Minutes - Charter Commission - 07/18/2002

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regular contact with. Chairperson Vogt inquired if Mr. Hendriksen felt that the Council is able to handle any personnel issues that come before them. He felt that the City Manager should have the autonomy to hire and fire as they see fit. Mr. Hendriksen replied that he thought the line stopped with Department Heads. At some point they probably will have a City Manager, but he did not think the Charter Commission is the one to make that decision without discussing it further with the Council. When the City goes to a seven member council in November they will have additional bodies. He did not think the change was appropriate at this time. Commissioner Milless noted that most of the cities in the area have a City Manager position. Commissioner LaMere stated that she agreed with meeting with the Council because it directly affects their authority. If it were to go forward would it be considered a new position in which any person could apply. City Administrator Norman replied that that would be a decision made by the City Council. Commissioner LaMere stated that they are currently a Plan A City so if they change to a Plan B City will it require other things to change as well. City Attorney Goodrich replied that the City would follow whatever Plan B encompasses, noting that elections, Councilmembers, Wards, Commissions would all stay the same. Mr. Krueger stated that he agreed with the City Manager position. He inquired if the City Manager would do all the contract negotiations with unions and approve the contracts without Council approval. City Administrator Norman replied that the Council would still need to approve the union contract. Commissioner Ebel inquired if there was a difference in salary between a City Administrator and City Manager. City Administrator Norman replied that there could be a difference, but it would be insignificant if at all. Commissioner Deemer stated that he thought it was a question that the citizens of Ramsey needed to answer. Commissioner Swanson recommended that the motion be amended to direct staff to solicit public input as well. Motion was amended to advertise for public input. Further discussion: Commissioner Vogt inquired if they were to meet in September with the Council could they place an advisory question on the ballot for the general election. City Attorney Goodrich replied that the Council would have to place an advisory question on the ballot. He stated that the latest they could meet would be the week of September 2nd, but preferably the last week of August. Patti Kurak, Sunfish Lake Boulevard NW, Ramsey, stated that changing the form of government is a big change and should not be taken lightly. Being that it is an important issue she recommended placing the issue in the Ramsey Resident to make it understandable to the general person. She suggested an article that is true, valid, precise and short. Chairperson Vogt stated that he would like to meet with the Council and receive a consensus and then they will have citizen input at that point. Unfortunately the newsletter won't be going out for two months. Ms. Kurak stated that it is very important that residents have a clear understanding of what the change is. Mr. Kiefer inquired if the City of Ramsey is a small business where you have four or five family members all giving different direction or is it a corporate type of business where there is a board of directors that has a CEO to follow out their direction. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Vogt, Commissioners Ebel, LaMere, Deemer, and Swanson. Voting No: Commissioners Milless. Absent: Commissioners Bertzyk and Henke. Charter Commission/July 18, 2002 Page 20 of 22