Minutes - Charter Commission - 09/20/2007

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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 reviewed what the discussion had been with regard to a City Councilmember resigning. Concern was expressed about elections occurring during "off- times/dates". There seemed to be opposition to that when the Charter Commission met last. From the minutes, it appears that Commissioner Simenson felt we should have an election when there is a vacancy and Commissioner Deemer felt there should be a compromise - that the elections should be held in November of that year. Commissioner Cleveland was. unable to attend tonight's meeting due to a family emergency and asked that her comments be shared with the Commission. Her statement is as follows: "I do not support the suggested amendment to Section 4.5 to eliminate the need for a special election. I prefer that the Charter remain unchanged for the following reasons: 1) If a Council seat becomes vacant, it is possible that the replacement member appointed could hold the seat for nearly a full term. 2) If the change to the Charter were approved, it could leave open the temptation for abuse of power for political purposes. 3) It is easier to lobby 5 or 6 Councilmembers to appoint a replacement, then convince the electorate. 4) It is possible to manipulate the process by assuring an appointment who leans toward the ideology of the majority on the City Council. 5) The appointee would have the luxury of being the incumbent in any future elections giving him/her a significant advantage." Commissioner Cleveland's letter is attached to the record of this discussion as Attachment "A". Commissioner Deemer stated that the City has Wards and Primaries so he was not sure that the 90-day mandatory special election should be in the Charter. Due to the primary election, he wasn't sure that an election could be done in 90 days. Mr. Goodrich stated that this does not affect any petition for a Charter amendment. Commissioner Frederick asked about any restrictions on who the Council would choose - like would it have to be someone from the last election. Chair LaMere inquired too about any prohibitions or limitations on who could be appointed. Commissioner Frederick suggested a "runner-up" from the last election could be appointed. City Administrator Ulrich stated you could have a case where they are not still interested or they have moved. Charter Commission/September 20, 2007 Page 2 of 4