Agenda - Charter Commission - 01/17/2008

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P2 Chair would have to be nominated. The above mentioned business will be taken care of in an added Case #3. Consensus was to approve the agenda as amended. Discussion ensued as to whether or not Brian Swanson's position was actually a vacancy. He has not submitted a formal letter of resignation; however, staff has been unable to get a response from him. There have been several telephone calls and emails made with no reply. The attendance policy for Boards and Commissions states that the absence of a member from three or more regularly scheduled meetings within any six month period shall be cause for removal of that member from his/her seat on the Board/Commission. Staff will check on the number of meetings Mr. Swanson has missed and report back to the Commission: COMMISSION BUSINESS: Introduction of New City Administrator Mr. Kurt Ulrich, Ramsey's new City Administrator was present to introduce himself to the Charter Commission members. Case #1: Consider Amending Section 4 of the City's Charter in Order to Establish a Uniform Election Date when Filling Council Vacancies City Attorney Goodrich explained that this is the same case as was on the September 20, 2007 Charter agenda for discussion. The discussion then was not unanimous. The way it is now, if there is a vacancy on the Council and there are mqre than 365 days remaining in the term of the vacated office, we would have a special election, per State Statute, within 90 days. That could put an election in any month of the year. One proposal is to have all elections be held in November - whether it's an odd or even year. The reasoning of that proposal is that at least more people are geared to thinking of November as an election month. The down side is that the City Council has temporarily appointed someone - they have not been elected by the voters. Some of the Commissioners objected to that and felt that 90 days was better than one year. Attorney Goodrich felt that the Commission should have a general discussion on this issue. The Charter says if a vacancy occurs within less than 365 days, the City Council is to appoint a person. It's a rare circumstance, but we are trying to cover all contingencies. Attorney Goodrich inquired if the Commission felt it's a good ideal to have uniform election days versus a special election day and what do they feel are the consequences of either of these. Commissioner Bertzyk inquired if there are any rules on the appointment process. Attorney Goodrich stated that in the past, the vacancy has been advertised; the Council interviewed the applicants and tried to make a good decision based upon the interviews. Chair LaMere commented that the ward criteria would have to apply to an appointment. Commissioner Cleveland inquired why this was brought up in the first place. Charter CommissionlNovember 15,2007 Page 2 of 6