Minutes - Charter Commission - 09/06/2001

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Mr. Goodrich replied that it is in the State Statutes. Mr. Menthe repeated that the legislature made that rule. Mr. Goodrich responded yes, but they also gave the option to change it. Mr. Menthe asked Mr. Goodrich if he had an idea of the percentage of towns that go with the super majority rule. Mr. Goodrich responded that he had no way of knowing that. He offered that out of 850 cities, 80 are Charter cities. Mr. Menthe stated that what he is getting at is that it was very important to a lot of very intelligent people that this is a 2/3 majority and that works out to 4/5 in our City. It is a big deal. It could go a different way with the next election. He added that he moved to Ramsey for its rural atmosphere and the new Comp Plan adds more population, more cars on Highway #10, more congestion, and city water and sewer. David Elvig, 17201 Tungsten Street NW, Ramsey, stated he would like to see some action on this Comp Plan. He stated he has special interests (children, roads, infrastructure, etc.) - as does everyone in the City. Why not let the people decide if the Councilmembers cannot do that for IlS. John Enstrom, 8702 - 181st Avenue NW, Ramsey, alluded to a comment made about this being a political movement. He suggested getting back to plain politics. What the majority wants and votes for is what happens. This has been working for over 200 years. Eric Watson, 6000 - 146th Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated that the Commission is talking about raising the bar with having active residents and then lowering the bar at the Council level. Motion by Commissioner Milless and seconded by Commissioner Bertzyk to recommend that the City Council pass Chapter 15 entitled Adoption of Comprehensive Municipal Plan, pursuant to language laid out in tonight's agenda for inclusion on the November ballot. Further discussion: Commissioner Swanson felt that the real issue has not even been touched. We are going to stay with rounding up and rounding down. Two-thirds is four-fifths in our situation. Mr. Hendriksen stated that it has been 4/5 for zoning matters. Your house and property are the biggest investment in your life. The legislature intended it to be difficult to change the way your neighbor changes his property; it is a protection. Commissioner Bertzyk pointed out that the legislature has changed their mind on zoning. They allow it to be done by a simple majority now. Commissioner Childs stated the Comp Plan is necessary. The majority seems to be the root of all elections, which should be the way for our Council too. If three out of five Councilmembers vote on something, it's a majority. It then takes into consideration the majority of the people because the majority of the people voted these Councilmembers in. He stated that he trusts if three out of five vote that they know what they are doing. He did not have a problem with the majority prevailing. Where else in life does a super majority play a part. We Charter Commission - September 6, 2001 Page 7 of 11