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Motion carried. Voting Yes: ChairPersgn Peterson, Commissioners Kiefer, Donovan, Anderson, <br />Marn, and Vogt. Voting No: None/ Absent: Commissioners Netzloff, Spain-Brist, and <br />Swokowski. <br /> <br />COUNCIL/COMMISSION BUSINESS <br /> <br />Case #I: Review of LeagUe of MinnesOta Charter City Statistics <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich explained ]that por the Charter Commission's request of November 19, <br />1998, he has obtained information i regarding the number of councilmembers other cities have, <br />which cities have primary elections, which cities use the ward system for councilmember <br />elections, and which cities use city managers and which use city administrators. He advised that <br />this statistical information was pull, ed from Charter cities and that Statutory cities all have five <br />councilmembers. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued with regard to increasing the number ofcouncitmembers representing the City <br />of Ramsey, and whether they should be elected at-large or by using the ward system, or a <br />combination of both. <br /> <br />Consensus of the Charter Commiss!on was-to direct .City Administrator Norman to contact the <br />city administrators/managers from surro.unding cities to receive input on how their number of <br />councilmembers works for their situation; <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich advised that the ward system lines are drawn every 10 years with the census. <br /> <br />Consensus of the Charter Commissign was to direct Mr. Norman to also poll his cOlleagues as to <br />whether more candidates run with the ward system. <br /> <br />After discussing pros and cons, consensus of the Charter Commission was that the main <br />advantages recommending a c°nversion to the Ward system are: (1) Each geographical area of the <br />city will be assm'ed some representation; (2) C°uncilmembers will be able to have closer contact <br />with their constituents and be more responsive to their needs, thereby being more accountable to <br />the people who elected them; (3) The rot,er is more likely to have personal knowledge about the <br />candidate seeking office and thereby will more likely make an intelligent choice; and (4) The <br />campaign costs to a council candidate are i°wer. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan stated that the main goal is better government, and better representati°n <br />is better government. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman contended that this past election provided a good argument for the <br />ward system in that 1300 voters voted for governor but did not vote for mayor. <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich advised that the League of Minnesota Cities will be coming out with an article for <br />"at-large vs. ward" government. : <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Kiefer and seconded by Commissioner Donovan to table the question <br />of converting to the ward system until additional information, as discussed, is provided. <br /> <br />Charter commission/January 28, 1999 <br /> :Page 2 of 4 <br /> <br />-65- <br /> <br /> <br />