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Commissioner Milless noted that the Charter Commission could not make any final decisions. <br /> <br />Richard Krueger, stated that years ago the City had a situation where the Mayor resigned with <br />nine months left in his term. The Council was considering leaving the seat open for nine months <br />but a Judge ruled that the seat be filled. The vote was two to two tie and the acting Mayor had <br />the deciding vote. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich noted that the proposed language was not developed by staff or any <br />person on the Commission. It is State Statute language that governs about 800 cities. <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen stated that the date a Councilmember is sworn in could impact a two-year term. <br />He stated that he was deeply offended when Lance Raygor was speaking that Mr. Norman chose <br />to belittle him. He thought Mr. Norman was out of order and asked that decorum be enforced <br />and that Mr. Raygor not be belittled from the table and that his opinion be respected. The body <br />language and statements, in his opinion, were inappropriate. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman replied that he was offended by Mr. Hendriksen's statement. <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen replied "then watch the tape". <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Milless, seconded by Commissioner Deemer, to recommend that the <br />City Charter be amended by changing the requirements for a special election when there is a <br />vacancy in an elected office, which specific language as presented by staff, and that this <br />proposed amendment be referred to the City Council for it to establish a ballot question and that <br />this amendment be submitted to the qualified voters for their approval/disapproval at the <br />November 2002 general election. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Commissioner Deemer stated that the City did have a situation where a <br />person resigned from their position as Mayor and an existing Councilmember was appointed as <br />Mayor so that they could run as an incumbent. When it is brought out that people can <br />manipulate when people have resigned or when they are appointed it can happen and has <br />happened in the City. He stated that he was willing to let the voters decide something as <br />important as this. Commissioner Swanson stated that throughout the process of talking about <br />wards they had citizen input and person after person stated that it was important that a Mayor's <br />term and Councilmember term be longer than two years. He stated that he thought they had a <br />history that two-year appointments is not what people want. Chairperson Vogt replied that that <br />might be the case, but it is an issue that would go before the voters. There is a general election in <br />November so they have an opportunity for those types of issues. Commissioner Swanson replied <br />that in his opinion it is not necessary to put the issue to the voters. Commissioner Kiefer stated <br />that it has been brought up that elections are expensive. The State and U.S. Federal Government <br />allow provisions for what is being proposed, obviously it has been given a lot of thought. Even <br />the State Constitution allows for two years. If the City of Ramsey was not a Charter City that is <br />what they would be under. It is not a bad situation. For an individual to campaign for that short <br />period of time is quite costly. Citizens decide that particular issue. The Charter Commission is <br />simply making a recommendation to the Council. It is an important topic and worthy of being <br />placed before the residents. Commissioner Ebel stated that she feels strongly about leaving it as <br /> <br />Charter Commission/July 18, 2002 <br /> Page 12 of 22 <br /> <br /> <br />