O-1999-2319 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

e e 3.5 A request for information that is received by a Board or Commission under the Open Records Act, should immediately file the written request to both the City Attorney and City Manager. The act requires that a Governmental body must request a decision from the Attorney General, within ten (10) calendar days after the date of receipt of request, prior to withholding information. Section 4 Meeting Attendance. A member of a Board or Commission that has a regular monthly or semi-monthly meeting shall be expected to maintain a suitable attendance record. It is important to keep in mind that your attendance is very important to the Board or Commission you are serving on and that the City Council appointed you for your expertise. Certain Boards and Commissions may have attendance policies established by Ordinance or Statute. However, because your attendance is important, the City Council has also adopted the following attendance policy: If a board member is absent from more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the duly called meetings in any period of twelve consecutive months or absent from more than two (2) duly called meetings in any period of twelve consecutive months, whichever is greater, for any reason, other than a medical reason which prevents the member's attendance, will be subject to removal by City Council. The term "duly called meetings" includes all meetings of the board and all meetings of subcommittees of the board on which the board member serves. The Secretary of the Board or Commission is responsible for keeping track of the members' attendance. The Secretary shall provide the La Porte's City Council, through the City Secretary's Office, with a quarterly attendance report. Section 5 Working with City Staff. Each Board or Commission member is encouraged to communicate openly with the City Staff. Suggestions, opportunities, and constructive criticism are necessary for a proper relationship with the staff. However, each Board or Commission member is strongly encouraged to communicate with the appropriate department director assigned to that Board or Commission or with the City Manager's Office. Contact with operational type people or individuals below the department director level is discouraged. The Director of Planning working with the Planning and Zoning Commission members and the Director of Public works communicating with the Airport Advisory Board are examples of these relationships. Section 6 Reporting to the City Counell. The council is highly dependent on each Board and Commission to make recommendations and offer possible solutions to City projects and opportunities. All Boards and commissions are encouraged to communicate the position of the total or majority of the group. Such communication or recommendations should be in a formal or written form. Of course, each Board or Commission member may from time-to-time want to visit infonnally with a Council member. This one-on-one informal communication is necessary, but, to protect the integrity of the organization, the complete Council should be addressed in terms of the majority of the members of the Board or Commission. . 8