HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-24 CHC MIN
City of Stillwater
Charter Commission
Nov. 24, 2009
Present: Patrick Needham, chair
Gene Bealka, Orwin Carter, Tom Corbett, Dorothy Molstad, Jim Roush,
and Terry Zoller
Chair Needham called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Approval of minutes: The minutes of Sept. 15, 2008, were approved on a motion by Mr.
Zoller, seconded by Mr. Bealka. Ms. Molstad asked about the status of the Charter
Commission’s recommendation that the Council adopt an ordinance (Charter
amendment) that would preclude Council members from serving on the Charter
Commission. Mr. Needham stated that the Council had the second reading (final
adoption) of the ordinance.
New Business
Mr. Needham introduced new member Kim Swanson.
Mr. Needham announced that he would be resigning from the Commission, but said he
would be willing to assist whoever is elected the new chair in the transition period.
Election of officers
Mr. Bealka nominated Terry Zoller as chair. Mr. Roush seconded the motion; motion
passed unanimously. Mr. Zoller nominated Mr. Corbett as vice chair. Mr. Roush
seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously.
Other business
Mr. Needham stated Mr. Zoller had asked about the possibility of Clerk Ward attending
Charter Commission meetings to reduce the amount of back-and-forth involved in
Commission actions/questions. Mr. Needham stated he had brought the suggestion to
Administrator Hansen but had not heard back from him; Mr. Needham said that Mr.
Hansen had raised concerns about the budget and the need to pay overtime. During
discussion, it was noted that Ms. Ward would not have to attend every meeting; her
presence could be requested on a meeting-by-meeting basis. It was consensus to
continue conducting meetings as has been done in the past.
Mr. Needham pointed out that one of the big upcoming issues will be the census and
possible redrawing of ward boundaries. Ms. Molstad said it would be helpful to have a
timeline for required actions; Mr. Zoller said he would ask Clerk Ward to provide the
Commission with a timeline.
Mr. Corbett reminded the Commission of the need to provide the Chief Judge with an
annual report of the Commission’s activities. Mr. Corbett said he would put together a
summary of activities and circulate the report by e-mail.
Mr. Bealka noted there will be at least two open positions on the Commission, and said
he had talked with one person who is interested in serving. Mr. Roush stated earlier in
the meeting that while campaigning he had spoken with several people who had
expressed interest in serving on City advisory commission/boards. There was a question
as to whether there would be a quorum for the February meeting.
Meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Zoller, seconded by Mr. Corbett.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary