Minutes - Charter Commission - 12/10/2015

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Chair Field questioned how these items would be introduced to the Charter — summaries — background — formal/informal discussions, etc. Commissioner Zaetsch stated he would be willing to suggest this for an agenda item. He would route a proposal to the Chair, the City Attorney, the City Clerk and one more Charter Commission member and they could determine if it would be on as a formal agenda item. Commissioner Deemer stated he takes issue with what Wayne Buchholz said. Mr. Buchholz had stated that he attended a City Council meeting to request that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda. He was told that a Consent Agenda item can only be removed by a Councilmember. Mr. Buchholz had expressed concern about a Councilmember being able to add or remove a Consent Agenda item without public input or objection. Mr. Buchholz also stated that under Robert's Rules, a change in the way City Council meeting agenda items are regulated must be enacted by the Charter Commission and he requested that the Commission consider adding this as a discussion item at an upcoming meeting. Mr. Deemer continued that he wanted to see proof of what Mr. Buchholz is asking for governing the City Council meetings. Commissioner Deemer felt that how the City Council handles their agenda was not something he felt the Charter Commission should necessarily get involved with. Commissioner Zaetsch suggested getting a legal opinion from the City Attorney. Chair Field relayed that he is on the PACT Charter School Board as well, but he did not have an answer related to governing the addition or removal of agenda items. Commissioner Zaetsch commented that, referencing the EDA, maybe EDA funding items should not be on the Council Consent Agenda. Chair Field, with regard to setting an agenda, there is a chance to have input on future meeting topics at a current meeting. The Chair could have the final say or a majority of the Charter Commission could have the say if the Chair did not want to do so. Commissioner Siverston inquired about Charter Commission by-laws. Chair Field stated that there appear to not be by-laws / governing documents. Robert's Rules of Order was referenced in the start-up of the Charter and Robert's Rules says — in the absence of separate governing rules, use Roberts. Commissioner Zaetsch referenced Mr. Buchholz's question again about can a citizen ask to have an item removed from the Council's Consent Agenda. Chair Field suggested the Commission not have a discussion on something they do not have authority to change. Discussion can take place at a later time if the Attorney states the Commission has authority on this. Commissioner Deemer stated that during Citizen Input, a resident can ask Council to pull an item off the Consent Agenda to discuss it. Council can agree to do so - or not. Charter Commission/ December 10, 2015 Page 3 of 4