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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/01/14 - ADMIN - Minutes - Charter Commission - RegularOFFICIAL MINUTES CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA January 14, 2004 City Council Chambers, City Hall I. Call to Order Chair Carver called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and suggested that regular business be postponed until after the Fairvote MN presentation. II. Presentation by Fairvote MN Fran Hesch, former Hopkins Councilmember and a representative of Fairvote MN, gave a presentation on alternative voting methods used in other states and countries. Her group is advocating for a change in how elections are run in Minnesota. Following the presentation commission members asked questions of Ms. Hesch and thanked her for bringing the information to the commission. III. Introductions and Attendance It was moved by Commissioner Loftus, seconded by Commissioner Carper, to excuse the absences of the following members: Dave Ornstein, Nathan Busch. The motion passed 13-0. A. Members Present: Paul Carver, Carol Walsh, Marilyn Hoeft, Lynne Carper, Cheryl Ernst, Brian Fiderlein, Steve Fillbrandt, Linda Jennings, David Johnson, Jan Loftus, Michelle Olmstead, James Schaefer and Michael Sixel. B. Members Excused: David Ornstein and Nathan Busch. C. Members Unexcused: None D. Staff Present: City Clerk Cindy Reichert; St. Louis Park League of Women Voters Celia Andersen. E. Vacancies: None. II. Approval of Minutes of November 12, 2003 Ms. Reichert informed the group that the Charter Commission’s Recording Secretary, Linda Samson, had resigned from employment with the city. Until such time as a new Recording Secretary can be hired, Ms. Reichert would be willing to prepare meeting minutes. Commissioner Jennings reported that page 3, paragraph 1, line 3, should read that the Historical Society will participate on the marketing committee. It was moved by Commissioner Hoeft, seconded by Commissioner Fiderlein, to approve the minutes of November 12, 2003 as amended. (Commissioner Loftus abstained). The motion passed 12-0-1. Charter Meeting Minutes -2- January 14, 2004 III. 2004 Charter Celebration Task Force Update Events Committee - Commissioner Loftus reported that the events committee had accomplished much since the last commission meeting. Commissioner Loftus had been to the Parktacular planning committee meeting and felt that plans were going smoothly. The kick-off program to be associated with Parktacular will be held on Sunday, June 20th at 2:00 p.m. There would also be an opportunity to participate in the parade to be held on Friday, June 18th. Education Committee - Commissioner Jennings reported on activities of the education committee saying that they had met with Barb DeMaster of St. Louis Park Schools to review the commission’s proposal regarding the educational component. Based on those discussions, the focus of the educational program is proposed to be directed toward the 3rd, 7th and 9th grade classes. Marketing Committee - Commissioner Walsh reported that the Marketing Committee had also met and were working on language for a simple brochure. Other marketing opportunities would be available in the City’s Park Perspective and Business Line newsletters. Martha McDonell would be working to take information to the neighborhood groups. The committee was also working with Bob Reiss of the historical society to assist. Commissioner Carper reported that they had been looking more carefully at the celebration budget and were developing a more definitive picture of all costs associated with the celebration. The committee has been working with Knollwood and space would be available there and at city hall for a traveling exhibit about the celebration and related activities. The Historical Society was also assisting in putting together the exhibit. Commissioner Sixel suggested that any traveling exhibit put together be sturdy enough to withstand being moved several times. He also suggested that they take care to set their projected budget high enough to accomplish all identified goals. Chair Carver asked if a projected total cost for celebration activities had been identified. Commissioner Olmstead responded that they were still working with ballpark figures and would have more information on specific costs at a future meeting. Chair Carver asked if the committees were satisfied with the assistance they were receiving from the rest of the commission members and if they needed anything they did not feel they were getting. Commissioner Loftus responded that the marketing committee needed more help. Commissioner Sixel volunteered to assist the marketing committee in their efforts. IV. Appoint nominating committee for March election Chair Carver informed commission members that elections would be held at the March meeting and that he did not wish to serve an additional term as chair. Charter Meeting Minutes -3- January 14, 2004 He asked for persons to volunteer to serve on a nominating committee. Commissioners Ernst and Fiderlein volunteered to serve on that committee. V. Future Meetings The next meeting of the commission is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at which time discussion will be held on Chapters 5, 6 & 7. The City’s Finance Director, Jean McGann will be in attendance at the meeting. VI. Other Business: None VII. Adjournment As there was no other business, at 8:30 p.m., it was moved by Commissioner Jennings, seconded by Commissioner Ernst, to adjourn. The motion passed 13-0. Respectfully submitted by: Cynthia Reichert City Clerk, Charter Commission Staff Liaison