HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014/03/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - Charter Commission - RegularOFFICIAL MINUTES
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
March 6, 2014
7:00 p.m. – Council Chambers City Hall
1. Call to Order
Chair Carper called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call and Attendance
Members Present: Jon Beckstrand, Jim Brimeyer, Gary Carlson, Lynne Carper, James de
Lambert, Terry Dwyer, Brian Fiderlein, Matthew Flory, Ken Gothberg, Ronald Jarvi, Jr., Sara
Maaske, David Obray, and Henry Solmer.
Members Absent: Tamara Nugteren
Others Present: Nancy Stroth, City Clerk/Charter Commission Liaison.
2a. Requests for Excused Absences
It was moved by Commissioner Maaske, seconded by Commissioner Fiderlein, to accept the
excused absence of Tamara Nugteren. The motion passed 14-0.
2b. New Members and Reappointments
Ms. Stroth introduced new Commissioner Ronald Jarvi, Jr. appointed July 1 , 2013 to fill vacancy
of Commissioner Strohl whose term expired and did not seek reappointment. Ms. Stroth also
stated the following commissioners were reappointed by Chief Judge Cahill: Jim Brimeyer
(term expiring January 2018) and Matt Flory (term expiring March, 2018). Introductions
followed as each commissioner introduced themselves.
2c. 2014 Term Expirations
Ms. Stroth indicated that commissioners whose terms expire in 2014 will be contacted prior to
expiration dates. Gary Carlson’s term expires in October and Tamara Nugteren’s term expires in
November.
3. Approval of Minutes – March 13, 2013
Commissioner Carlson stated one correction to 4a first paragraph should state “to pursue a
Charter amendment to “ensure” successful implementation of the Civil Penalty Ordinance”.
It was moved by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer, to approve the
minutes of March 13, 2013 as amended. The motion passed 14-0.
4. Old Business
Commissioner Brimeyer asked for an update on the administrative penalty hearings. Ms. Stroth
responded so far only one administrative hearing was requested in regards to a citation for
burning without a permit. The hearing took place in 2013 and the $50 fine was paid.
5. New Business
5a. Election of Officers
Chair Carper stated the Election of Officers for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary take place at
each annual meeting typically held the second week in March. The roles of officers were
discussed.
Charter Commission Minutes -2- March 13, 2013
Chair Carper reviewed the Charter Commission role to evaluate and propose any changes that
may be warranted by State Statute or that have been requested by the City Council. Chair Carper
also stated meetings can be called at any other time if other commissioners deem it appropriate,
the Chair contacts the City Clerk and a special meeting is called.
Chair Carper asked for nominations for Chair. It was moved by Commissioner Beckstrand,
seconded by Commissioner Carlson to nominate Commissioner Carper as Chair of the Charter
Commission until the next annual meeting of the Charter Commission. The motion was
unanimously approved.
Chair Carper asked for nominations for Vice Chair. Commissioner Obray nominated himself as
Vice Chair. It was moved by Commissioner Obray, seconded by Commissioner Beckstrand to
nominate Commissioner Obray as Vice Chair until the next annual meeting of the Charter
Commission. The motion was unanimously approved.
Chair Carper asked for nominations for Secretary. Commissioner Maaske nominated herself as
Secretary. It was moved by Commissioner Maaske, seconded by Commissioner Fiderlein to
nominate Commissioner Maaske as Secretary until the next annual meeting of the Charter
Commission. The motion was unanimously approved.
5b. Proposed Annual Report for District Court - Year 2013
Chair Carper inquired if anyone had any corrections or additions to the Annual Report to the
District Court for the year 2013. There were no corrections or additions.
It was moved by Commissioner Beckstrand, seconded by Commissioner Maaske, to approve the
2013 Charter Commission Annual Report for submittal to Hennepin County District Court. The
motion was unanimously approved.
5c. Legislative Update
Commissioner Carlson stated the legislative session started on February 25 and the number of
bill introductions was high, but no items were related to city charters. He indicated the website
use for mediums instead of newspapers was tabled by the legislature and would not pass this
year. He stated he would continue to keep watch on any legislation affecting City Charters.
Discussion took place regarding the 2005 City Charter Commission 50th year anniversary
celebration events and 2015 being the 60th year anniversary.
Commissioner Maaske inquired about the process if a councilmember was elected to the county
commissioner seat. Ms. Stroth responded a vacancy in the council would occur, and depending
on the timing within the next election, an eligible person would either be appointed by Council
or elected at the next regularly scheduled election.
6. Future Meetings
Chair Carper proposed setting March 11, 2015 (second Wednesday in March) at 7:00 p.m. as the
next meeting of the Charter Commission.
7. Communications - None
8. Adjournment
It was moved by Commissioner Brimeyer, seconded by Commission Flory to adjourn the meeting
at 7:35 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by: Nancy Stroth, Liaison