Minutes - Charter Commission - 09/30/2004

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APPROVE MINUTES Case #1: Introduction of New Charter Commission Members Aimee Fischer was introduced to the Charter Commission. Case #2: Review of Chapters 3, 4 and 5 of Ramsey Charter City Attorney Goodrich explained language for sections in Chapters 3, 4 and 5 of the City's Charter. Chapter 3 - no issues with language. Discussion ensued relating to how many Councilmembers can call a special meeting - no issue with three calling a meeting. Section 4.5 -- Mr. Goodrich referred to what the State Statutes says. Vice~Chair LaMere inquired if the issue is the length of time remaining in a Council term to which Mr. Goodrich replied in the affirmative. Commissioner Deemer referred to Section 4.5.5 - third sentence - six lines down - delete the "s" from Counci hnembers. Mr. Goodrich stated the Commission should decide how long a period of time they want to let an appointed member of Council serve before you have an election. Commissioner Ebel inquired how does an appointment occur. Mr. Goodrich replied that the position is advertised, interviews are conducted and the Council votes. Commissioner Ebel referred to Subdivision 2b - inability or refusal to serve. She inquired how many meetings can a Councilmember miss. Mr. Goodrich stated that is in the State Statutes - that's not the City's language - and it's difficult to say. Commissioner Ebel felt there should be some language relating to that. Commissioner Fischer commented that the Councilmembers are elected but the same City Council cannot kick them off. Commissioner Ebel asked about parameters. Mr. Goodrich stated that Richfield's Charter has language about a consecutive 90 days of absence. Itc felt that was fraught with legal ramifications. He referred to State Statute and a two-year appointment. Charter Commission/September 30, 2004 Page 2 of 5