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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-05-17 CHC MIN . Mr. Donnelly noted that in earlier Commission discussions, members indicated "some comfort" in giving the administrator the authority to hire/fire some department heads, while reserving that authority for some specified department heads-city attorney, police and fire chief, for example- _ for the discretion of the Council. He asked if that was still acceptable to the Commission. Each member presented his or her position on the matter. Following that process, there was consensus to recommend language as proposed by Mr. Lieberman. Mr. Lieberman's position was that as the Council is elected by the citizenry, the Council should maintain the authority to hire/fire the city attorney, police and fire chiefs; the authority for the remainder of the department heads would be the recommendation of the city administrator for approval by the Council; department heads would be responsible for line staff. Mr. Donnelly, seconded by Ms. Ruch, moved to request that City Attorney Magnuson incorporate that language into the proposed Charter change. Mr. Kimbrel asked if the Commission wanted any additional alternative language (on the hiring/firing issue); the consensus was this was the Commission's official recommendation and that Mr. Magnuson be directed not to draw up any alternative language. Mr. Donnelly and Ms. Ruch agreed to incorporate that language into the motion as a friendly amendment; motion passed unanimously. City Administrator Charter language There was general discussion of the May 4 workshop with the City Council. Members indicated they were generally pleased with the tenor of the discussion at the workshop. Ms. Czar indicated . the only real issue appears to be that of hiring/firing; Mr. Lieberman also noted that the Council appeared to favor the term administrator vs. manager. Ms. Czar said she had asked Mr. Magnuson to draw up charter language with two scenarios - giving the administrator the authority to hire/fire and having the Council retain the authority to hire/fire. We1come new member: Ms. Czar welcomed new member Wayne Anderson, who will fill the unexpired term of Don Valsvik. Mr. Anderson noted that at this point his membership is unofficial as he had heard nothing from the Judge regarding swearing in. Approval of minutes: Mr. Lieberman noted he was not present at the April 19 meeting as indicated in the minutes. Ms. Purcell, seconded by Ms. Ruch, moved approval of the minutes of April 19, 1999, as corrected; all in favor. Ms. Czar called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Steve Kiester Absent: Kathy Czar, chairperson Wayne Anderson, Chuck Donnelly, Robert Kimbrel, Howard Lieberman, Nance Purcell and Mary Ruch Present: Charter Commission May 17, 1999 . ,. ...' . . . Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary Mr. Lieberman, seconded by Ms. Czar, moved to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.; all in favor. Members were asked to bring ideas for possible projects to the June meeting. Mr. Kimbrel indicated he will not be able to attend the June meeting. Ms. Czar also said she would like the issue of campaign finance disclosure addressed before the 2000 election cycle begins. Currently, the City has no disclosure requirement; Ms .Czar suggested establishing a $100 disclosure limit, with the same time guidelines as provided for in state statute. Mr. Donnelly and Mr. Lieberman suggested eliminating reference to any dollar amount with language that the City's requirement be consistent with state statute. Ms. Czar said she would be more comfortable with the $100, as the state likely will raise the limit in the future. Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Mr. Lieberman, moved to recommend that the Charter be changed to incorporate a campaign finance disclosure amount of $100, with the reporting time guidelines to be the same as state statute. Mr. Lieberman suggested indicating to the Council that the recommendation is being made so the City requirements are consistent with statute. Motion passed unanimously. Planning for 1999-2000 Ms. Czar noted that following the 2000 census, there will be a need for Ward redistricting, a responsibility of the Charter Commission. She suggested that the Commission address that issue beforehand in order to avoid any appearance of gerrymandering. . , ,- " ..