Agenda - Council Work Session - 04/20/2021 - Special

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Representative Heinrich noted that he does not want to water down the message and will focus on the Sunfish and Ramsey Boulevard interchanges. He stated that Highway 47 and the railroad crossing is important as well, noting that it has gained the attention of the Governor. Mr. Tinklenberg commented how well served Ramsey is by these two representatives and the committees they serve. He stated that in terms of transportation, he agrees that this is a year where Ramsey can make significant progress. He provided an update on recent meetings he has held with different members of the House and Governors office. He stated that there is a lot of momentum behind the project and these representatives are helping to keep that up. He noted that the work Ramsey has done in terms of design preparation have helped to put the project in a better position for funding. Representative Scott stated that there is movement afoot to reform the bonding bill process, which would allow members to vote on individual sections. Mayor LeToumeau stated that the Highway 10 effort has been targeted and focused. He recognized that each piece of the puzzle will help to improve the corridor. He hoped to continue great communication between the City and the two representatives present tonight. Representative Scott asked and confirmed that the Councilmembers subscribe to the updates. Representative Heinrich suggested setting up a Highway 10 Coalition Day at the Capital. He stated that when people show up in numbers, it tends to catch attention. Councilmember Heinrich referenced the TIF district and clarified that the entire Council has not yet discussed that issue and therefore that discussion would occur prior to bringing something forward to one of the representatives for assistance. Mayor LeTourneau thanked Representatives Scott and Heinrich for attending tonight and for their continued service. 2.02: Discuss Ordinance Amending the Charter by Repealing and Replacing Chapter 4 — Nominations and Elections City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Specht commented that he had a concern with totally eliminating primaries, using an example where there are ten candidates running. Charter Commission Chairperson Field stated that the issue was discussed in depth by the Charter Commission and the main concern in making these changes was to become compliant with State law and elimination of duplicative language. He stated that the Commission also asked what is discretionary for Charter cities. He stated that the turnout for primaries is very poor and that is a costly process, therefore the Charter Commission came to the consensus to eliminate that requirement. He stated that there was discussion that perhaps an exception should be made if a City Council Work Session / December 10, 2019 Page 4 of 8