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Mr. Buchanan reiterated that while he and Mr. Sieber were polling the <br />public, the general response was that they wanted to see an actual <br />proposed charter for Ramsey before rendering an opinion to charter. <br />Mr. Buchanan noted that the intent is that all Charter Commission meetings <br />are open and public input will be allowed for. In addition, specific <br />public hearings will be conducted during the writing of the charter. <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />Commissioner Deemer suggested that the possibility of putting some teeth <br />into the charter regarding ordinance enforcement be explored. <br /> <br />Mr. Schnelle stated that he doesntt know if a Council in a City like Ramsey <br />really wants all that power to push the citizens around, that Ramsey does <br />have the power to do what has to be done but some cities Just don't choose <br />to operate that way. <br /> <br />Mr. Buchanan inquired if there were any rumors or misconceptiOns regarding <br />the Charter commission that P&Z would like to clear up. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerm~ stated that he has not heard any negatives, that <br />the ~ublic is.waiting to see what the Charter Commission comes up with <br />and the public wants input to the issue. <br /> <br />Commissioner Isak4on Stated-that the Charter Commission is a result of the <br />sewer and water issue and he was concerned that the Charter would be <br />written vindictively and deal with a single issue and he is glad to hear <br />from Mr. Buchanan tonight that that is not the case. <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />! <br />I <br /> <br />Mr. Buchanan stated that his basic interest in charter is the option of <br />initiative and referendum, that currently a Council of 4 or 5 rule the <br />City and the public is powerless. <br /> <br />Commissioner Deemer stated that he thinks people's first impression of a <br />charter was that vocal minority could call for a recall or prevent things <br />from happening in Ramsey. <br /> <br />Mr. Buchanan stated at this point the Charter Commission is not sure recall <br />will be included in the charter and if it is it would be for reasons of <br />malfeasance or misfeasance. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding ward system, special interest groups and spoil <br />system. <br /> <br />Commissioner Deemer stated that it would be advantagegous to have a precinct <br />system with i councilmember-and i mayor elected at large. <br /> <br />Mr. Schnelle stated that he has worked in two communities that have charter <br />and one problem presented is that councilmembers tend to get lazy -- they <br />are only concerned with issues from their area. Mr. Schnelle commented that <br />a council elected entirely at large must keep abreast of all issues because <br />they are then accountable to all the people of the community. <br /> <br />Mr. Buchanan noted that once a charter is written, although it is difficult, <br />there are procedures provided to amend the charter. <br /> <br />Mr. Schnelle stated that if a charter is adopted, he would like to see a <br />provision made requiring Council to appoint a cross section of City residents <br />each January for the purpose of reviewing the past budget and upcoming budget. <br /> <br />P&Z/July 5, 1983 <br /> Page 6 of 8 <br /> <br /> <br />