Clarifying the Anadromous Fish Task Force Facilitator’s Role
NEWS RELEASE
November 28, 2012
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Fred Braun
E-Mail: brauncom@ptialaska.com
C. 907-252-8375
Or: Stacy Oliva
E-Mail:stacy@ljalaska.com
H: 907-776-8656 wk/hm
C: 907-252-1600
A resolution was filed with the Borough Clerk today to clarify the role of Facilitator of the Anadromous Fish Task Force meetings. This resolution is necessary to insure that the Task Force’s recommendations are truly independent and not influenced by the Borough administration. This Task Force was created by the Borough Mayor to provide public comments and recommendations regarding Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) Ordinance 2011-12. This ordinance zoned the first 50 feet of property adjacent to all streams, lakes and other water bodies on the Kenai Peninsula, Kalgin Island and west side of Cook Inlet that were not previously named to Borough Code 21.18.
Soldotna, Alaska (November 28, 2012) – Task Force member Fred Braun filed a resolution today with the Borough Clerk that if adopted by the Task force, will clarify the role of Facilitator.
“The task Force meetings need to be open, transparent and unbiased,” according to member, Fred Braun. “This resolution is intended to keep the recommendations of the Task Force based on facts, and not biased by special interests,” Braun added
The Task Force meetings are conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order which are very specific when it comes to the role of Facilitator. “Task Force Facilitator Paul Ostrander also holds the title of Kenai Peninsula Borough Chief of Staff. He reports directly to KPB Mayor Navarre, and as such, he is an advocate for the administration’s position. This dual role thereby creates a conflict of interest. In addition, there is also clear conflict of interest between the duties of a Facilitator, and that of a voting member of the Task Force, as defined by Robert’s Rule of Order,” Braun continued.
“The Resolution will direct Ostrander … not to participate in any discussion except when necessary to ‘facilitate’ the meeting. … Ostrander should not advocate his or the administration’s position at any time during the meeting, including the closing comment period, or in his comments made to the media. Ostrander, as Facilitator, should not be a voting member of the Task Force. This Resolution is necessary to insure that Task Force proceedings are fair and unbiased. The public deserves no less,” stated Stacy Oliva, Task Force Member.
“Mr. Ostrander previously stated publicly at Task Force meetings (as reported in the October 24, 2012 Peninsula Clarion) his opinions regarding the outcome of the Task Force to wit: (1) there would unlikely be votes on the Assembly to repeal Ordinance 2011-12 and (2) that “misinformation” allegedly put forward by opponents of the ordinance, needing, be ‘squelched’ and ‘squashed’; thereby acting in a manner not consistent with the commonly defined function of a Facilitator. In addition to Ostrander’s function as Facilitator for the Task Force, he further asserted his intention to be a voting member. Because Ostrander reports directly to the Mayor, this act compromises the definition of a Facilitator — who acts ‘without taking a particular position in the discussion’ of Task Force business”, Braun concluded.
A Facilitator is defined by Webster’s Online Dictionary as “someone who skillfully helps a group of people understand their common objectives and assists them to plan to achieve them without taking a particular position in the discussion. The facilitator will try to assist the group in achieving a consensus on any disagreements that preexist or emerge in the meeting so that it has a strong basis for future action”.
“The Task Force hearings must follow the rules, as adopted, in order to gain the public’s trust. This resolution is necessary to insure that the Task Force can complete their job in a fair, unbiased manner,” Oliva concluded.
The wording of the Resolution is written below:
RESOLUTION TO CLARIFY THE POSITION OF FACILATOR FOR KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH FISH HABITAT PROTECTION TASK FORCE
WHEREAS, at the first meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Anadromous Fish Habitat Protection Task Force (“Task Force”) on August 9, 2012, Paul Ostrander was named “Facilitator” without dissent from the Task Force members; and
WHEREAS, a Facilitator is defined by Webster’s Online Dictionary as “someone who skillfully helps a group of people understand their common objectives and assists them to plan to achieve them without taking a particular position in the discussion. The facilitator will try to assist the group in achieving a consensus on any disagreements that preexist or emerge in the meeting so that it has a strong basis for future action”; and
WHEREAS, at the Task Force meeting of August 13, 2012 Robert’s Rules of Order was adopted as rules of procedure; and
WHEREAS, Paul Ostrander holds the title of Kenai Peninsula Borough Chief of Staff and reports directly to KPB Mayor Navarre and as such is an advocate for the administration’s position thereby creating a potential (or perceived) conflict of interest; and
WHEREAS, there is a clear conflict of interest between the duties of a Facilitator and that of a voting member of the Task Force as defined Robert’s Rule of Order; and
WHEREAS, Paul Ostrander, the Task Force Facilitator, has stated publicly at Task Force meetings, as reported in the October 24, 2012 Peninsula Clarion, his opinion regarding an outcome of the Task Force to wit: (1) there would unlikely be votes on the Assembly to repeal Ordinance 2011-12 and (2) that “misinformation” allegedly put forward by opponents of the ordinance, needing, be ‘squelched’ and ‘squashed’, thereby acting in a partisan manner not consistent with the commonly defined functions of a Facilitator; and
WHEREAS, in addition to Paul Ostrander’s function as Facilitator for the Task Force he now claims to be a voting member who reports directly to the Mayor thereby compromising the very definition of a Facilitator who acts “without taking a particular position in the discussion” of Task Force business; and
WHEREAS, as the Facilitator, has permitted an original member of the Task Force to continue as a ‘non-voting’ member even after the state agency who employs the member has declared a conflict of interest; and
WHEREAS, in the interest of open and unbiased public debate, Paul Ostrander in the capacity of the Task Force Facilitator should not participate in any discussions, nor advocate the administration’s or his own personal views during closing comments or interviews with the media that might bias the outcome of this Task Force, nor should he be a full voting “member” of the Task Force;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH ANADROUMOUS FISH TASK FORCE:
SECTION 1: That Paul Ostrander shall act in accordance with the duties of Facilitator as commonly defined and understood.
SECTION 2: That Paul Ostrander shall not participate in any discussion except when necessary to ‘facilitate’ the meeting.
SECTION 3: To preserve the position of Facilitator as unbiased, Paul Ostrander shall not advocate his or the administration’s position at any time during the meeting, including the closing comment period or in his comments made to the media.
SECTION 4: That Paul Ostrander shall not be a voting member of the Task Force.
SECTION 5: This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
Category: Uncategorized
Seldovia Time
