Minutes - Charter Commission - 09/24/2009

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Cindy Sherman 7041 137 Ave. NW Ramsey, MN 55303 March 26, 2010 Attachment A Ms. Jo Thieling City Clerk City of Ramsey 7550 Sunwood Dr NW Ramsey, MN 55303 Dear Ms Thieling, I am sorry that I will be unable to attend the Charter Commission meeting on March 29. As I told you, I have a commitment with my son that pre -dates the announced meeting date. I read in the minutes that the commission has decided to meet on Monday evenings. My job requires me to work most Mondays, so unless that decision is reconsidered I will not likely be able to attend most meetings. Tuesday or Thursday evening meetings would work best for me. I also wanted to comment on the business item related to the ordinance change back to a city administrator form of government (Mayor - Council Plan). In reviewing the record provided, it appears that a lot of thought went into the decision in 2006 to change our form of government. The decision appears to have had much input and discussion and was a good and valid decision. I would like to understand why it is being debated again. The minutes are not yet available from the March 9 Council work session where this was discussed or the March 23 Regular Council meeting where the ordinance was adopted. I have worked in local government for 20+ years and have experience working in both forms of government. A Manager - Council form of government provides a more professional relationship opportunity for all staff members and citizens. It is important to keep politics out of the day today operations of the city so that staff may freely make their best professional recommendations without fear of political retribution or influence. In my opinion, this is better done under a Manager - Council form of government. I understand that the role of the Charter Commission is to review the ordinance adopted by the Council and vote to support it, not support it, or propose alternative language. In any case, the item will be on the ballot in the next election. I cannot support the ordinance that was adopted by the Council without understanding the reasons behind the action. As approved in 2006, 1 believe the Manager - Council form of government will serve Ramsey best as we move forward into the future. Please copy and share this letter with the Charter Commission. Thank you! Sincerely, Cindy Sherman