The Jenkins City Council reviewed an agenda request policy allowing outside entities to submit items to be included on monthly agendas during the Tuesday, Oct. 13, regular council meeting, according to email correspondence.
The policy is meant to determine the proper way for individuals to ensure they are included in upcoming council meetings. Those who wish to be on the agenda must submit an agenda request, along with supporting documents, to the city clerk no later than noon Monday before the next scheduled council meeting. Typically, as the council meets the second Monday of every month, this would mean the item should be submitted on the first Monday of the month.
The policy does say that particularly complex items may require a longer submission period. Agenda request forms will be available online, through email or at city hall.
Requests will be reviewed by the city clerk, who will then notify the applicant when the item will be placed on the agenda. The policy also clarifies that these requests cannot be kept confidential, as they are subject to the state's Data Practices Act. Those who are scheduled will be subject to all meeting rules and are limited to a 15-minute presentation.
The policy also addresses no-shows. In the case that an entity does not show up to their scheduled time twice, they may be barred from submitting further requests. They can then only participate under public comment with a 3-minute time limit, where council members may decide at that time whether to move what they are discussing to the agenda for official discussion.
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After discussion, the council decided to make some changes and discuss the policy again during a second monthly meeting Wednesday, Oct. 28.
In other business Oct. 13, the council:
- Directed city staff to create a city Facebook page and created a policy outlining how that page will be administered and how members will be managed.
- Discussed a policy for telework in case any employees are forced to work from home. The policy states that employees will retain all responsibilities, compensation and benefits and must comply with the city's established policies and practices as usual. It also stipulates that the employee will be available by phone during telework and must abide by their schedule. The policy was not approved yet, but will be discussed again Oct. 28
- Discussed a policy for use of technology belonging to the city. This policy establishes rules meant to protect the city's property in the case that an employee uses city technology, such as laptops, outside of city hall. It also establishes rules warning employees not to allow personal use of those devices to interfere with their work. They must also not store personal files on company equipment or use city equipment for personal business interests or political activities. This policy also will be discussed again, with changes, on Oct. 28.
- Reviewed a request by Pequot Lakes Police Sgt. Ryan Franz regulating use of ATVs and UTVs on city streets, shoulders and on County Road 145. Franz said Pequot Lakes considers use of ATVs in the right of way of roads as the jurisdiction of Crow Wing County and suggested the city post "ATV laws enforced" signs.
- Approved Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act fund distribution for improvement of telework capabilities of city employees for $1,881.60, personal protective equipment for $27.90, contact tracing for $2,733.77 and other expenses for $1,608.47. Expenses include upgrading the door to keyless entry and improving Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
- Set a public hearing for Monday, Nov. 2, to later be presented to the council Nov. 9 about a fencing policy as relating to storage units. Discussion will also include a comprehensive plan final draft.
Travis Grimler may be reached at 218-855-5853 or travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Travis.
