Minutes - Charter Commission - 10/27/1983

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B. Discussions With. City Of Ramsey. Staff Rega~rdi~n~ Charter Provisions: Chairman Heitman stated that he was under the impression that City Administrator Schnelle would be present at tonight's meebing to provide Staff input to the charter. Commissioner Gamec replied that there is a feeling on the part of Staff that it would be best if they stay clear of the issue. Commissioner Bauerkemper stated that all the Commission is requesting is that Staff educate the Commission as to procedures that must be followed when preparing City budget. Commissioner Lichter stated that City Accountant Moen submitted input at the public hearing and the Commission is waiting for her follow-up. Commissioner Sieber commented that he would prefer to have Staff's input but he is all done chasing them for it. Commissioner Bauerkemper stated that she feels the same as Commissioner Sieber with regards to other commissions in Ramsey; they say they are not receiving any information from the Charter Commission, they can attend our meetings and they were approached by the Public Opinion Committee. Commissioner Data noted that the charter is the responsibility of the charter Commission, which includes framing it and presenting a finished product to Council prior to putting it to a vote of the people. People ~ understand this and probably feel too responsible when providing input. Commissioner Gamec stated that Ramsey Staff has been warned by Mounds View staff not to get involved with preparing the charter. Commissioner Lichter inquired if it should have been the responsibility of City Staff to follow-up on a motion passed at the meeting of October 13, 1983, to provide all commission members in Ramsey with a copy of the charter rough draft. Commissioner Gamec replied that it has been the policy that the Charter Commission take care of it's own business and the sooner we settle this issue and get into a normal routine of operation, the better off we will be. Commissioner Data inquired as to what could be done to make City Staff feel good about the charter and willing to provide input. Susan Beale - Inquired as to why Commissioner Data feels Staff should get any more information than the people in general; why coddle Staff? Commissioner Data replied that he does not want to coddle Staff, he just wants to improve relations between charter commission and Staff. Commissioner Sieber stated that if Staff can't believe that Charter Commission really wants their input, there is nothing else Charter Commission can do. CC/October 27, 1983 Page 5 of 14