Agenda - Council - 01/23/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I , I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Councilmember Anderson explained that it was maybe felt that the Mayor was the leader and he had the weaker tewn. Councihnember Connolly stated ti'mt maybe if it was-written differently, like "should the majority of the City Council be turned around every two years", that may make a difference. Councilmember Hendriksen noted the short time before the election. Commissioner Vogt felt that we should take these issues in order. Councihnember Hendriksen stated that it has been said that we can only draw wards in years ending with the nmnber 1 or number 2. We could draw wards and implement this in a staged way if we decide to implement it at all. The only impetus he could see is implementing a seven- member Council - then we probably will go to a ward system. Councilmember Anderson stated she can see seven people to spread the workload around to. Commissioner Dot, oran did not see that as a package deal - increasing the Councilmembers and then an automatic ward system. Councilmember Hendriksen asked if the discussion would also address the issue of making sure the majority of Council can be changed on a bi-annual basi~. Commissioner Henke stated that when we are talking four years for everyone - she felt changing these numbers should be part of the discussion. Four years is a long time. Even with seven Councihnembers, you are talking about a consensus turnover only every four years. W.e should discuss changing four years to something else to make what we decide more feasible. Commissioner Donovan asked don't you thin/c it places a burden on someone campaigning every two years? It's logical to go four years rather than two years. It should be looked at as a positive and that they will do good things for the City. Commissioner Hen/ce stated that the cost of campaigning should not outweigh good govermnent. Commissioner Donovan felt that turnover is not ali that good. Chairperson Kiefer stated that the first discussion is supposed to be about the number of Councilmembers and if that is an item we want on the ballot. Commissioner Childs stated he is intrigued with an advisory question and asked what would give- more flexibility. He suggested making one of the Council seats a two-year as that would give more balance. [f the question of the number of Council is up .to the voters, he wondered if we also have to indicate what the process is in doing [hat. Charter Commission - September 6, 2000 Page 5 oi' 12 -9-