Minutes - Council - 07/22/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Elvig stated that in a voting situation, there should be representation by a majority of the board. City Attorney Goodrich noted that the liaison would not be a voting position. Councilmember Elvig stated that he feels citizens still need someone they can rely on to lobby their position. Councilmember Dehen stated that he doesn't feel a liaison is necessary in this situation. Mr. Deemer stated that he wanted to emphasize that this liaison situation only represents a short period of time, every two years, and covers the period of time from the first week of July to the end of the election. He stated that there are other provisions in the Charter to handle other vacancies at other times. Councilmember Look stated that in reading through the minutes it appears that the liaison would have one vote, not two votes. City Attorney Goodrich stated that was discussion by the Charter Commission but no action was taken. Councilmember Look stated that there appear to be a lot of questions floating around and he wonders why this issue wasn't brought to a work session for more in depth discussion. He stated that he thinks it would be appropriate to get everyone together and outline the concerns and feels that any proposed change to the City's charter should be brought before the people as a referendum. He stated that he is in favor of tabling this so there can be further discussed at a work session because he doesn't think he has enough information to vote in favor of this recommendation. City Attorney Goodrich stated that he would like to review the recommendations for Section 4.5.5. He reviewed the details and suggested language changes and noted that the person elected to the vacant office would take his or her seat as soon as the election is certified. Councilmember Dehen stated that he feels this is reasonable and noted that he had also suggested taking this a step further and after an incumbent Councilmember is defeated, having the newly elected Councilmember take office immediately after the results are certified rather than have a lame duck member serving on the Council from November to January. City Attorney Goodrich stated that he had run this idea by the Attorney General's office and was told that, in cases of a vacancy, it would be alright, however, in the situation where there was a defeat, it would be considered unconstitutional, because all elected officials take their seats on the first business day in January. Councilmember Look asked why the Charter Commission was making these recommendations and what deficiencies they have seen. City Council / July 22, 2008 Page 6 of 23