04/18/2006 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 4/18/2006 Rule 20. Motion made by Ryan second Orlowski that this be held in committee so that more members of Council can add input as to proposed changes previously suggested by the Law Department. Vote on Motion Ryan yes Orlowski yes. Before leaving the subject it was suggested by Ryan that the Rule be removed and be shown as repealed. The suggestion from the law department as to the language seemed better covered by the other rules and ordinances of the City as to the ethical conduct of an elected official. Both Orlowski and Barker indicated that they would prefer that Rule 20 continue to set out the ethical requirements when a Council Person votes. Rule 62. Motion made Ryan second Orlowski that it is recommended to Council that Rule 62 be changed to reflect that when any Proposed Council Rule change is proposed that it be referred to the Intra-Government Committee. Vote Ryan yes Orlowski yes. Discussion had as to how much time should be permitted to each person requesting to address Council. All participated in the discussion. A strong case was made that each person be permitted five minutes. If the person could not complete his presentation that the person be given an additional five minutes after all others have had the opportunity to address Council. In that this is the only time that all the elected official are together, it is a unique opportunity for citizens to address all at one time. It being the very foundation of a Democracy, all in attendance felt strongly that everything should be done to make anyone speaking to feel comfortable, to be given every courtesy, and insure that enough time is provided to fully set out there concerns. All felt that it should be with the discretion of the Chair to insure that all are so treated and further that there should be a way to allow additional time on those rare occasions when more should be covered. It was suggested that the public part of the meeting should consist only of citizens speaking. At the end of that part of the meeting any public official who felt that matters brought up during such presentations, a short period of time should be allowed to respond. Public debate certainly should be welcomed but personal attacks and hostilities including discourtesies should always be stopped by the chair. The goal must be open and honest exchanges for the purpose of all to understand what others consider important and to calmly address each problem. A short discussion was had led by Orlowski concerning the Sportsman Club of North Olmsted and their annual event. In the past the City as helped with the event. In that the recreation portion of the budget is very tight, it was decided this year not to be involved. Orlowski had asked for clarification and was satisfied with the explanation. COMMITTEE COMPLETED AGENDA MOTION TO ADJOURN MADE AND APPROVED" 13