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COMMISSION INPUT <br /> <br />1) Charter Amendments Process <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen felt that problems have been created as the current law allows amendments of <br />Charter by residents without any checks, etc. Mischief can be done very easily and he suggested <br />the League of Minnesota Cities check into this. He stated'he does not want the citizens to not have <br />the opportunity to suggest changes but there has to be some mechanism where it should be <br />discussed and reviewed by the Charter Commission and the City Council. The way it is presently <br />is not good government. <br /> <br />City Administrator Schroeder reported that the League of Minnesota Cities is reviewing this <br />process but they have not taken a formal position. He offered to place this issue on the next <br />Charter agenda. <br /> <br />2) Wards versus At Large <br /> <br />Commissioner Swokowski inquired about the ward system. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated wards is a "dead" issue for the 1996 election but discussion may be <br />reopened for further consideration for the 1998 election. <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin inquired if the intent is to keep the ward discussion going. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen wasn't certain but felt the Charter would not recommend a change unless it is <br />felt it would be better for the City. There are pros and cons to a ward system but they have not <br />seen any adverse to the present. He felt the expense and mobility of getting around the whole City <br />were a problem. He added that he would like to figure out a way to get people out to vote. He <br />added a concern about getting people interested in becoming Council candidates. If we continue to <br />have displays as we have had, good people will not mn for office. How do you keep a demeanor <br />of process one wants to participate in. Making it a more civilized process is more important than <br />going to a ward system. <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin expressed hope that the Charter Commission would continue to look at wards from <br />time to time. <br /> <br />ADJOURNMENT <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Donovan and seconded by Commissioner Kiefer to adjourn the meeting. <br /> <br />Motion carded. Voting Yes: Chairperson Steffen, Commissioners Donovan, Kiefer and <br />Swokowski. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Marn, Netzloff and Spain Brist. <br /> <br />The regular meeting of the Charter Commission adjourned at 8:45 p.m. <br /> <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> <br /> Jj6 Thieling <br />_./Recording Secretary <br /> <br />~n, ~rY~chroeder - <br />City Administrator <br /> <br />Charter Commission/February 1, 1996 <br /> Page 5 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />