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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003/09/10 - ADMIN - Minutes - Charter Commission - RegularOFFICIAL MINUTES CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA September 10, 2003 Westwood Room, City Hall I. Call to Order Vice Chair Walsh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Introductions and Attendance It was moved by Commissioner Jennings, seconded by Commissioner Fillbrandt, to excuse the absences of the following members: Paul Carver, Marilyn Hoeft, David Johnson, and David Ornstein. The motion passed 8-0. A. Members Present: Carol Walsh, Nathan Busch, Lynne Carper, Brian Fiderlein, Steve Fillbrandt, Linda Jennings, Janice Loftus, and Michelle Olmstead. Cheryl Ernst arrived at 7:01 p.m., and James Schaefer arrived at 7:02 p.m. B. Members Excused: Paul Carver, Marilyn Hoeft, David Johnson, and David Ornstein. C. Members Unexcused: Michael Sixel. 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 July 9, 2003 Commissioner Loftus commented that on page 2, paragraph 2, will add to marketing now. It was moved by Commissioner Loftus, seconded by Commissioner Carper, to approve the minutes of July 9, 2003. The motion passed 10-0. III. 2004 Charter Celebration Task Force Update—Meeting with City Council Commissioner Loftus said the task force met with City Manager Charlie Meyer, and he suggested the task force whittle things down. In response to that suggestion, Commissioner Loftus combined some items. She reported that the task force met with the City Council and they liked everything. Charter Meeting Minutes -2- September 10, 2003 Commissioner Loftus asked the Commission, What is realistic? She said there is a need to form sub-committees to include education, fund raising and budget, marketing, and an events committee. It was noted that the Council can help financially. A sub-committee is also needed to partner with community education. Commissioner Loftus reported on the comments of the various Councilmembers. Commission Loftus would like to have Charter Celebration exposure at Parktacular. She said she spoke to Parks and Recreation Superintendent Rick Birno. Commissioner Loftus reported that Councilmember Santa, who is also the chair of the Community Education Advisory Commission will promote the concept of the Citizens’ Academy with that group. Commissioner Loftus said the Involvement Guide may be questionable. In regard to City Expo, such an endeavor would need to be a city-initiated event, which would be similar to an informational event such as the Remodeling Fair. Various city departments could distribute information, however, presence of city staff would be required. Commissioner Fiderlein asked if a matrix could be created to illustrate feasibility of each component by assessing level of difficulty and expense. Commissioner Loftus said the Commission should think about what activities or events will impact the community the most and concentrate on those. Cindy Reichert said the educational component is being viewed as a long-term endeavor; and she suggested the Commission partner with the historical society. Celia Andersen said the League of Woman Voters can help out by registering voters. Mailing List—Data Privacy Issues Ms. Reichert said the City cannot distribute mailing lists. The City will, however, print the labels and print postage. Commissioner Fillbrant offered to serve on a sub-committee. Commissioner Loftus would like an open reception at Parktacular; it would be low key and open to all. Ms. Reichert said she will distribute information to city Commissioners to ask for volunteers for the sub-committees. Commissioner Loftus asked if a city staff person could help with the community education component. Ms. Reichert responded that she would like to help, and that she believed the city’s communications coordinator, Ms. Schwartz, would also be willing to help. Charter Meeting Minutes -3- September 10, 2003 IV. Charter Document Review—Chapters 1, 2, and 3 Ms. Reichert distributed a memorandum to the Commission with observations and suggested corrections derived from input by city staff and councilmembers. In the memorandum, are suggested revisions, which are primarily grammatical or typographical in nature and, if directed by the Commission, could be made informally. From Section 1.00, Preamble, it was moved by Commissioner Loftus, seconded by Commissioner Jennings, to add a comma immediately after also. The motion passed 10-0. From Section 1.04, Application of General Laws, it was moved by Commissioner Jennings, seconded by Commissioner Ernst, to change or to are. The motion passed 10-0. From Section 2.05. Vacancies in the Council, falls shall be changed to fails. Commissioner Carper suggested that Citizenship be added to Section 1.00. Ms. Reichert discussed Section 2.03, Elected Officers. She reported that the At-Large A and At-Large B offices lead to some confusion on the part of persons interested in filing, as both at-large seats represent the same geographical area and are on the same election rotation. It was agreed by all present that any Charter Commission discussion regarding election-related issues be postponed until after November 4, 2003. Upon review of Section 2.09, Interference with Administration and Section 3.04, Ordinance, Resolutions and Motions, the Commission did not believe the passage was unclear and recommended no action or further study. One observer had commented that publication via the internet should be addressed whenever possible. Ms. Reichert informed the commission that publication requirements were guided by statute and the internet is not an officially accepted method for disseminating information. The Commissioners offered their observations regarding the first three chapters of the Charter. From page 8, paragraph 12, Commissioner Loftus inquired: What are corporate limits. Commissioner Loftus said on page 11, Oath of Office, paragraph 1, it appears an additional section number would be in order. There was a comment that perhaps on page 10, a section heading called Terms could be added. Commissioners observed that several versions of the Charter document exist and felt it would be beneficial if all commissioners received a fresh copy. Ms. Reichert agreed to distribute hard copies at the next meeting and would email electronic copies to commissioners. Charter Meeting Minutes -4- September 10, 2003 From page 11, Section 2.05, Vacancies in the Council, Commissioner Loftus expressed concern about the statement that a Councilmember may be absent for a period of three (3) consecutive months. She thinks it is too permissive and should be discussed. Commissioner Busch recalled that the commission had discussed this requirement some time ago and a motion had been made to table further discussion permanently. In Section 3.08, page 15, Commissioner Loftus asked about dates of resolutions taking effect. Commissioner Loftus also inquired about the reading of resolutions at the Council meetings (see Section 3.04). V. Future Meetings Commissioner Loftus said she will attend a Parktacular meeting in October. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12th, 2003. Commissioners Loftus and Schaefter will not be available to attend the November meeting. For the November 12th meeting, Commissioners are asked to read Chapters 4, 5, and 6. VI. Other Business: None VII. Adjournment As there was no other business, at 8:29 p.m., it was moved by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Busch, to adjourn. The motion passed 10-0. Minutes Prepared by: Linda Samson Recording Secretary Respectfully submitted by: Cynthia Reichert City Staff Liaison and City Clerk