Agenda - Charter Commission - 11/30/1995

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mber 30, 1995 The Honorable James D. Gibbs Chief Judge Tenth Judicial District Anoka County Courthouse 320 East Main Street Anoka, Minnesota 55303 RE: City of Ramsey, Anoka County, Minnesota Charter Commission Annual Report Dear Judge Gibbs: In accordance with Minnesota Statute 410.05, the following is an annual report reflecting the activities of the City of Ramsey Charter Commission during 1995. The Commission met on the following dates: January i9, I995 April 20, 1995 June 1, 1995 November 30, 1995. At the January 19 meeting, Charter reviewed the electoral process survey results. The current Mayor and one of the mayoral candidates was present at the meeting to discuss the survey. The Charter Commission determined that this same issue should be placed on the next agenda to allow for more of the 1994 candidates to be present to talk about the process. Charter reviewed the voting results from the past election. Another issue discussed at that meeting was the sale of real property. The City Administrator updated Charter on the process followed to sell City-owned property. Following discussion, Charter tabled action with instructions to staff to try to give the Commission some alternatives by adding language to protect residential areas and misuse of the right to buy and sell property. At the April meeting, the Commission again discussed the electoral process. One of the council candidates from the 1994 election was in attendance to present his views on the process. Primary elections, change in term lengths and campaigning practices were among some of the topics discussed. A ward system versus at large Council was also discussed. The Commission decided they would continue to discuss the pros and cons of each. The sale of real property was discussed as was the fact that it has to be done via City ordinance. It was determined that park property is protected plus it could be made a requirement that no public sale take place without fa'st holding a public hearing. The