Minutes - Charter Commission - 10/27/1983

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Chairman Heitman stated that the Commission sincerely wants good, honest criticism of any problems that Staff sees in the Charter draft; Commission would also like to see Staff's resolutions to alleviate those problems in order that both sides of the problem can be entertained. Chairman Heitman further commented that he doesn't think Staff is really concerned; if they were they would make an effort to get out of their homes and attend meetings for the purpose of providing:input. Commission. recessed at 8:45 p.m. Chairman Heitman called the meeting back to order at 9:02 p.m. D. Review Of. Issues Brought Up At Charter Commission Meeting Of October 20, 1983: Commissioner Data noted that Mounds View recommended adopting'City operating budget by resolution, that adopting by ordinance could cause more problems than it would solve, that the State levy'limits provide adequate protection, that the long term financial plan can be adopted by ordinance therefore making it subject to iniative and referendum. Commissioner Data further commented that he supports Mounds View's recommendation. Commissioners Sieber and Bauerkemper agreed. Commissioner Lichter inquired if the Commission's intent is to also make resolutions subject to initiative and referendum, as is the case in Mounds View's charter. Commissioner Sieber stated that he doesn't think subjecting resolutions to initiative and referendum will stand up in court. Commissioner Lichter pointed out that levy limits are not permanent; that the State could change or remove levy limits. Commissioner Gamec commented that the State has loosened up somewhat, but every city in the State has lobbied to have levy limits removed and the State won't do it. Susan Beale - Stated that Bloomington Council requested Legislature to change their levy limits, Legislature agreed, and when the residents of Bloomington heard this the issue went to a special election. Commissioner Sieber noted that there is not much flexibility in the operating budget, the real problems come in when the City bonds for money and those cases are not included in the operating budget. Regarding protection against change or removal of levy limits, within one year the City could provide some relief by amending the charter. Chairman Heitman pointed out that Mounds View chose to make resolutions subject to initiative and referendum, this impacts Chapter 5, Chapter 5 relates to Chapter 8, and we want to be very careful not to lose control of Chapter 8. Commissioner Sieber pointed out that if resolutions being subjected to initiative referendum does not hold up in court, it doe~negate ordinances being subject to initiative and referendum. ~ CC/October 27, 1983 Page 6 of 14