HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-19 CHC MIN
The Charter Commission has until March 12 to submit a recommendation
for an appointment for Ms. Berett's position. Mr. Old said Kathy Czar had
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One letter of interest, from Mary Ruch, had been submitted regarding the
appointment to fill the unexpired term of John Tunheim. Ms. Maher asked
members whether they wished to endorse Ms. Ruch for the appointment.
Members looked at Ms. Ruch's letter and resume and agreed she would be a
good appointee. Mr. Valsvik, seconded by Ms. Berett, moved to recommend
Ms. Ruch's appointment to Judge Meyer.
The terms of Ms. Berett, Mr. Keister, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Old, Mr.
Rheinberger and Mr. Valsvik all expire in 1996. With the exception of Ms.
Berett, who has served two terms, all members whose terms expire this
year could be reappointed. Ms. Maher asked members to let her know if
they wish to be reappointed. Mr. Old, Mr. Valsvik and Mr. Keister all
indicated they would serve another term.
New Charter Commission members
Ms. Maher said Mr. Magnuson had written a letter to District Court Judge
. Gary Meyer asking for an additional 30 days to make a recommendation for
an appointment to fill the term of Jack Tunheim. The Judge is open to any
recommendations. He has asked for an update on when commission
members' terms are due and would like a recommendation 45 days before
the terms are up, Ms. Maher said.
Cherie Berett, seconded by Tim Old, moved to approve the minutes of Jan.
22, 1996, as presented; all in favor.
Tim Old, seconded by Don Valsvik, moved to approve the agenda as
presented; all in favor.
Laurie Maher called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members absent: Howard Lieberman and Richard Slivik
Members present: Laurie Maher, chair
Cherie Berett, Steve Keister,
Tim Old, John Rheinberger (8 p.m.), and Don Valsvik
CHARTER COMMISSION
Feb. 19, 1996
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Conflict of interest
There was a discussion of various scenarios of conflict of interest. Mr.
Valsvik expressed his concern that every day business transactions might
be construed as conflict of interest. Mr. Old pointed out that conflict of
interest, as proposed, is defined as "direct, intentional and of significant
value."
Mr. Rheinberger, seconded by Mr. Valsvik, moved to submit the revised
provisions to the City Council with a request for approval; motion passed
unanimously. Mr. Old suggested having City Attorney David Magnuson
review the revisions.
Ms. Maher said language also is needed regarding the mayoral appointment
being effective until the next general election. Mr. Magnuson is working on
that language.
Mr. Old provided some suggested language: When a vacancy occurs on the
Council, the Council must appoint another person to fill the vacancy until
the next general election when a success thereto will be elected and
qualifies to fill the unexpired term of the original vacancy.
It was noted that such a situation will arise very infrequently. It was also
noted that potential should be made perfectly clear when the council
appoints its Vice Mayor. Mr. Keister suggested that making the council
appointment and mayoral appointment effective until the next general
election might make the matter more palatable.
Vice Mayor/board/committee appointment Charter provisions
There was a discussion regarding the potential for the Vice Mayor being
appointed Mayor and then losing his/her seat on the council if the mayoral
appointee chose not to run for that position in the next election; the
mayoral appointee could run for his or her original ward seat on the
council.
Later in the meeting, Mr. Rheinberger indicated he would not be seeking
reappointment. A recommendation for his replacement also would be due
in mid-March. It was agreed the Charter Commission should hold a special
meeting on March 4 to discuss nominations.
expressed interest regarding an appointment. Mr. Old said he had given Ms.
Czar the Judge's name, and he believed she had written a letter of
interest.
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Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary
Ms. Berett, seconded by Mr. Rheinberger, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9
p.m.; all in favor.
The proposed language will be ready for review at the commission's next
meeting.
Mr. Keister said enforcement of conflict of interest matters was still
bothersome. Mr. Old said that issue relies heavily on having an honest and
ethical city attorney.
. Mr. Old said the conflict of interest provision as proposed refers back to
state statute in matters related to sale, lease or contracts in which
infractions are considered a gross misdemeanor that would require the
resignation of an offending official. A new category covering permits,
licenses and zoning would be covered by disclosure and recusal, as
proposed.
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