Agenda - Charter Commission - 01/26/1984

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I I I I I I I I I I I I Commission now discussed Chapter 8 of the charter draft. Commissioner Greenberg stated that the City Administrator has misgivings regarding Chapter 8. City Administrator recommended phrasing Section 8.01 as saying something to the effect that in areas of public improvements and special assessments, Council shall be governed by Minnesota State Statutes and delete the balance of Chapter 8 as written by the Commission. Commissioner Greenberg then inquired as to the Charter Commission's disagreement with Minnesota State Statute Chapter 429. Chairman Heitman replied that there is no need for a charter if the City goes with Chapter 429 because 429 allows council to dictate what will be done in the areas of special improvements and assessments. The charter puts the decision back in the hands of the people. Susan Beale noted that the City Administrator is overlooking the fact that this charter cannot do anything that is against State law anyway. Commissioner Greenberg inquired if Section 8.03 would allow for Council adopting chapter 429 as an ordinance. Commissioner Bauerkemper noted that Council could possible adopt 429 as an ordinance, but that ordinance would be in conflict with the charter and the charter would pre-empt anything in that ordiance. Commissioner Greenberg inquired as to how the charter will affect existing ordinances. Commissioner Lichter replied that chapter 12 addresses this question; existing ordinances would have to be rewritten to comply with the charter. Commissioner Greenberg referred to Section 8.03 and suggested that maybe that section is too vague, it seems like a catch all; that Council could be called on the carpet because they forgot to take something into consideration that they should have. I I Commissioner Bauerkemper replied that it is council's job to be sure they are thorough. Commissioner Data summarized Chapter 8 as allowing people to object, legally, to assessments and cause those assessments to go away if there is enough' people in opposition. I ! I I I Commissioner Greenberg stated that the City Administrator feels that processes created by the Charter make such programs as Tax Increment Financing too time consuming and the city will lose potential tax base to other communities. Susan Beale pointed out that Coon Rapids, Anoka and BlOomington are all charter cities and have dealt in tax increment financing projects. Commissioner Greenberg stated that he wants to be sure that this charter is not an attempt to maintain a status quo of keeping future development out of Ramsey. Commission consensus is that restricting future development is not the purpose of this charter. CC/January 12, 1984 Page 5 of 6