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Motion by Commissioner Kiefer and seconded by Commissioner Swokowski to adopt <br />Chapter 7 Of the City Charter entitled Taxation and Finances, as amended. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: <br />Donovan, Marn and Nelson. <br />Netzloff and Spain Brist. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen, Commissioners Kiefer, Swokowski, <br />Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Goode, <br /> <br />Case #2: Ward System versus At Large <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated that City Staff published a questionnaire in the Ramsey Resident <br />and sent the results of the survey plus more information with regard to the ward system to <br />the Commission. <br /> <br />City Administrator Schroeder pointed out that the survey results were not overwhelming; <br />however, the few surveys that were returned did suggest that something other than the at <br />large Council system should be discussed. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen felt that the low response to the survey made the information not too <br />reliable. He inquired what approach could be used to address this matter and also inquired <br />of the Commission if they feel there is enough interest in the ward system to proceed with <br />discussion. <br /> <br />Commissioner Mare stated she had verbal input from citizens and she feels there is enough <br />interest in the ward system to warrant further discussion. <br /> <br />Commissioner Swokowski stated the citizens did not show too much interest in this issue. <br />He suggested it could be discussed further but added "if it's not broken, don't fix it". He <br />called attention to the map Staff presented showing the location of the Councilmember's <br />homes and stated that at this time the Councilmembers are spread throughout the entire City <br />but at some point that could change and he felt it is beneficial to head off problems. <br /> <br />Commissioner Nelson inquired what initially prompted the ward discussion. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated it was suggested by a Councilmember. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan stated that one of the questions was how would one make <br />themselves be known to the community and the other issue was how to eliminate a large <br />amount of people who are running for office. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kiefer felt there was not much interest expressed in primary elections. <br /> <br />Commissioner Mare stated that another issue mentioned was the cost of the primary. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen pointed out that the need for a primary diminishes if you go to a ward <br />system. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that primaries also give the potential for a significant amount of power <br />to a smaller portion of the electorate. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated he is sensing there is a feeling that the Charter Commission <br />should pursue the subject. <br /> <br />The Commission agreed with Chairperson Steffen. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kiefer stated he would like to know more about the pros and cons of both <br />systems. <br /> <br />Charter Commission/December 16, 1993 <br /> Page 2 of 3 <br /> <br /> <br />