HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-09-16 CHC MIN
. Mr. Keister noted that after getting sufficient information on the various
issues involved, it would be important for the Charter Commission itself
Ms. Maher also suggested holding public meetings/open forum early on in
the process so people know up-front what is being considered. Several
members pointed out it would be important for the commission to have a
good knowledge of the issues before holding public meetings. It was also
suggested that perhaps a non-Charter Commission person could facilitate
the public meetings/forum.
City Manager: Ms. Maher asked for input regarding a possible timetable, a
"game plan," and how members could best educate themselves on the issue.
She suggested having a resource person from the Minnesota League of
Cities give a presentation, along with talking to other cities that have
made the switch to the city manager type of administration and several
cities that have switched back to the strong council type of city
government.
. Conflict of Interest: It was noted the final draft of the proposed Conflict
of Interest provision had been approved. Ms. Maher will set a workshop
session with the City Council to discuss the proposal.
Fall retreat: Ms. Ruch said nothing further had been done in planning a
retreat. Ms. Maher suggested devoting the October meeting to a "retreat."
Mr. Keister suggested going through last year's potential future discussion
topics at the meeting. Ms. Ruch noted that one of the purposes of the
retreat was to provide new members with a history of the commission, as
well as a time to get to know one another. Mr. Keister will bring copies of
old minutes to the meeting. The retreat session was tentatively scheduled
for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Canelakes.
Approval of minutes: Mr. Valsvik, seconded by Mr. Keister, moved approval
of the minutes of the public hearing/meeting of July 17, 1996; all in
favor.
Ms. Maher called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Laurie Maher, chairman
Kathy Czar, Steve Keister, Howard Lieberman, Tim Old,
Nancy Purcell, Mary Ruch, Richard Slivik and Don Valsvik
Present:
.
CHARTER COMMISSION
Sept. 16, 1996
e
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary
Ms. Valsvik, seconded by Ms. Czar, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:55
p.m.; all in favor.
Qld pusiness:
Mr. Slivik brought up the matter of the commission establishing new ward
boundaries. Ms. Maher noted that is a function of the commission according
to the City Charter. There was another discussion about the need to obtain
accurate revised census/population figures before making future ward
boundary revisions.
.
Ms. Maher asked whether subcommittees should be set up. Members divided
up tasks as follows: Ms Czar will obtain available information from the
League of Minnesota Cities and other intergovernmental agencies; Mr.
Keister and Ms. Purcell will obtain information regarding the city's
current organizational structure; Mr. Old will provide copies of pertinent
state statutes; Mr. Valsvik said he would like to talk to other cities that
have switched to the manager form of government; Ms. Ruch will check
with the Humphrey Institute to see if there is some
information/assistance available from that group; Mr. Slivik said he could
do some library research.
to make a decision early on as to whether to proceed. Members may decide
. the issue is too major an undertaking, he said. He also suggested that the
group's information gathering be conducted in a formalized manner.
Mr. Old said he has the section(s) of state statutes dealing with the city
manager form of government. He will make copies of the statutes for
members. He also suggested that looking at the city's current
organizational structure should be part of the education process.
There was a general discussion regarding the history of the issue and why
the issue is now on the commission's agenda.
.;.