Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-20 CHC MIN s water The(Birthplace of Minnesota CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING April 20, 2015 MINUTES Chairman Milbrandt called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Present: Chairman Milbrandt, Commissioners Carter, Juelich, McLellan (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) Ratte, and Swanson Absent: Commissioners Markowitz and Zoller APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of December 15, 2014 meeting minutes Motion by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Ratte, to approve the December 15, 2014 meeting minutes. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Discussion of language changes to Sections 5.04 and 5.06 Chairman Milbrandt presented proposed language changes to be considered. "5.04 Voting- Three members of the Council shall constitute a quorum. No action of the Council, except as otherwise provided in Section 5.03e, or when filling a vacancy in the Council, shall be valid unless adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum." Motion by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Juelich, to approve the language changes for Section 5.04 as proposed. All in favor. "5.06 Holding other offices-No member of the Council shall hold any other City employment or employment by the Water Board or the Library Board. Neither may any Councilmember by elected or appointed to any office created or the compensation of which is increased by the Council while a member thereof until one year after the expiration of the term for which the member was elected." Motion by Commissioner Juelich, seconded by Commissioner Swanson, to approve the language changes for Section 5.06 as proposed. All in favor. Charter Commission Meeting April 20, 2015 NEW BUSINESS Discussion of language changes to Section 3.03 Chairman Milbrandt presented proposed language changes to be considered, as recommended by City Attorney Magnuson. "Revised Section 3.03 "When a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor or on the Council, the Council by majority vote of all remaining members shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy to serve the remainder of the term. If this action is not taken within 60 days following the occurrence of the vacancy, a special election shall be called to fill the vacancy, to be held not sooner than 90 days and not later than 120 days following the occurrence of the vacancy, and to be otherwise governed by law. When a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, the Vice Mayor shall act as Mayor until the vacancy is filled." Commissioner Ratte provided examples of language from the Model City Charter, State law for statutory cities, and the League of Minnesota Cities regarding Council vacancies. He asked if there is anything additional that should be addressed. Chairman Milbrandt and Commissioner Carter noted they would like to check with City Clerk Ward to ensure that 60 days would be enough time to prepare a special election. Commissioner McLellan stated that the last sentence is confusing. Chairman Milbrandt suggested omitting the words "in the office of Mayor or" in the first sentence to eliminate confusion. He would like to review the new language with Councilmembers to avoid having to have a special election to adopt the language. Motion by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Ratte, to approve the wording as proposed, omitting "in the office of Mayor or"in the first sentence, and to request input from City Clerk Ward regarding an acceptable timeframe for a special election, with the understanding that the number of days may be changed upon the recommendation of the City Clerk. All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner , seconded by Commissioner , to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. All in favor. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary Page 2 of 2