Minutes - Charter Commission - 07/19/2023

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unanimously approved by the Council. It was agreed that would eliminate the possibility where one member of the Council could stop an appointment that all the others favor. Commissioner Deemed suggested using two/thirds rather than a super majority. Commissioner Leistico noted that the math may not work with six members, as one seat would be vacant. Commissioner May recalled that during the last meeting there was a desire for staff to survey other communities to determine what they are doing in these situations. Commissioner Fuhreck agreed that would be worthwhile to investigate. City Attorney Knaak commented that the current language is under State Statute and this proposal would make it harder to appoint someone than what would be required under State law. He commented that he has seen it done where a Council has been able to agree on a candidate to fill a vacancy that agreed not to run in the next election and simply fill the term. Commissioner Moore asked if there is agreement with the other language proposed for 4.5.4, as they have only been discussing the unanimous vote concept of 4.5.6. City Administrator Hagen commented that the only difference is whether there is more or less than a year left in the term, but all other language in the proposed process is the same. Chairperson Field noted that the unanimous vote language is included in both sections. Commissioner Fuhreck commented that in hindsight, perhaps it is better to leave things as they read. Commissioner Leistico stated that she does not like things to be more stringent than the State law. Chairperson Field noted that is the benefit of being a charter city, is that you can be more stringent if desired as that may better align with the values of your city rather than those of the larger state. Commissioner Fuhreck stated that he does not support the unanimous vote and would prefer to leave the existing language. Commissioner Leistico commented that she does like the additional language that was proposed to be added in the beginning but does not like the unanimous vote clause. Chairperson Field stated that he can see the intention of the Council to have a unanimous vote because that would be as close as they could get to having the person elected but recognized that would most likely not occur. City Administrator Hagen confirmed that the Council had a strong position that the members of the Council are elected and therefore if all members of the Council supported the appointed person, Charter Commission/ July 19, 2023 Page 4 of 7