HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-19 CHC MIN
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City of Stillwater
Charter Commission
July 19, 2004
Present: Mary Ruch, chair
Wayne Anderson, Gene Bealka, Richard Colemier, Ned Gordon,
Dorothy Molstad, Patrick Needham and Dwayne Nelson
Absent: John Lund
Ms. Ruch called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Approval of minutes: Mr. Anderson moved approval of the minutes of April 26, 2004.
Mr. Colemier seconded the motion, noting his name was spelled incorrectly. Motion to
approve passed unanimously.
Introduction of new members: Ms. Ruch noted that Mr. Edstrom was unable to serve on
the Commission. Ned Gordon was welcomed to the group.
Old business: Ms. Ruch said she had spoken with Sue Moore at City Hall regarding the
timely publishing of future meeting notices.
Review of Charter: Ms. Ruch provided copies of the City Charter to new members, Ned
Gordon and Dwayne Nelson. She asked that they review and familiarize themselves with
the document.
Discussion of future agenda items: Ms. Ruch said since she does not work in the City, she
is reliant on other members to bring forward items that the Commission should be
looking at.
Mr. Colemier said he hadn't heard of any big pressing issues.
Mr. Bealka said he was confused as to the Charter Commission's role and its authority,
noting that the Water Board issue went to a referendum. There was a general discussion
of the Commission's authority and the referendum process. Ms. Ruchnoted that if the
Commission had known the Council would be forced to go to a special election on the
Water Board issue, the Commission might not have proceeded, asking the Council to
spend about $9,000 on that special election. Ms. Ruch suggested that the Charter
Commission ought to develop language specifying the referendum process as an
addendum to the Charter. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Gordon volunteered to work with Ms.
Ruch on that project. Ms. Ruch also stated she thought it was important to spell out for
the Council that when the Charter Commission makes a recommendation to the Council,
the Council must take timely action on the recommendation, rather than letting the matter
"languish," as the Council has done in the past.
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Mr. Bealka suggested the Ward system as a possible study topic, saying he still hears
folks questioning why the City went to a Ward system, rather than an at-large system of
council representation. After discussion, it was the consensus not to do any further study
of that issue.
Ms. Ruch suggested the Commission might want to look at how the City is adhering to
the language in the Charter relating to the use of public lands along the riverfront. She
suggested it might be helpful to have someone who served on the Commission when that
amendment was added to the Charter come in for a discussion. Mr. Gordon said he would
talk with Laurie Maher, who served on the Commission at that time, regarding a possible
future discussion. Mr. Needham brought up the issue of the DNR's interest in a tax-
forfeited parcel at Rumpfs, as well as the use of the Aiple property.
Future meeting dates: It was agreed to scheduled the next meeting for Oct. 18.
Mr. Colemier, seconded by Mr. Gordon, moved to adjourn at 8 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary