Agenda - Charter Commission - 02/23/1984

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I ,I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Chairman Heitman stated that if the Commission proceeds to get the charter voted on before summer and more changes to the charter do come about, they can be resolved at the general election in November. Commissioner Sieber noted that the U.S. Constitution gets revised all the time. Commissioner Gamec stated that the impression should not be given that the Commission is preparing a document that will be requiring changes all the time. Mr. Darryl Fults stated that not even 5% of Ramsey's population will understand the charter and the Commission is asking them to vote on something they don't understand. Councilmember Sorteberg stated that the people have to receive a copy of the char~er before they can begin to understand it. Commissioner Bauerkemper stated that the Commission has been told to keep 'it's costs down and it would cost a lot of money to reproduce the charter and send it to every home. Mr. Darryl Fults inquired if a 51% vote of the registered voters was required to put the charter into effect. Commissioner Bauerkemper replied that in a special election it would be 51% of the people who voted. Mr. Darryl Fults stated that in a special election, it could be.a small minority of people that put the charter through. Chairman Heitman stated that the default position is that the minority will give the rights to everybody. Commissioner Sieber stated that if the majority of people who show up to vote at the special election are the same people who have been showing up at Charter Commission meetings, then he doubts the charter will go through. Mr. Jack Ippel stated that the way to guarantee a good turn out is ~o vote on the charter at the general election. Commissioner Sieber replied that the Commission would have to weigh doing it during the general election against the disadvantages, if we wait, as we perceive them to be. Commissioner Buchanan stated that most people do not vote on issues included on the general election ballot; they vote for the local, State and national candidates and walk away from any issues included on the ballot. Mr. Ippel stated that the people did not walk away from voting on the race track issue. Commissioner Sieber replied that the people did walk away from voting on the initiative and referendum issue. Mr. Darryl Fults inquired as to how soon after the charter is adopted will a re-election of officers be held. Commissioner Sieber replied that there will not be a re-election of officers, those in office at the time of charter adoption are in force. Sp CC/February 15, 1984 Public Meeting Page 10 of 12