Agenda - Council - 12/28/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Fischer inquired who is recommending this change to which Mr. Goodrich responded that the City Council has talked about it. They are concerned about a small section versus a cross section of the City electing a Councilmember. Commissioner Fischer commented that if a Councilmember is appointed, that is not a cross section of the City voting them in office either. If even one percent of the voters turn out for an election, it's a representation of the City. Vice-Chair LaMere expressed her agreement with Ms. Fischer's comment. Commissioner Bertzyk commented that if the residents do not care enough to get out and vote - that's their choice. Discussion ensued relating to how extremely seldom this type of thing would happen. Commissioner Deemer suggested writing an amendment so that if a special election has to be held, it will be held only on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November so it coincides with the regular election time. That way it would be held with a regular election or in a non- election year it would at least be held at election time when people are used to voting. The Commission felt they were not ready to send a recommendation to the Council regarding this item at this point in time. They suggested meeting again in January 2007 to talk about it. Commissioner Simenson suggested if it's not broke -don't fix it - he felt the Charter could be left as is. Motion by Commissioner Deemer and seconded by Commission Simenson to table this case/discussion to the next Charter Commission meeting and that the City Attorney bring amendments as suggested by this Commission. All present voted in favor -Motion carried. COMMISSION INPUT 1) Schedule Next Charter Commission Meeting Consensus of the Commission was to meet on Thursday, January 18, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. Items for discussion will be as follows: 1) Amendment to Section 4.5 -Filling Council Vacancies 2) Elect Chair and Vice-Chair 3} Review End-of--Year Letter to Judge ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Simenson and seconded by Commissioner Fischer to adjourn the meeting. Charter Commission/December 5, 2046 Page 3 of 4 -120-