By Kristine Thomas
The Mt. Angel City Council had a work session Feb. 9 called “Governing Basics for City Councilors” presented by Jennie Messmer of the League of Oregon Cities and Valerie Saiki of City Council Insurance Services.
Messmer reviewed with the councilors – four of whom are new – the city’s charter and council rules. Topics included public meeting laws, council and mayor responsibilities and ordinances.
Messmer said the atmosphere of the meeting was positive and the councilors and mayor were eager to work together to move the community “forward in a positive direction.”
After the meeting, Schiedler said he received good feedback from the councilors and thought both Messmer and Saiki “did an excellent job.”
Schiedler said it appeared some areas in the city’s charter and council rules need to be updated and revised, something the council plans to do when it gets an opportunity.
“The council all seems to be focused on working together and they are ready to move forward and accomplish our goals and do good things for the city of Mt. Angel,” Schiedler said. “I see the mood among the councilors as being very positive and this has helped keep me energized during these uncertain times.”
Councilor Kelly Grassman said she feels anytime the council can expand its knowledge base that it’s “beneficial to us, and in turn the city.”
