Muscatine City Council plans to establish liaisons between the council and other city boards and commissions after discussion during the regular in-depth meeting Thursday evening. During the meeting, the council reached a consensus to move ahead with appointing council members as liaisons to the city’s boards and commissions. During discussion it was determined that the liaisons would have no power on the commission and their purpose would be to answer questions or clarify what the council wants from a committee.
City Administrator Carol Webb explained that in October 2023 the council reviewed the board and commission system. At the time the council determined establishing a liaison would assist the council by providing two-way communication. Webb created two options for the council — having council members appointed to boards and commissions, or having a council liaison.
The Muscatine City Council discussed upgrading parking meters in the downtown area as well as an increase in parking fees during its in-depth meeting Thursday. “The responsibilities are not to direct the boards or commissions, and not to serve on the board,” Webb said. “It is primarily to serve as a contact with the council and provide that two-way communication.
” She said the council should make a decision on whether to appoint liaisons. Council member Don Lampe said that many times the first time he hears of a recommendation from a board of commission is when they are first brought in front of .