Laserfiche WebLink
Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Kiefer, Commissioners Childs, Donovan, Henke, <br />LaMere, Netztoff and Vogt. Voting No: None. 'Absent: Commissioners Rosenow and Spain <br />Brist. <br /> <br />APPROVAL OF MINUTES <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Childs and seconded by Commissioner LaMere to approve the Charter <br />Commission meeting minutes dated September 6, 2000. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Kiefer, Commissioners Childs, LaMere, Donovan, <br />Henke, Netzloff and Vogt. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Rosenow and Spain <br />Brist. <br /> <br />COMMISSION BUSINESS: <br /> <br />Case #lA: January 23, 2001 Charter Amendment Petition <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich stated that the City received a petition on January 23, 2001, signed by <br />approximately 460 residents to amend Chapter 5 of the Ramsey City Charter. The City Clerk <br />has determined and reported to the City Council that the number of signatures is sufficient to <br />make a valid petition. Mr. Goodrich explained what the amendment would do and explained the <br />process for scheduling a special election. The City Council will consider the wording of the <br />petition/ballot on February 27. The next thing Council is required to do is make sure the petition <br />is legal. The City Council has directed that the City Attorney review the petition for legality and <br />report back to Council on February 27. Assuming it is lawful, the City Council must then set an <br />election date. That date is recommended to be April 17. Mr. Goodrich pointed out that had this <br />petition contained more than 1,000 words, the Charter would have had to review the summary; <br />however, this petition is not over 1,000 words. The Charter can make comments either to City <br />Council, hold an informational meeting, or take a position on this petition. As Mr. Goodrich <br />understood, the petition would void ail the Charter language in 5.1 through 5.8 and would be <br />replaced with the language labeled 5.1 through 5.6. He added that he would be reviewing it <br />more thoroughly but it changes the following: #1) We require 20% of registered voters for <br />petition for recall. This would reduce that amount to 5%. #2) Our Charter provides t0% for <br />initiative and referendum to initiate an ordinance or call a referendum on an established <br />ordinance. This would reduce it to 5%. If this language would be adopted, all petitions would <br />be at 5%. He noted the language in 5.6, which states "fullest extent" - it would have to be <br />determined what "fullest extent" is. <br /> <br />Mr. Manuel stated he is a long-time Ramsey resident and taxpayer. He felt that if something is <br />brought forward to the Council by residents, it should be upheld. He referred to Chapter 14 and <br />stated that this ~Uhapter has not been upheld. He looks at the Charter as the constitution of t_he <br />City. We have had several legal firms looking at this and still nothing has been done. We need <br />this change so it is clear what must be done. <br /> <br />Terry Hendriksen, 15631 Ramsey Boulevard NW, Ramsey, stated he is a member of the <br />circulating committee. He thoUght it was important - 5% to amend the Charter and that is more <br /> <br />Charter Commission - February 15, 2001 <br /> Page 2 of 12 <br /> <br /> <br />