Minutes - Charter Commission - 04/18/1996

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Case #2: Presentation by Linda Waite Smith, Administrative Services Manager Administrative Services Manager Waite Smith stated that the Charter Commission should have received a copy of the draft report and questions concerning commissions. The City Council has asked that she meet with each commission and get their reaction to the questions, comments, etc. They also were hoping that the commissions may be able to expand on the qualifications of a good commission member. She would welcome any ideas for recruiting commissioners. Chairperson Steffen noted that four of the members of the Charter Commission previously responded. Ms. Waite Smith reported that some of the information in the report is factual and some is a matter of opinion. The City Council is also interested in what other cities do. Forty-two cities responded, plus she interviewed Ramsey's elected officials and surveyed all Commission members. Commissioner Donovan inquired if Ramsey has more of a problem getting applicants for commissions than other cities do. Ms. Waite Smith responded that it depends on the age of the City. Some have an abundance of applicants and some have a hard time getting any. She suggested maybe posting notices around plus getting the word out to civic organizations. The Ramsey Resident, cable TV, and the community sign are the only media the City has been using. Commissioner Donovan suggested checking with Ramsey Elementary to see if they have a public notice bulletin board. Chairperson Steffen stated that the terms for the Charter Commission are set by law so there is no term issue to deal with. He noted that Ms. Waite Smith had asked for a few core qualifications. He talked about balance - maybe not political as much as representing the whole City. As far as core questions, you could put together something that would show open mindedness and a broad vision. Interview questions could reflect these. We would like good communicators and open thinkers - someone who is capable of analyzing alternatives. The City Council, up until recently, has tended to go along with recommendations of the existing commission. The question is should the commissions take charge of the character of the commission or should the City Council. Commissioner Donovan felt that the Council not re-appointing who the commission recommends becomes a morale issue - or maybe a communication issue. Ms. Waite Smith stated that it sounds like expectations on both sides are not meshing. Commissioner Donovan pointed out that it used to be almost automatic that Council would appoint who was recommended by the Commissions. If the rules have changed, the commissions have not been made aware. Chairperson Steffen stated that the City Council is saying they want the process examined. Ben Deemer, 14501 Sunfish Lake Boulevard NW, Ramsey, pointed out that statutes states the Charter Commission is a separate entity of the City. Someone could apply to the court to be appointed without coming to the Commission first. Charter Commission/April 18, 1996 Page 2 of 8