Laserfiche WebLink
that would be as close as they could get to a representation of the population that would vote in an <br />election. <br />Chairperson Field stated that he does not like the idea of a maverick, in that one person could veto <br />the remainder of the Council. <br />Commissioner Fuhreck commented that the Commission is not aware of a situation that has <br />occurred when no one has run in a special election, and therefore that is just as an unlikely situation <br />as the Council reaching a unanimous vote for appointment. <br />Commissioner Moore commented that she would support the use of the word "may" versus "shall" <br />and the other changes with the exception of a unanimous vote requirement, and replacing that with <br />maj ority. <br />Commissioner Fuhreck stated that he does find it unlikely that no one would run in a special <br />election, but would support including that language, replacing the unanimous vote requirement <br />with majority and leaving the clause in which would have the mayor break a tie vote. <br />Chairperson Field stated that he would support the 75 percent threshold or unanimous language <br />rather than the majority because it is an elected seat. <br />Commissioner Deemer commented that he does not see a problem with the unanimous language <br />although he does not believe that would happen. He commented that perhaps the Council would <br />find a way to find a candidate they all like. <br />Motion by Commissioner Deemer, seconded by Chairperson Field, to accept the proposed <br />language for Sections 4.5.4 and 4.5.6 as presented from the City Council. <br />Further discussion: Commissioner Leistico stated that she would not support unanimous as there <br />are so many positions in the world that do not require that level of support. She stated that is an <br />incredibly high bar for a short-term vacancy. <br />Commissioner Fuhreck commented that it would also set Ramsey apart from the State law and <br />other cities. He commented that he does not see the need or justification behind Ramsey being <br />different than everyone else. <br />Chairperson Field stated that his position would be to choose what is better, an empty seat for less <br />than a year or to have a seat appointed by a potentially fractured Council. <br />Commissioner Leistico commented that is for the Council to figure out, as the appointed person <br />would still be working with all members of the Council. She commented that leaving citizens <br />without representation because a Council cannot reach agreement is not desired. <br />Commissioner Fuhreck stated that it comes down to whether people are more comfortable with a <br />vacancy or appointment. <br />Charter Commission/ July 19, 2023 <br />Page 5 of 7 <br />