HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-12-17 CHC MINr
Charter Commission
IP Dec. 17, 2001
Present: Wayne Anderson, chair
Gene Bealka, Richard Colemier, Chuck Donnelly, Gary Kriesel,Nile Kriesel,
Patrick Needham and Mary Ruch
Others: City Clerk Diane Ward,Ryan Smith of the Engineering Department and three
Stillwater Area High School government class students
Absent: John Lund
Mr. Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Approval of minutes: N. Kriesel, seconded by Mr. Colemier, moved approval of the Nov. 19,
2001, minutes as submitted; motion passed unanimously.
Redistricting Framework
Ms. Ward provided maps of four legislative redistricting proposals, as well as a memo indicating
current voter registration numbers by Ward.
Mr. Smith highlighted a quadrant redistricting plan that accommodates estimated population for
2006 and is based on 2000 Census blocks and physical features. He noted that cities are allowed
III a lot of leeway to accommodate projected future population growth. There is no set percentage
point for population variations between wards, he said. He stated the "ideal" ward population is
4,198. Mr. Smith said the plan was developed following state guidelines and based on more
natural boundaries so as to be more comprehensible to the voting public.
During discussion, Mr. Donnelly asked abut the current population in Ward 4 versus the model.
Mr. Smith stated current population is 2,900 with 3,700 projected. Mr. Bealka expressed a
concern about the Lily Lake area.
Ms. Ruch noted the Commission was going to set goals before drawing Ward lines. The maps all
show neighborhoods as the most important consideration. However, if population is the most
important consideration, Wards should be split horizontally, she said.
It was consensus that preserving existing neighborhoods and accommodating future growth were
the two top priorities. Mr. Donnelly also spoke in favor of keeping existing polling places if
possible.
After discussion, goals were stated: to preserve neighborhoods as they are today; to plan for
future population growth based on the best information available; to have boundaries that are
logical and understandable to the voting public; and to maintain the same polling places.
G. Kriesel moved approval of the stated goals and approval of the quadrant model Ward plan;
• Mr. Colemier seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Colemier will continue working with Mr. Smith to further refine the proposed map.
Old Business
Mr. Donnelly referred to the communication from City Attorney Magnuson regarding the Water
Board, noting that having a separate Water Board provides no advantage for liability issues or
bond rating.
Ms. Ruch provided a list of charter cities in Minnesota and stated that when making comparisons
between Stillwater and other cities, comparisons should be made with charter cities rather than
statutory cities.
Mr. Colemier, seconded by Mr. Bealka,moved to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary
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