HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-20 CHC MIN
Ms. Czar suggested the possibility of requiring officials to declare any
financial holdings such as is done with candidates for state legislature.
Then such information will be a matter of public record and a place when
people can go if they question an official's vote. Ms. Czar also asked
. whether personal financial interest would include an official's immediate
family.
There was a discussion of recusal vs. resignation and the difficulty of
enforcing conflict of interest measures. There also was a discussion as to
what constitutes financial interest and to whom public disclosure must be
made in cases of possible conflict.
Conflict ot Interest: Mr. Lieberman went through the various section of the
measure. He noted that the language in Section 7: 1 Oa had been changed
from "material" to "personal interest." Section 7:09 basically restates the
state statute. 7: 10 states that in an instance of conflict of interest, the
official in question must not participate in related discussions/votes; the
official is not required to resign. Section 7: 11 relates to definitions. The
proposed language expands conflict of interest to include matters related
to zoning, licensing and issuance of permits.
Update on Council/Board appointments: It was agreed that Mr. Valsvik and
Mr. Keister would attend the Council meeting when the provision is
scheduled for its second reading to answer any questions Council members
might have. There also was a brief discussion as to what action to take in
the event the Council does not pass the measure.
.
Approval of minutes: Mr. Valsvik asked that the minutes be corrected to
indicate the motion regarding Conflict of Interest was to send the
proposed language back to the subcommittee with the final draft to be
returned at the May meeting. Mr. Valsvik, seconded by Ms. Purcell, moved
approval of the April 22, 1996, minutes as corrected; all in favor.
Mr. Old called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Laurie Maher
Absent:
Tim Old, acting chairman
Kathy Czar, Steve Keister, Howard Lieberman, Nancy Purcell,
Mary Ruch, Richard Slivik and Don Valsvik
Present:
.
CHARTER COMMISSION
May 20, 1996
.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary
Ms. Purcell, seconded by Mr. Lieberman, moved to adjourn the meeting at
8:45 p.m.
. Mr. Lieberman, seconded by Ms. Czar, moved to form a subcommittee to
work out the details of a workshop/retreat; all in favor. Ms. Rueh, Ms Czar
and Mr. Lieberman agreed to serve on the subcommittee.
. Mr. Lieberman, seconded by Ms. Purcell, moved to hold no official
Commission meeting during the summer (June through August) other than a
Commission workshop of retreat; all in favor.
. Mr. lieberman, seconded by Mr. Slivik, to delay discussion of the City
Manager issue to the first meeting in the fall. Mr. Keister said he would
contact the Minnesota League of Cities to get some background
. information so members will be prepared to discuss the issue in the fall;
Mr. Old also has information on state statutes regarding city manager that
he will make available to members.
Other business:
. Mr. SIivik brought up the issue of the disposition/use of the Aiple
property and other city-owned property. He suggested the Commission
should starting thinking about that issue again.
Mr. Valsvik, seconded by Mr. Lieberman, moved to set a workshop date with
the City Council to present the proposed Conflict of Interest provision; all
in favor.
. Ms. Purcell said she would like to see language similar to the state
requirement regarding public disclosure of material holdings included in
the city's Charter provision. Ms. Purcell, seconded by Mr. Valsvik, moved
approval of the final draft amending the wording in 7: 1 Ob to include
"publicly disclose all financial holdings." The vote was 7-1, with Ms. Ruch
voting no. Later, Ms. Ruch explained she voted no because of a concern that
requiring public disclosure of financial information might discourage
people from running for office.
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