Agenda - Charter Commission - 01/17/2002

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Richard Krueger, 7640 - 150th, Ramsey, stated that he is r~ot a part of this Alliance but he took about seven days to put out flyers for them. He stated he believes in what they are trying to do. City Attorney Goodrich reported that the Charter amendments are effective 30 days after the election. We will be taking the language voted on and incorporate it into the Charter. The language will be the language the Charter voted on. Commissioner Swanson inquired about the ward transition. Discussion ensued about wards, implementing them and incorporating everything into the Charter. Case #2: Summary of Charter Commission Activities (Letter to Judge Quinn) Chairperson Vogt reviewed the letter with the Commission and some modifications were recommended. Motion by Commissioner Deemer and seconded by commissioner Childs to direct staff to make the amendments and forward the letter to Judge Quinn. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Vogt, Commissioners Deemer, Childs, Bertzyk, Ebel, Henke, Milless, and Swanson. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner LaMere. Case #3: Discussion and Interpretation of State Statute 410 Commissioner Deemer had asked that this item be placed on the agenda. 'He felt that the Charter Commission members should be familiar with this Statute. He suggested starting a review of 410.10 and then at the next meeting take up the next point. He stated that the Charter is the City's Constitution and we control it. City Attorney Goodrich stated that State Statute 410 was established for Charters in Minnesota. It talks about initiative and referendum ~rights, gave rights for all that was voted on, gave rights for most provisions in the Charter, tells what we cannof do - what can happen, and he added that you are not allowed to change 410. You could only talk to legislation to try to get it changed. Mr. Goodrich pointed out that how to amend the Charter is talked about in 410.10 and 410.12. The percent for a petition was talked about and the fact that the Council is the governing body. However, Council cannot stop a question from going on the ballot just because they think it's a ridiculous question, it can only be stopped 'if it is determined it is illegal or manifestly unconstitutional. Chairperson Vogt commented that if the Charter is going to be reviewing State Statute 410, they should do so with some goals in mind they wish to accomplish. Commissioner Deemer felt that it is very important to read through the entire Chapter at least once. He stated he would choose to start with 410.10 because that deals with amending the Charter. Charter Commission/November 29, 2001 Page 3 of 5