Minutes - Charter Commission - 05/19/2011

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Commissioner Deemer observed that we have spent a lot of time correcting our Charter language to coincide with wards. Mr. Surma felt that he was more asking the Charter Commission to amend the Charter to an article format, not really to change the wording. Case #4: Approve Summary Letter to the Judge City Clerk Thieling read the letter to the Judge summarizing the Charter's activities for 2010. Motion by Commissioner Sherman, seconded by Commissioner Niska to approve the year -end summary letter to Chief Judge Bloomquist and direct staff to submit it on behalf of the Charter Commission. Motion carried. All present voted in favor. Absent: Commissioner Shea. COMMISSION INPUT 1. Schedule Future Meeting Date(s)/Topic(s) Commissioner Deemer stated he would like to look at Section 2.5 and discuss if we need to make modifications. Commissioner Bendtsen stated he would like to look at amending Sections 2.3 through 2.5. Commissioner Niska stated that 2.3.1 is defining — 2.5 is the mechanism for removing people. Commissioner Deemer mentioned ward boundary changes. Commissioner Sherman asked if we should have an agenda item at the next meeting to talk about responding to the suggestions by Mr. Surma. It was stated that staff could send a notice to Mr. Surma when we are meeting to look at the Sections 2.3 through 2.5. City Attorney Goodrich suggested maybe looking at 4.5 together with 2.3 and 2.5. Commissioner Sherman stated that she works for the City of Brooklyn Park and they just went through a special election for Mayor — 12 people ran. She suggested the Charter should talk about requiring a primary for the special election. Mr. Goodrich talked about the 120 -day scenario. Upon request, he explained the special election process to fill Councilmember Jeffrey's seat. He also talked about the 90 -days for a special election. Charter Commission/ May 19, 2011 Page 4of5