Minutes - Charter Commission - 11/20/2003

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Commissioner Deemer stated that neither of these allows citizens to propose Charter amendments and place them directly on the ballot. Mr. Goodrich explained the petition and election process. Mr. Norman has said we ought to by ordinance have City Council say we will give these petitions to the Charter Commission and have them review quickly and make comment for public purpose or whatever. If Charter petition is a long question, then the Charter are the ones to determine if summation is fair. Consensus of the Commission was to talk about Mr. Norman's suggestion, Chapter 2, City Council procedures, at the February 19 meeting. Commissioner Deemer stated that the judge said all amendments to the Charter shall occur as in the original charter. Mr. Goodrich stated that if you read Chapter 410, it's written by and large to adopt a new Charter. That's why language becomes so awkward because it has not been written for amendments. They say follow the process, use common sense when you are doing amendments. You havc to follow the new Charter process when adopting amendments. Commissioner Deemer stated that if we do it as a new Charter, it means we shall vote. Consensus of' thc Commission was that if there is time during the next Charter Commission meeting, 4.10 discussion should be on the agenda again. Another item £or the agenda would be a welcome to the new Charter members. It was suggested that the swearing in of the new Charter members could be done at a Cotmcil mecting to increase the awareness of the Charter Commission. Chairperson Vogt suggested that Charter could be more proactive. He added what a pleasure it has been working with Commissioner Darlene Milless. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Colnmissioner Swanson and seconded by Commissioner LaMere to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. The regular meeting of the Charter Commission adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Willi~ City Attorney Charter Commission/November 20, 2003 Page 7 of 7