Mayor Marie Dougherty led a discussion regarding the creation of City Council committees designed to allow for a more detailed review of city issues outside of regular council meetings. The proposed committees would primarily serve in an advisory capacity and would not require a rigid schedule.
The council discussed several specific committees, including a Communications Committee to work with staff on public messaging, branding, and website content. Jennifer Christensen noted that improving communication should be a two-way process to help the public understand council decisions and city initiatives.
Other proposed committees include a Heritage Days Committee to assist with event planning and volunteer recruitment, and a Code Committee to review city code and assist with ordinance revisions. The Council also discussed an Audit Committee intended to provide financial oversight and improve the city's annual Fraud Risk Assessment score. This committee may include a citizen member with experience in governmental accounting or finance.
Regarding the annual budget process, the council expressed support for assigning councilmembers to specific departmental budget areas rather than establishing one large committee. City Manager Trevor Cahoon stated that similar systems used in other municipalities can improve communication and reduce pressure during the annual budget process.
The council reached a preliminary consensus on several committee assignments, including Jennifer Christensen for the Communications Committee and Spencer Arave and Adam Larsen for the Heritage Days Committee. Chris Danson was identified as the chair for the Audit Committee.
Budget department assignments were also discussed, with Chris Danson assigned to Administration, Finance, Community Development, and Technology; Jennifer Christensen to Public Safety; Spencer Arave to Parks and Recreation; Adam Larsen to Public Works; and Dane Searle to Capital Facilities.
Mayor Dougherty agreed to create an Emergency Preparedness Committee following a proposal by Jennifer Christensen. This committee would focus on reviewing the City's Emergency Operations Plan, evaluating emergency notification systems, and increasing public awareness of preparedness efforts.
