Agenda - Charter Commission - 04/23/2014

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Commissioner Deemer stated the Council should review this issue as soon as possible. City Attorney Langel stated the Commission could make an informal recommendation to the Council that they review the issue and provide feedback, or recommend that the Council initiate the public hearing process and open discussion on this issue. Chairperson Field asked whether there is a time constraint for the Council with regard to the current ordinance, and whether the Council could continue their vote to allow for discussion. City Attorney Langel confirmed this. Commissioner Zaetsch stated if the Council continues their vote, the Commission could then begin the process of amending the Charter. He added he would like the Commission to address issues related to the ordinance language, including sunset provision and eliminating assessments. Commissioner Anderson stated she opposes the motion, as it appears that the Commission is recommending a Charter amendment. Chairperson Field stated the Commission would only be initiating discussion. Commissioner Niska stated he proposed the motion with the intent to move the process along without interfering with the work of the Council. He noted, under the statutory timeline, the Council can counter the Commission' s amendment and still convey the correct course of action before the 2014 general election. Commissioner Anderson stated the Charter should only be amended by majority public vote or a unanimous Council vote. She added she believes the Charter's vote should be reserved for housekeeping issues, and not to make major decisions for the City. She noted the Commission has used their vote for other issues and ended up regretting it. Chairperson Field stated he does not believe the Council vote would be unanimous, and a recommendation to put it to voters could be included. Commissioner Niska agreed, stated the amendment would not be intended to create change by unanimous vote but rather to start this discussion with the Council and attempt to move forward. Commissioner Sivertson agreed, stating the amendment shows the Commission wants to initiate a discussion. Commissioner Zaetsch stated this issue will be politicized if it goes to the next general election, and a special election would be preferable. He added, in his opinion, citizens should vote on this sooner rather than later. Commissioner Deemer stated the Council can submit their comments back to the Commission to keep the discussion going. Charter Commission /October 21, 2013 Page 9 of 11