Agenda - Council - 09/12/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I I I '1 I I I I I I I Commissioner Nelson was in favor of continuing with the current system as long as it is working well, but felt that the Mayor's term limits should be changed. He also felt that the ward system would be inevitable as the City grew. Commissioner Netzloff felt too that the current system is working but that the Mayor's term should be extended to fOur years. He added that the City election should coincide with the National elections. Commissioner Spain-Brist agreed that the Mayor's term should be lengthened to four years but agreed with Commissioner Swokowski that some of these changes discussed will probably be happening quicker than what is expected. She felt it necessary to continue to look at the possibility of switching to a ward system. Chairperson Steffen stated that he has gotten to be more of a proponent to change than when he started. There is~ a cost factor for these people and not a good turnout of people voting for our Council people. We have low numbers deciding who gets to be a Councilmember. That may change if we went to a ward system. He felt that holding a primary first would cut down the number of people running for office. If we do this in a way that plans for the future, we may not have any amountI of controversy. There is the practical problem of who gets the long term and who gets the short term to carry into the presidential year. He suggested mail balloting as a way to force people to exercise their rights and opportunities to vote. In reviewing tonights discussion, it appears a four-year mayoral term is preferred. He felt that Council could make that decision without a Charter. change. He noted the number of Councils that have seven people on the board and added that he'was not necessarily in favor of adding more to Ramsey's Council. Commissioner Denovan inquired of Mr. Deemer if he felt an increased filing fee would keep people from running for election if they were serious about wanting to be on Council. Mr. Deemer responded that $5 is not enough to deter people from anything. At what point? Maybe $50 - $100 - however, he felt that was an unreasonable fee. Chairperson Steffen inquired of Mr. Deemer what level of fee would have deterred him from running for Council. Mr. Deemer replied "probably over $50". Chairperson Steffen indicated a desire to continue this discussion on the next agenda. Mr. Schroeder commented that if a ward system is entertained, maybe some thought should go into what the wards would look Iike- all urban area or a blend of life style types, etc. Chairperson Steffen noted that some of the information supplied by Commissioner Kiefer looks at that. Hopkins was mentioned and proportional representation. Race was also mentioned and a blending of urban rand rural. Mr. Deemer commented that the last time there was a discussion at the Council level about wards, etc. an argument e~sued. He felt that if it becomes a consensus of the Charter Commission that the City should be divided into wards, the Commission should draw lines so that each Councilmember is in a different place. Chairperson Steffen agreed that the Charter Commission would determine the ward lines. Charter Commission/April 20, 1995 Page 3 of 6