Shoreview Farmers' Market - Winter

This handbook outlines the city’s appointment process, policies, and procedures for advisory groups. It also provides a summary of important aspects of activities and how they relate to the city as a whole. It does not incorporate all material and information necessary for undertaking the business of these and other groups. As a new member, we recommend that you meet with your staff liaison to learn more about your position. You may also want to review the advisory group’s mission, recent agendas and minutes, and any current goals. On behalf of the city council, I would like to congratulate you on your appointment to one of the many committees/commissions that we are fortunate to have in the City of Shoreview. These advisory groups play a valuable role in the governance process and assisting the city council in providing services, programs and facilities for our residents. Your sincere interest in serving on one is appreciated. This handbook is designed to provide information regarding the appointment process, the operation of Shoreview’s local government, and the general operating policies for all of our advisory groups. More specific information will be provided to you by your staff liaison. According to our community surveys, Shoreview is considered one of the best places to live in the Twin Cities metropolitan area with 96% of residents rating the quality of life as either excellent or good. As a city council we rely on the input and advice of our committees/commissions to help achieve and maintain this high ranking. Again, I want to thank you for dedicating your time and talents to serving our great city and I sincerely hope you find your experience with the city to be rewarding. All groups except for the economic development authority have three-year terms. The economic development authority has six-year terms. Attendance and remote participation Advisory groups benefit by having active and engaged members. Members are expected to attend all meetings in-person. However, the city understands that on occasion, members may need to miss or attend remotely. The policy requires members to try to attend at least 67% of all regular meetings. If you need to miss a meeting, please let the staff liaison know beforehand. Additionally, members may participate remotely up to three times per calendar year if the following requirements are met: If you need to attend remotely, please let the staff liaison know at least two business days ahead of the meeting. The city council has adopted anattendance policy for advisory groups(PDF, 178KB). They also receive annual attendance reports. Repeated unexcused absences can be grounds for the city council to consider replacing a member. Since all meetings are open to the public, advisory group members should maintain a professional appearance. The following clothes are unacceptable to wear at a meeting: Since planning commission meetings are televised live and rebroadcast, the standards of appearance are higher. Planning commission members should dress in business-casual or higher for all televised meetings. Chapter 2of the city code outlines our code of ethics. The following principles help ensure that advisory groups operate efficiently: Generally, state law prohibits public officials, including advisory group members, from having a personal financial interest in a sale, lease or contract they are authorized to make in their official capacity. Members must: If members have any question about a possible conflict of interest, they should contact their staff liaison who can check with the city attorney. All advisory group meetings are open to the public and subject to the open meeting law, (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13D). A meeting is considered official when a quorum is present. A meeting does not include social or chance gatherings not intended to avoid the law. The purpose of the open meeting law is: The primary requirements of the open meeting law are that: Any communicat