Purpose and Objectives of the current Committees, Commissions and Boards
a. Are those purposes and objectives being met?
b. Is there a need for new purposes and objectives for certain groups?
4. Discussion on the Strengths and Weaknesses of each group — Director Feedback
5. Is there a need for a new Committees, Commissions or Boards?
6. Are there Committees, Commissions or Boards no longer needed?
7. 2017 City Council Appointments
8. Recruitment of Community Members to serve on Committees, Commissions and Boards
9. Anything Else?
10. Adjournment
Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, reviewed a listing of the current boards and commissions and
the council members assigned to them.
Mayor Forcier commented that he has found it hard to get the public involved on serving on
boards and commissions or even attending board meetings after they are appointed.
Mr. Jaunich asked if the Council is comfortable with the boards and commissions that are
currently established. Mr. Jaunich reminded the Council that the Solid Waste Committee is no
longer active and the City/School Joint Planning Committee is inactive. Council Member
Lofdahl noted that he feels the boards/commissions that he serves on are all necessary. General
discussion was held on whether or not the City/School Joint Planning Committee should be taken
offline rather than inactive as there are different subcommittees that are established that are
project specific. Council Member Lofdahl commented that perhaps the Tree Board and the
Creekside Advisory Board could be combined. Andy Kosek, Creekside Manager, noted that the
Creekside Advisory Board meets quarterly and is more of a sounding board for the facility.
Kosek mentioned that because of the length of time between meetings it provides more for an
update from staff to the advisory board. Kent Exner, City Engineer, noted that it has been
contemplated to create an environmental/sustainability board that encapsulates Creekside
activities and forestry activities and energy activities. The overall consensus was that this may be
a good direction to head. Another board that needs to be reviewed and discussed is the Joint
Planning Board. It was noted that the majority of the boards/commissions in the City are required
either by statute or by an agreement. Council Member -Elect Cook commented that perhaps some
of the boards could reduce their number of members.
Dan Jochum, Planning Director, recommended that the Public Arts Commission and City Council
meet on an annual basis for the PAC to present to the Council their annual plan and programs
being considered for the Council to provide their feedback and approval.
Council Member Bill Arndt arrived at 4:30 p.m.
Council Member Czmowski also suggested that the PRCE board be provided with more purpose
and provide specific recommendations to the Council on projects.
Mr. Jaunich spoke about the annual updates provided by about half of the boards/commissions
and the value that provides to the Council.
Council Member -Elect Steve Cook suggested that the boards/commissions be part of the
Chamber Leadership program to get information out and perhaps use a City Facebook page to
provide information about the City's boards/commissions.
Exner mentioned that a regional transportation coalition may be formed over the next couple of
years. Cook mentioned perhaps a historic preservation commission could be created to
complement Historic Hutchinson, as well as a downtown historic preservation commission. Cook
also suggested creating a youth board — they could meet semi-annually, or it could be part of
PRCE Board or it could be an annual summit. Cook suggested some sort of board would be
beneficial in helping to make decisions for the youth in the community.
Council Member Lofdahl brought up the Hutchinson Waters group and perhaps a necessity of the
City to create a group to work on issues with the river. Exner noted that staff will begin
initiatives to administer a study and will be working with Hutchinson Waters to begin with to
come up with an action plan. At this point, Hutchinson Waters has been rather informal.
Council Members expressed their interested on the boards they would like to be assigned to in
2017.
Mayor Forcier noted that an appointment will need to be made to the Hutchinson Utilities
Commission due to the resignation of Donna Luhring. Mayor Forcier will be recommending the
appointment of Don Martinez.
Chief Hatten spoke of the duties of the Police Commission.
Motion by Lofdahl, second by Christensen to adjourn at 5:07 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Gary T. Forcier
Mayor
ATTEST:
Matthew Jaunich
City Administrator