Minutes - Council - 01/13/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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meets only every three months so that too will delay the process. In his opinion, the Charter Amendment process, as it exists, has worked for decades. The City of Ramsey has had three amendments recently. He suggested that the recent City Council was a pro-development council of three and, in his opinion, did not listen to the citizens. He could see no reason to change anything and place an additional burden on the citizens. He added that the Mayor not only wants to change the process, but to make it retroactive as well to August 1, 1995, which will take away the right of the residents to vote on sewer and water. He felt that the August 1, 1995 date was no accident. He suggested if Council feels they know better than the residents what they want, they should be writing the amendments to the Charter, get resident signatures, and bring it to a vote. He felt that is the fair and democratic way to do things. He suggested that this proposed bill is a back-door way to take tights away from citizens. He thought that a public heating should be held on this proposal to allow citizens to be heard. Mr. Goodrich explained that the August 1, 1995 date was not chosen by Council, it is the date referred to in the State Statutes. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if something has been in conflict with the City's comprehensive plan. Mr. Goodrich responded that Mr. Hoisington's finn is reviewing that now and that there may be a conflict with the latest amendment relating to density. Mr. Hendriksen noted that the first amendment gave citizens the right to vote on whether or not the MUSA should be expanded, the second was that they would not be assessed for City sewer and water if they had functional systems, and the third one put into effect controls that the visioning sessions and the focus groups are suggesting. He again referred to the date of August 1, 1995, and felt that if Council chose a different date, that would show a good faith effort on their part that they are not trying to take away the fights of the people resulting from the first two Charter amendments. Mr. Goodrich pointed out that basically the only things the City is suggesting adding to the bill is that an election would not have to happen within 90 days, reasonable public funds could be expended to inform citizens and that prior to circulation of a petition, it should be submitted to the Charter Commission for review and comment. State Statute refers to sections 4 and 5 as being effective retroactively to August 1, 1995. Councilmember Haas Steffen expressed concern about a two-year delay for an election and felt that was too long. She suggested it should read that the issue could be voted on at the general election except when the general election will not occur within a reasonable amount of time. She added that the Charter Commission may call a special meeting at any time so that would not be a delay having them review it prior to signatures. She stated that delay is not her interest but she is interested in involving the greatest number of residents in Ramsey. She recommended changing the Charter Commission review period from 30 days to fifteen. She felt if this revision was made, and the time frame for holding an election was shortened, the draft should be forwarded to the legislature which is in session now. City Council/January 13, 1998 Page 12 of 14