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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-19 CHC MINThe Birthplace of Minnesota CHARTER COMMISSION MINUTES March 19, 2012 MEETING Present: Commissioners Gene Bealka, Ann McLellan, Dorothy Molstad, Dwayne Nelson, Ron Nelson, Terry Zoller, Vice Chair Wally Milbrandt, and Chair Orwin Carter Absent: Commissioner Kim Mertens Swanson Also Present: David T. Magnuson, City Attorney Diane Ward, City Clerk Chair Carter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the May 16, 2011, meeting and the March 5, 2012, redistricting workshop were approved as submitted. PUBLIC HEARING This is the date and time for a public hearing to consider the proposed map and boundaries for the City of Stillwater Wards. Notice was published in the Stillwater Gazette on March 2 and 7, 2012. City Clerk Ward reviewed the previous Ward map. She stated the Legislative lines have changed quite a bit, noting that the new boundaries resulted in the elimination of two very small precincts. She added that the new State Legislative lines are much cleaner. She reported that the Wards are based on population as well as allowing for the potential for additional residents when township areas could be annexed in 2015. On a later question, she remarked that the Wards must be balanced in population, within plus or minus 5 %, or as practical, and that the new Wards meet that requirement. She reviewed preliminary polling places, noting that Oak Park and Lily Lake Elementary Schools will no longer be used as polling places. She stated the resolution that the Commission is hoped will adopt would be brought to the Council in the form of an ordinance at the next Council meeting for a first reading, with a second reading on April 3. In discussion, Ms. Ward mentioned that the precinct divisions are primarily for efficiency in the election process. Ms. Ward reviewed the number of registered voters in each of the Wards. Charter Commission Meeting March 19, 2012 Motion by Mr. Milbrandt, seconded by Mr. Bealka, to adopt a Resolution of the Charter Commission of the City of Stillwater Redefining Ward Boundaries pursuant to City Charter Section 3.01, Subdivision B. Ayes: Commissioners Bealka, McLellan, Molstad, D. Nelson, R. Nelson, Zoller, Milbrandt, and Carter Nays: None NEW BUSINESS Minnesota & the New Normal Mr. Bealka provided information he had received from the state of Minnesota. Mr. Carter stated he had seen the information several months previous and it clearly points out that things will be different moving forward. He continued that a lot of the information is directed at what is required in the education world in order to stay competitive. There was a comment about the decreasing school population and the loss of revenue to the school districts. Mr. Milbrandt spoke of the City's ordinance which defines any home older than 50 years as historic and noted that some developments, such as Croixwood, will meet that definition in the very near future. He talked about the difficulties that might present for homeowners who wish to remodel. City Attorney Magnuson noted a demolition permit would have to be obtained to remove a shed in Croixwood when the 50 -year rule is met. Mr. Milbrandt suggested that is an issue that should be looked at by the Planning Commission or the Heritage Preservation Commission. Mr. Zoller wondered if the 50 year definition was a City law or state law, noting that any bridges over 50 years old are considered to be historic. Mr. Zoller applauded the work of City Clerk Ward in the redistricting process. Mr. Milbrandt also acknowledged the work of Ryan Smith from the City's Engineering Depat tment. City Clerk Ward mentioned that she would provide members copies of the final maps of precinct locations as well as the County maps for Commissioner districts and legislative districts. She added that flyers with election/ward boundary information would be inserted in the next three utility bills. It was noted that proposed meeting dates were included in the agenda, and Mr. Carter responded that he has been canceling meetings when there is no business to discuss. It was noted the Commission is required to meet at least once a year, and Mr. Magnuson read the Charter language pertaining to the frequency of required meetings. Page 2 of 3 Charter Commission Meeting March 19, 2012 Ms. Ward noted that there will be an open position on the Commission due to Mr. Nelson's retirement. Mr. Milbrandt acknowledged and thanked Mr. Nelson for his years of service on the Commission. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Bealka, seconded by Commissioner Molstad, to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. All in favor. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3