Minutes - Charter Commission - 08/11/1983

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Commissioner Lichter reiterated that a good compromise would be 3 councilpersons elected by ward and two at large and the two at large would represent a significant force on the council. Commissioner Sieber stated that a ward system is of no value to Ramsey and it would be a waste of time and energy. Commissioner Lichter stated that at the last election he cannot remember any person running for council or mayor beating the bushes and attempting to contact the residents. Commissioner Gamec stated that when a person is u/~opposed he tends not to campaign too much. He also noted that Howard Carson campaigned vigorously and that he thinks Ms. Schlueter did too. Commissioner Lichter stated that he feels area representation would get uninvolved citizens involved. Commissioner Gamec dismissed himself at 8:45 p.m. Commissioner Sieber stated that Commissioner Lichter's reasons are valid enough, but the ward system would not be beneficial enough for Ramsey to go through the hassle of changing to a ward system. He further commented that he feels a ward system would be a waste of time, money and energy but on the other hand it would not do any irreparable damage to the City. He also noted that the precincts already established are close to being equal population-Wise so the cost of going to wards could be minimal. Commissioner Data stated that the reasons brought out for going to a ward system are good, but that he agrees with Commissioner Sieber. He suggested that maybe something could be included in the charter that would satisfy Commissioner Lichters wishes without going to a ward system. Commissioner Sieber stated that the only thing a charter could do is mandate that individual councilpersons be assigned as liaisons to certain wards. Commissioner Lichter was not in favor of that suggestion on the basis that Council would be appointing representatives to each area. Commissioner Titterud stated that if a neighborhood feels neglected, they should run someone for office from their neighborhood. Commissioner Lichter stated that electing 3 councilpersons by wards and 2 councilpersons at large is the best compromise between an at large system and a ward system because the wards would have representation and the 2 at large would still control council meetings and procedures. Charter Commission consensus is that this issue will continue as an open item and be brought up for input at the public hearing. Commissioner Data stated that there is a fear that the anticipated population for the area in Ramsey designated for multiple dwellings could impose their will on the rest of Ramsey and maybe something could be included in the charter to deal with that foreseeable problem. Commissioner Lichter stated that he wants to make local government as local as possible. CC/Augnst 11, 1983 Page 5 of 9