HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-26 CHC MIN
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STILL WATER
CHARTER COMMISSION
MINUTES
April 26, 2004
Chairperson Ruch called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Mary Ruch, Richard Colemeier, Nile Kriesel, Gary
Kriesel, Patrick Needham, Wayne Anderson, John Lund, and Gene Bealka
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
OLD BUSINESS
Approval of Minutes - Motion by Mr. Lund, seconded by Mr. Anderson to approve the
minutes of January 12, 2004. All in favor.
Chairperson Ruch reported that Nile Kriesel has reviewed previous minutes to see if there
were any outstanding issues. Mr. Kriesel reported that he did not find any issues that
have not been covered. He also reported that Charter Commission meeting notices have
not been published in the Gazette in the past. The public is notified with a general
calendar listing the day ofthe month for all public meetings. Chairman Ruch will check
into publishing monthly notices.
NEW BUSINESS
Membership -
Dwayne Nelson, new member, introduced himself to the Commission.
Each of the members of the Charter Commission introduced themselves to those present.
Chairperson Ruch gave a brief description of the Charter Commission's duties, and the
expectations for members. Stillwater is a charter city as opposed to a statutory city.
Appointments to the Commission are made by a judge. The Charter Commission is
apolitical, and any issues that come before the Commission are studied before any
recommended changes to the Charter are made. Past issues have been the Ward System,
the Code of Ethics, study of City Manager form of government, redistricting, and the
Water Board merger recommendation. Nile Kriesel gave further background on the
formation of the Charter Commission.
Candidates for the open position on the Charter Commission, Dorothy Molstad, Dick
Edstrom and Edward Gordon, introduced themselves and explained their interest in
membership on the Charter Commission.
There is currently one vacancy on the Commission: Nile Kriesel's term expires May
2004, and he is retiring from the Commission. Chairperson Ruch stated that Gary Kriesel
.r '
had indicated his intention to retire also when his term expires in May. The Commission
discussed how many members could be appointed to the Commission. There are
currently nine members, but the statutes indicate that there shall be not less than seven
and not more than 15 members. The Commission members voted on the candidates and
Dorothy Molson and Dick Edstrom will be recommended to the district judge for
membership.
Taxpayers Bill of Rights -
Nile Kriesel explained the background on the Taxpayer Bills of Rights (TABOR) and the
negative impact it has had in Colorado.
Future Meetings and Agenda Items -
Chairperson Ruch proposed that the Commission not meet again until July (the third
Monday). She encouraged the new members to read the Charter. She also made a copy
of the statute establishing the Charter Commission. She asked that members contact her
if there are any items they would like put on the agenda. Ifthere are no agenda items, the
Commission will not meet in July.
Adjournment -
Motion by Mr. Colemeier, seconded by Mr. Lund to adjourn the meeting. All in favor.