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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-15 CHC MIN Charter Commission November 15, 2010 Present: Terry Zoller, Chair Orwin Carter, Ann McLellan, Wally Milbrandt, Dorothy Molstad, and Dwayne Nelson Absent: Gene Bealka, Ron Nelson and Kim Swanson Mr. Zoller called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Mr. Milbrandt, seconded by Ms. Molstad, to approve the minutes of May 17, 2010 meeting. Motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS  Continued discussion of City’s request to collect unpaid fees – Mr. Zoller indicated that Attorney Magnuson has stated this matter has been resolved. Ms. Molstad asked if there was any indication as to how the issue was resolved. In discussion, it was noted the Commission had directed Mr. Magnuson to draft language for an ordinance that would enable to City to collect such fees, but never heard whether that ordinance was adopted by the Council; Mr. Milbrandt suggested that directing Mr. Magnuson to draft the ordinance ended the Commission’s involvement in the matter. It was consensus that this is no longer an issue for the Commission.  Continued discussion of change from a ward system to an at-large system – Ms. Molstad questioned changing the system and stated people she had spoke with are against going away from the current Ward system. Mr. Carter said Councilmembers that he had talked with did not like the prospect of having to campaign on a city-wide basis. Ms. McClellan said she did not like the proposal to have the Mayor a non-voting member. Mr. Zoller said one issue he sees with the current system is that the Mayor and Councilmembers from Wards 1 and 3 are on the ballot at the same time, putting the Councilmembers from those Wards at a disadvantage if they want to run for Mayor, as they could only do so by giving up their council seat, while Councilmembers from the other Wards could seek the mayoral position without putting their council spot in jeopardy. Mr. Carter pointed out that in 2012, all seats will be up for election due to redistricting. Mr. Milbrandt agreed that Mr. Zoller’s concern is a discussion point for the future, but not pertinent to Mr. Bealka’s proposal for the at-large system. In discussion, it was noted that people frequently are on the ballot for two positions at the national level, Page 1 of 2 with the appointment process used should that person be elected to the higher of the two offices he or she was seeking election to. Motion by Mr. Milbrandt, seconded by Ms. McClellan, to cease consideration of changing the Ward system to an at-large system, Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Milbrandt suggested directing Attorney Magnuson to research the issue of having someone run for two offices at the same time to determine if there is a precedent for that; Ms. Molstad suggested that Mr. Magnuson also look at whether the Charter would have to be amended to permit that. Mr. Nelson suggested that one way to deal with the issue would be to have all council positions on the ballot in the same year, with the Mayor up for election in the next election cycle. Mr. Zoller suggested asking Clerk Ward to check with the League of Minnesota Cities to see how other communities deal with the issue of voting/election scheduling for Councilmembers and Mayor. Mr. Carter noted that the Minneapolis mayor does not vote. It was consensus to ask Mr. Magnuson and Clerk Ward to do the requested research. NEW BUSINESS  Discussion of a new chairperson – Mr. Zoller stated he would like to step down as chairperson. Mr. Milbrandt said he thought with the upcoming redistricting, it would be prudent for the Commission not to be headed by a former Councilmember due to public perception; former Councilmembers include himself, Mr. Zoller and Mr. Bealka, he noted. Mr. Carter said he thought he could accept the chairmanship, but expressed concern about his Rotary duties; Mr. Milbrandt said he would be willing to help Mr. Carter as vice chair. Motion by Mr. Zoller, seconded by Mr. Nelson to appoint Mr. Carter as chair. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Mr. Zoller, seconded by Ms. Molstad, to appoint Mr. Milbrandt vice chair. Motion passed unanimously. It was noted the next meeting will be the third Monday in February. Mr. Milbrandt pointed out several memberships are due for renewal. Mr. Zoller said those up this year have been renewed. There was a brief discussion of the redistricting process and the current ward boundaries. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary Page 2 of 2