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<br />Commissioner Erickson stated that the thought process behind having the person take <br />their position on the Council as soon as they are elected was to ensure that there w.as <br />ward representation and he feels that the Councilmember liaison would cover that. <br /> <br />Vice-Chair Deemer stated that he would like to have the four missing Commission <br />members discuss this issue before a decision is made. <br /> <br />Commissioner Cleveland stated that this language was taken from another City's charter. <br />She stated that by allowing the Council to appoint someone to office earlier than January, <br />gives them more options. <br /> <br />Commissioner Frederick stated that he was concerned with putting this person into the <br />office during the budget process and expecting them to take a vote on the budget before <br />they have any background or experience. He stated that he felt this was unfair to the <br />person elected. <br /> <br />Commissioner McKinney arrived at the meeting and stated that he needed a copy of the <br />current Charter. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich noted that each Commissioner should have a copy of the Charter <br />dated April 2007 and noted that it is also available on the City's website. <br /> <br />There was a consensus that those present agreed with the language of Section 2.5, as <br />presented on yellow paper. <br /> <br />Commissioner Cleveland stated that for segment 4.5.5.3, the language could be amended <br />to say, "if so approved by the City Council". She stated that this gives the Council the <br />option of either having the liaison or appointing the newly elected person in the interim. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich reiterated that he has not been able to determine if the City can <br />allow someone to take office immediately following the election rather than the first <br />business day in January. <br /> <br />Commissioner Cleveland asked if the municipal governments needed to hold their <br />elections at the same time as federal or state elections. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich stated that the City can switch to odd years, but it does need to be <br />held on the November date. <br /> <br />Vice-Chair Deemer stated that he thought that in Minneapolis, their elected officials have <br />taken office at different times. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich stated that all cities used to do that, but it has changed. He stated <br />that he would find a definitive answer on whether the elected member can take office <br />right after the election. <br /> <br />Charter Commission/April 17, 2008 <br />Page 3 of 5 <br />