Ethics Policy Review & Meeting Rules Committee

ETHICS POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE Conference Room 302A 10 N. Division Street Battle Creek, MI 49014 August 21, 2007 5:30 p.m. Committee Members Present: Commissioners Baldwin, Hersha, and Simmons Committee Members Absent: Commissioner Macfarlane Staff Present: City Attorney Clyde Robinson and City Clerk Susan Bedsole Call to Order: Commissioner Hersha called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m. Public Comment: There was no public comment. Business: A motion was made by Commissioner Baldwin, supported by Commissioner Owens, to approve the August 16, 2007, meeting minutes. All yes. Motion carried. Commissioner Hersha reviewed the draft that will be presented to the City Commission at the first meeting in December. Commissioner Owens suggested that after the first meeting in December, there should be a closed meeting, so that new commissioners could be updated about previous closed meetings. Commissioners Hersha and Baldwin agreed. Commissioner Baldwin suggested that new commissioners have the opportunity to meet the department heads. During the first closed meeting after the election, Attorney Robinson suggested discussing all of the issues from the previous closed meetings to bring new commissioners up to speed on active matters. This method wouldn’t be challenged as readily as calling a closed meeting for the sole purpose to bring new commissioners up to speed on current issues. Commissioner Hersha suggested that staff prepare an orientation program. Staff could use materials provided from the City Clerk for suggestions and ideas on how other areas handled orientations. Attorney Robinson asked when would be the best time to have the orientation set up. Commissioner Baldwin suggested a special meeting called regarding orientation after the election. Attorney Robinson recommended scheduling a regular meeting on the last Tuesday of November after the organizational meeting. Commissioner Hersha stated that the final draft will be forwarded to committee members for presentation at the first meeting in December. Commissioner Baldwin added that the final draft report should be sent out immediately for approval. Adjournment: Commissioner Hersha adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m. SB/mmj