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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Peterson, Commissioners K_iefer, Donovan, Anderson, <br />Marn, and Vogt. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Netzloff, Spain~Brist, and <br />Swokowski. <br /> <br />COUNCIL/COMMISSION BUSINESS <br /> <br />Case #1: Review of League of Minnesota Charter City Statistics <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich explained that per the Charter Commission's request of November 19, <br />1998, he has obtained information regarding the number of councilmembers other cities have, <br />which cities have primary elections, which cities use the ward system for councilmember <br />elections, and which cities use city managers and which use city administrators. He advised that <br />this statistical information was pulled from Charter cities and that Statutory cities all have five <br />councilmembers. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued with regard to increasing the number of councilmembers representing the City <br />of Ramsey, and whether they should be elected at-large or by using the ward system, or a <br />combination of both. <br /> <br />Consensus of the Charter Commission was to direct City Administrator Norman to contact the <br />city administrators/managers from surrounding cities to receive input on how their number of <br />councilmembers works for their situation. <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich advised that the ward system lines are drawn every 10 years with the census. <br /> <br />Consensus of the Charter Commission was to direct Mr. Norman to also poll his colleagues as to <br />whether more candidates run with the ward system. <br /> <br />After discussing pros and cons, consensus of the Charter Commission was that the main <br />advantages recommending a conversion to the ward system are: (1) Each geographical area of the <br />city will be assured some representation; (2) Councilmembers will be able to have closer contact <br />with their constituents and be more responsive to their needs, thereby being more accountable to <br />the people who elected them; (3) The voter is more likely to have personal knowledge about the <br />candidate seeking office and thereby will more likely make an intelligent choice; and (4) The <br />campaign costs to a council candidate are lower. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan stated that the main goal is better government, and better representation <br />is better government. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman contended that this past election provided a good argument for the <br />ward system in that 1300 voters voted for governor but did not vote for mayor. <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich advised that the League of Minnesota Cities will be coming out with an article for <br />"at-large vs. ward" government. <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Kiefer and seconded by Commissioner Donovan to table the question <br />of converting to the ward system until additional information, as discussed, is provided. <br /> <br />Charter Commission/January 28, 1999 <br /> Page 2 of 4 <br /> <br /> <br />