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Commissioner Donovan inquired if Charter has jumped to the conclusion that we will get the best <br />mayoral vote during a presidential election - it's possible the "masses" will not guarantee that. <br /> <br />Commissioner Swokowski stated that we have been looking at this for the past year and our <br />premise was to get the best response of voters to elect the Mayor. We do need a unanimous vote. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen added - or it could be placed on the ballot for a referendum. <br /> <br />Commissioner Swokowski felt that this has been talked about for so long, we should do <br />something about it now, but to make it effective in the future may be more positive. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan felt that it would be better perceived as not favoring some. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated that if this isn't voted on unanimously, then it would have to go to the <br />electoral process. We could get it done by 1996, but if you wait until the election, it would not <br />take place in 1996 anyway. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan added that if it is not unanimous, it could be put on the general ballot and <br />be in place for the year 2000. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen assumed the Charter Commission could not give Council altematives and <br />asked if Council could amend the ordinance the Charter Commission presents. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder thought that Council could make a recommendation. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated that his sense is that the only way that this concept will be approved, <br />without a referendum, is to make it effective in the future which logically would be the year 2000. <br />He suggested amending the ordinance by keeping the current language leaving in the two years but <br />commencing with the year 2000, the mayor's term shall be four years. We could put this before <br />Council and request a unanimous vote. If that works, the problem is solved. If not, we can bring <br />it back and discuss whether or not we want to go to a referendum. We could rework the issue <br />when we know if Council will act or not. He indicated he had no desire to make this an issue that <br />tears Council apart more but he does not like the idea of looking at a special election where you get <br />3 to 400 people deciding something for all the residents. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan felt this is the easier way out because with the year 2000, it will not show <br />any favoritism. We are not losing anything with the two years - there is no handicap to setting this <br />in the future - it just gives a start date. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen offered that the other alternative is to just table any action on this. <br /> <br />Commissioner Swokowski added or to leave it as such - get Council's reaction and if it is negative, <br />then it can be brought back to the Charter Commission. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beahen felt this is something that is a benefit to the City - the future date certain is <br />the best way. <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin added that the City Council will take the Charter Commission's recommendation <br />very seriously. <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Donovan and seconded by Commissioner Swokowski to amend the <br />language in Chapter 2 of the Ramsey City Charter entitled "Form of Government", Section 2.3, by <br />adding (at the end): Commencing with Election year 2000, the Mayor's term will be lengthened to <br />four years. Forward to Council for introduction and scheduling of a public heating. <br /> <br />Motion carded. Voting Yes: Chairperson Steffen, Commissioners Donovan, Swokowski and <br />Kiefer. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Marn, Netzloff and Spain Brist. <br /> <br />Charter Commission/February 1, 1996 <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />