HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-15 CHC MIN
Charter Commission
Oct. 15,2001
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Present: Wayne Anderson, Chairperson
Gene Bealka, Richard Colemier, Chuck Donnelly, Gary Kriesel, Nile Kriesel
and Mary Ruch
Others: Prospective Commission member Patrick Needham and several members
of a Stillwater Area High School government class
Absent: Julie Ann Gustanski
Acting Chair Ms. Ruch called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and briefly explained the function of
the Charter Commission to the students in attendance. Mr. Anderson arrived and assumed the
chairmanship.
Approval of minutes: Mr. Colemier moved to approve the minutes of July 30, 2001, noting a
correction in the spelling of his name. Ms. Ruch seconded the motion; motion passed
unanimously.
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Water Board study
Mr. Anderson asked whether the City Council had adopted the Commission's proposed Charter
amendment regarding Council membership on the Water Board. N. Kriesel responded that the
Council did not act on the Commission's proposal and had appointed John Rheinberger to the
Water Board. Later in the meeting, there was some discussion as whether to pursue Council
membership on the City's various advisory bodies from a "more global perspective." It was the
consensus not to pursue the matter at this time. Several members expressed a concern that the
Council's action regarding the Commission's recommendation was not communicated back to
the Commission.
Mr. Anderson asked whether members wished to vote whether or not to continue to Session II of
the Water Board study pursuant to the study outline. N. Kriesel asked if all the questions the
Commission listed in the study outline for Session I had been answered; he said they were good
questions that should be answered before making a decision. Ms. Ruch noted that members were
unable to get hard answers to many of the questions, noting for example the question of whether
it is common to have a separate Water Board entity. Ms. Ruch noted the intent of the
Commission in undertaking the study was to stay on task and separate fact from opinion. Mr.
Anderson also spoke of the difficulty in finding answers to many of the questions. Mr. Donnelly
pointed out that what the Commission has found out is that the City's water rates are competitive
and residents are getting good service.
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N. Kriesel said the questions go beyond whether Stillwater's rates are comparable to other cities
of like size. He volunteered to do a written report answering some of the questions. He later
stated that efficiency of government is the responsibility of the Charter Commission and that is
the real heart of the issue. Mr. Donnelly asked whether the Commission has the right to study the
Water Board and not the rest of the City when it comes to the issue of efficiency; he also stated
that the administrative side of efficiency is not the Commission's area of expertise. Ms. Ruch
stated that if the desire is to revisit all of the Session I questions, then facts must be presented in
writing.
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Mr. Anderson again asked members whether they wished to vote on whether to proceed to
Session II ofthe study. Ms. Ruch suggested that since N. Kriesel said he could get answers to the
questions, the alternative is to have him come back with a written report. Mr. Colemier moved to
continue Session I to get additional information; G. Kriesel seconded the motion. Mr. Donnelly
suggested this was a opportunity for a new perspective on the issues that shouldn't be walked
away from. Ms. Ruch said she would support the motion if written reports are provided citing
sources of information. Mr. Colemier accepted that as a friendly amendment to his motion.
Amended motion passed 6-1, with Mr. Bealka voting no.
Commission membership
There was discussion regarding absenteeism and whether missing four consecutive meetings
constitutes a vacancy. Mr. Andersen said he had sent letters to Ms. Gustanski and Mr. Feiea
asking for letters of resignation. There was discussion as to whether the District Court judge
needs to declare that a vacancy exists; N. Kriesel will check with City Attorney David Magnuson
on that matter. Mr. Anderson proposed that he act as the Commission secretary and write to
District Court Judge Quinn asking him to declare a vacancy and appoint a replacement; it was
consensus that Mr. Anderson should do so. N. Kriesel noted his appointment was made by the
City Council.
Redistricting
Mr. Colemier distributed a handout from Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer and noted the
Commission can't move forward until the Legislature acts, which shortens the timeline for
Commission action.
Mr. Anderson suggested that the Commission could address some issues, such as population
disparity and whether to redraw boundaries or simply shift existing ward boundary lines, in
advance and suggested that those policy matters should be on the next meeting agenda. Ms. Ruch
suggested setting a timeline on how to go about the task. Mr. Colemier said he would talk with
City Clerk Diane Ward to get a feel of how things are progressing and find out more information
about the available software.
N. Kriesel raised a concern about Charter language which sets the deadline for changing ward
boundaries in advance of the next election, expressing a concern the Commission might not be
able to meet that deadline. Mr. Anderson suggested adding language that the deadline is from the
date of the general election should be sufficient. N. Kriesel will discuss that matter with City
Attorney Magnuson.
Mr. Bealka, seconded by Mr. Donnelly, moved to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.; motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary