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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003/07/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - Charter Commission - RegularOFFICIAL MINUTES CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA July 9, 2003 Westwood Room, City Hall I. Call to Order Chair Carver called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Introductions and Attendance It was moved by Commissioner Loftus, seconded by Commissioner Carper, to excuse the absences of the following members: David Ornstein, James Schaefer, Michael Sixel, and Carol Walsh. The motion passed 10-0. A. Members Present: Paul Carver, Marilyn Hoeft, Nathan Busch, Irving Carper, Cheryl Ernst, Steve Fillbrandt, Linda Jennings, David Johnson, Janice Loftus, and Michelle Olmstead Brian Fiderlein arrived at 7:29 p.m. B. Members Excused: David Ornstein, James Schaefer, Michael Sixel, and Carol Walsh C. Members Unexcused: None D. Staff Present: City Clerk Cindy Reichert; St. Louis Park League of Women Voters Celia Andersen; and Recording Secretary Linda Samson. E. Vacancies: None. II. Approval of Minutes of May 14, 2003 Commissioner Loftus asked that from Item III, paragraph 3, line 2, to speak at be deleted and replaced with to attend. Commissioner Loftus requested that from Item III, paragraph 3, line 3, Commissioner Loftus be changed to Celia Andersen. It was moved by Commissioner Hoeft, seconded by Commissioner Loftus, to approve the minutes of May 14, 2003 as amended. The motion passed 10-0. III. 2004 Charter Celebration/Civic Education Opportunities: Task Force Update Chair Carver said he likes the 2004 Charter 50th Anniversary Celebration Time Line that was distributed. Commissioner Loftus said she met with the other four charter celebration task force members on June 19th to discuss the draft of the timeline. Charter Meeting Minutes -2- July 9, 2003 Commissioner Loftus requested that another bullet point be added to the Marketing section under 2004 St. Louis Park Charter Celebration, that is, Distribute information through students at the schools. Commissioner Loftus said a “go ahead” from the City Council is needed. Chair Carver is comfortable presenting the current timeline to the Council. Commissioner Loftus commented that the citizen academy and university are the same and may be combined. She added that perhaps the Mayor or City Manager could give a presentation. Ms. Andersen said she would like a large mailing to be done to get the word out about the St. Louis Park Charter Celebration. Commissioner Loftus would like to have an informal reception and/or dinner. Commissioner Johnson said a question to be asked is: Is educating the community on an on-going basis the role of the Charter Commission? He expressed concern that the Charter Commission may become overwhelmed and sidetracked from it original work. Commissioner Loftus said the Charter Commission is instigating the celebration and is acting as a launching pad. Commissioner Carper said the Charter Commission is a resource for those who will actively educate the community. Commissioner Hoeft said Community Education may be one way to ensure continuing education. Ms. Reichert favors going through Community Education. Commissioner Fiderlein arrived at 7:29 p.m. Commissioner Loftus distributed Citizen Academy 2003 from the City of Minnetonka. Chair Carver would like to move ahead with the presentation of the timeline to the Council. Chair Carver would like for the Commission to receive input and direction from the Council. Commissioner Hoeft asked about a reception. Commissioner Loftus responded that a reception be held in conjunction with Parktacular, and that the reception be open to the public and feature a speaker such as the Mayor or City Manager. Commissioner Carper suggested drafting a goal statement for the Charter’s celebration, such as: The goal of the Charter Commission is to inform the community of the 50th celebration of St. Louis Park as a city, and what it means to be a city. Commissioner Carper’s idea was well received. Chair Carver suggested to stay focused with three bullet points. Commissioner Carper said the goal statement should be drafted prior to going to Council. Commissioner Carper would like to let the City know that the Charter Commission would like to celebrate St. Louis Park as a city, and what the Charter means to the city; also, the Commission would like to request Council’s support and resources. Charter Meeting Minutes -3- July 9, 2003 Ms. Reichert said Mr. Meyer will be informed of the goal statement prior to the Commission’s appearance before the Council. Chair Carver and the task force members will talk to Mr. Meyer. Commissioner Jennings said she will be in contact with school curriculum people; she has received suggestions from school personnel. Ms. Reichert said the Council may be available to meet with the Commission during an August 11th Study Session; however, Commissioner Loftus will not be available. Ms. Reichert said August 25th is open at this time or, perhaps, the Commission would like to tentatively meet with Council on August 18th. Chair Carver opted for the August 25th Study Session, and a Charter meeting to take place on the second Wednesday of September. Ms. Andersen requested that St. Louis Park Voter be added to the list in the Marketing section. Commissioner Fiderlein asked if the Commission should compare items against goals. Chair Carver responded that the Commissioner will keep the list broad but the Commission will not do everything. IV. Charter Document Review Process For the Charter document review process, Chair Carver said he would like to break it down into about four equal sections. For the September meeting, Commissioners should read Chapters 1, 2, and 3; and there will be an opportunity for questions. It is requested that the September agenda list Self Study Chapters 1, 2, and 3. Ms. Reichert said she would like to take the Charter to City Staff to identify problems with language or content and bring those comments to the discussion. V. Future Meetings The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10th, 2003. VI. Other Business Commissioner Hoeft requested that Ms. Reichert send e-mail reminders for meetings. Commissioner Carper requested that Ms. Reichert place an announcement in the Sun Sailor regarding the appointment of the Charter Commission’s newest members, and an announcement regarding the 50th celebration. Ms. Reichert distributed the website address to access 2003 Law Summaries, Final Action, Minnesota Session Laws 2003. Charter Meeting Minutes -4- July 9, 2003 VII. Adjournment As there was no other business, at 8:13 p.m., it was moved by Commissioner Ernst, seconded by Commissioner Carper, to adjourn. The motion passed 11-0. Minutes Prepared by: Linda Samson Recording Secretary Respectfully submitted by: Cynthia Reichert City Staff Liaison and City Clerk