Minutes - Charter Commission - 04/18/1996

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Motion by Commissioner Swokowski and seconded by Commissioner Donovan to submit the proposed middle-ground amendment along with that amendment by the Ramsey Residents for Responsible Government and have them both placed on a ballot for a special election. The question not allowing retroactivity will also be on the ballot. Further discussion: Susan Anderson inquired what would happen if they would both pass. In terms of format, then what do we have as a Charter. Chairperson Steffen acknowledged that this could happen but that it is highly doubtful that it would. Attorney Goodrich stated that we do not have the ability to say vote for one or the other. If both pass, we will be looking to interpretation from the City Attorney, the City Council and the City Charter. Mr. Deemer commented that the option is there to allow people to vote for either, or all, or none. Mr. Goodrich reminded those present that the City Council does not have the ability to amend what's presented. Commissioner Kiefer expressed concern how to objectively present both amendments to where the residents can have an informed vote. He saw a lot of things not necessarily directly apparent - how it will fully affect the voters, etc. It does not present sides of what they are voting for. Chairperson Steffen felt if you have alternatives, you will have more ability to inform. Mr. Schroeder reported that last time what the City did was publish the verbiage - we made no statements but published the phone numbers of the petition committee as well as the Charter Commission. Mr. Goodrich stated that the City government has no legal authority to propose a Charter amendment. Chairperson Steffen, stated, as an individual, I feel this is not an appropriate special election. To get people interested, you need to have alternatives on the ballot. Commissioner Swokowski commented on the 10-year period for assessment deferral being reasonable. Chairperson Steffen stated that was one of the options put before the City Council. That becomes the minimum and they could extend that; it's reasonable. Commissioner Donovan commented on the fairness - this is proposing fair middle ground and giving the voters alternatives. He commented on how sad it is that there is so much mistrust of government but he saw this proposal as fair - not slanted. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Steffen, Commissioners Swokowski, Donovan, Kiefer, Netzloff, Roff and Spain Brist. Voting No: None. Abstain: Commissioner Marn (she felt this is too confusing). COMMISSION INPUT: 1) Recommendation to Fill Vacancy Chairperson Steffen informed Ms. Anderson that the Charter's recommendation to appoint her will go to the next Council meeting. If Council chooses, the recommendation then goes to the Chief Judge but if the judge does not make the appointment in 30 days, the City Council can do so. 2 ) Mayor's Term Chairperson Steffen stated that a matter was submitted by this Commission with respect to the Mayor's tenn. We asked that it be adopted by ordinance; however, it became controversial. The City Council has not taken action. He stated he would like the City Council to return the issue to the Commission so we can decide if we want to put this question on the ballot at the general election. Staff offered to check to see where this question is at with regard to Council action. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Commissioner Swokowski and seconded by Commissioner Kiefer to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Steffen, Commissioners Swokowski, Kiefer, Donovan, Marn, Netzloff, Roff and Spain Brist. Voting No: None. 'Charter Commission/April 18, 1996 Page 7 of 8