Minutes - Charter Commission - 10/27/1983

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Commissioner Sieber suggested that Commissioner Bauerkemper prepare language to include a ward system in the charter for Commission review. Chairman Heitman stated that if wards will help get the sold, he is for it. Does wards affect the recall feature? Commissioner Gamec stated that a negative to wards is that the councilmembers do not know anything of the entire city picture, they are only concerned with their ward. Susan Beale - In reference to Commissioner Sieber's argument that he could potentially lose good politicians, pointed out that those good politicians could run at large. Chairman Heitman stated that if we develop a tool which does put control of problems in the people's hands, he's not certain it makes a difference whether Council is elected at large or by wards. The charter is the resolution, it will accomplish voters having control of Council. Commissioner Data stated that he is not in favor of wards. People who want wards don't necessarily want wards, they want representation for their unique community requirements. Those same people pointing out all the advantages would change their minds if they knew all the disadvantages. Commissioner Gamec brought up what one city in Minnesota is trying. Council is elected at large and every year ward representation is rotated among the council members. It accomplished local representation and forced better awareness of the city. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Lichter and seconded by Commissioner Data to adjourn this regular meeting of the Ramsey Charter Commission. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairman Heitman, Commissioners Sieber, Gamec, Bauerkemper, Lichter, Data and Greenberg. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners ~itterud andBuchanan. The regular Charter Commission meeting adjourned at 12:39 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Sylvia Frolik Secretary Attachment I: Input From Mr. Benjamin Deemer CC/October 27, 1983 Page 14 of 14