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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-21 CHC MIN Some of the discussion centered on the implications for the upcoming city manager project, . specifically the need to "sell" the project, which members felt they had not done a very good job Review of Guide of Charter Commissions Each member commented on their thoughts after reviewing the Guide. All thought it was a very worthwhile and valuable resource. A brief discussion ensued. Members were in consensus that Mr. Old should convey that the Commission is concerned that not meeting the Charter's publication deadline may preclude citizen recourse to Council action and to convey the Charter's position that is would be OK to publish minutes in unsigned, summary form in order to get the information out to the public in a timely fashion. Update on Article 507 - Publication of council proceedings Mr. Old was to have discussed this issue further with City Clerk Modi Weldon. However, Ms. Weldon was busy with election duties, so Mr. Old asked that the matter be continued until the October meeting. Mr. Keister, seconded by Ms. Ruch, moved to continue the item until the October meeting; all in favor. Conflict of Interest update: Mr. Old reported that the City Council held the second reading of the provision on July 21. Mr. Keister said he would like the Commission to revisit the issue in a few years, as he thought the . provision was weak in enforcement and watered down in that it exempted city employees. Ms. Czar noted that the City Council was to adopt an enforcement mechanism by ordinance within 60 days after adoption ofthe Conflict ofInterest amendment. Mr. Old will follow up on whether that has been done. Approval of minutes: Ms. Ruch, seconded by Ms. Czar, moved approval of the minutes of July 20, 1998; Mr. Donnelly noted a correction to one reference to Ms. Ruch's name. Minutes as corrected were unanimously approved. Mr. Old called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. He welcomed guests Lindsey Berger and Ross Minnichsoffer, students from Stillwater Area High School American government and politics class. Katie O'Brien, Stillwater Gazette Others: Nance Purcell, and Don Valsvik Absent: Tim Old, chairperson Kathy Czar, Chuck Donnelly, Steve Keister, Robert Kimbrel, Howard Lieberman and Mary Ruch Present: Charter Commission Sept. 21, 1998 . . Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording secretary Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Ms. Czar, moved to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.; all in favor. . It was noted that Ms. Purcell had a history of Commission activities that she was going to provide for members. Mr. Old will follow up on that for distribution at the October meeting. Old business: . Aiple property: Mr. Lieberman and Ms. Czar are working on a draft of language regarding the Aiple property and the Charter requirements for disposition of city-owned land. Ms.Czar, seconded by Mr. Lieberman, moved to have that language ready for the October meeting; all in favor. . Mr. Keister asked whether the Commission's annual budget was sufficient for the city . manager project or whether additional funding might be necessary. Ms. Ruch said she did not anticipate the need for any additional funds. Mr. Keister volunteered to check into the Commission's budget status. . There was discussion regarding attendance requirements for members. Mr. Old noted there is language in the state statute that missing three meeting may be reason to request a member's resignation. Mr. Keister volunteered to call Mr. Valsvik regarding attendance. New business . Ms. Czar raised the issue of the Charter's current disclosure requirement for election contributions, 4.05. The current amount in the city Charter is $500; the state has changed its individual contribution limit to $300. She said she would like to see the Charter Commission recommend that the city's disclosure limit be changed to $100, although she noted that action may be too late for this year's election. After discussion, members were in agreement that the provision should be changed; it was the consensus to address the matter after the November 1998 elections. Mr. Donnelly stated he would like to see some type of mission statement for the Commission to work from. Mr. Lieberman suggested that could be done is some form of "preamble" to the Charter. of in the past. Mr. Kimbrel suggested assigning members to act as liaisons with individual City . Council members. Ms. Ruch and Ms. Czar are putting together previously gained information about the city manager proposal; it is hoped this can be worked through in three meetings beginning with the October meeting.