CHM 09/19/1978 -.•
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
n SEPTEMBER 19, 1978
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Ash called the meeting to order at 7:45 P.M. There
was no quorum so the meeting is unofficial.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Clifford Ash, Kenneth Brennan, David Berg,
Walt Starwalt, Peter Treuenfels, Jerry Ratcliff,
Jackie Johnson (arrived late)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Elaine Knoff, John Swanson, Charles Langer,
Tim Breider, Jean Schell, Arne Takkunen, Bob
Pierce
OTHERS PRESENT: None
Mr. Ash stated one thing the Commission has to do every September
is appoint a nominating committee for officers of the Charter
Commission. They have to be appointed in September and they have
to report back their recommendations next month so that they can
n go out prior to the November meeting when the election takes place.
Mr. Ash asked Mr. Starwalt if he would chair the nominating committee
and Mr. Starwalt stated he would. Mr. Ash asked Mr. Berg and Mr.
Brennan to be on the committee and they stated they would. Mr. Ash
stated they could have a meeting and discuss recommendations with
the people and report back next month.
Another thing is the November meeting is the only time according
to our bylaws we can revise it. If there are any thoughts along
those lines they should be put in writing for our next meeting
for everyone to review prior to the November meeting.
Mr. Ash stated we have some things to review on the hearings
according to our May meeting. We could discuss the concepts
as to when we should hold them and how and if there is anything
else we want to add to the list. Mr. Ash read to the group the
letter that was sent out to the various groups in Fridley. He
asked if there was anything anyone wanted to add to the list.
Mr. Ash asked Mr. Starwalt if he thought it was a good format the
way it was done last time. That is to invite them for a meeting
and get their viewpoints. We took about two groups a meeting.
Mr. Starwalt stated he thought that was a proper way to do it.
Mr. Ash stated we could not officially schedule anything tonight
but we should use the winter months to hold the hearings. He
stated one we discussed was to add a revision section to the back
of the Charter. He felt it was a good idea - what it was and when
it was changed. He stated Mr. Starwalt had recommended this.
Page 2 CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING September 19, 1978
Mr. Ash stated another item he would like to see is the Mayor publish
a State-of-the-City message, probably in January. This way the
people would get a better feel for what is going on.
Mr. Starwalt stated he agreed there was a need for this but wondered
what method would be used.
Mr. Ash stated we would leave that up to the city.
Mr. Starwalt stated the city newsletter does a good job. They
could attach it to the newsletter not be a part of it.
Mr. Ash stated another item is Section 207 where the Council sets
their salary. He stated he felt they should set their salaries
only after they have stood for election.
Mr. Treuenfels stated he would like to see the salary on the ballot.
Mr. Ash stated we just want something to discuss with the various
groups.
Mr. Ash stated another item is we cover expenditures for people who
have a petition but we do not cover expenditures for opponents to the
Petition. Maybe we should discuss this also.
Mr. Ash stated another item is should the city manager serve totally
at the pleasure of the City Council. The only way you can remove
him now is by filing charges. Should this be discussed.
Mr. Treuenfels stated he was in favor of discussing it.
Mr. Ash stated another was under section 702. Right now the city
has the right to levy up to 16 mills and they have not been levying
that much. The city budget dollars have increased 250-300%.
Inflation has only gone 10 or 12%. Should we consider putting
something in there that if the City Council spends more than the
rate of inflation plus 1 or 2% should there be a referendum or
some other vehicle before that money can be spent.
Mr. Treuenfels stated he would like to see that discussed but
he would like to see if the population increases then the budget
should increase.
Mr. Brennan stated there has been discussion about indexing Federal
income taxes - take it into account when they set the mill rate.
Mr. Ash stated if they want to increase it then they can put it on
the ballot.
Mr. Ash stated another item of business was one of appointments
to the Charter Commission. Mr. Mihalchick had moved out of the
city and could no longer serve. We had submitted two names before
that of Agnes Wolf and Mark Hart. Should we send a letter to the
Judge asking him to appoint one of these people or should we wait.
Page 3 CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING September 19, 1978
Mr. Starwalt stated that at the last meeting we had discussed
Mr. Herman Bergman but he had told Mr. Starwalt he was not
interested.
Mr. Ash stated he had talked to Jan DeVries and she seemed
interested.
Mr. Berg suggested submitting the names we have now and getting
someone appointed.
Mr. Starwalt agreed and stated we will have other people to think
about in January when some terms are up..
The members stated they would like a copy of Mr. Ash's May 15,
1978 letter sent to the various organizations in Fridley attached
to minutes of this meeting.
Mr. Treuenfels moved that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Berg
seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, the
meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
„ja..41-6
Gayle Gob/en
Recording Secretary
Attachment
i
ILJ SU f _ CITY OF FRIDLEY
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6431 UNIVERSITY AVENUE N.E., F.RIDLEY, MINNESOTA 56432
TELEPHONE ( 612)571.3450
May 15, 1978
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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
l'ir .
Fl The Charter Commission of the City of Fridley is again reviewing
_: the Charter to see if any section needs updating.
• Some of the questions that have been raised in their discussions
are:
1 . Nothing is said about the number of terms that a person can.
serve on the City Council . Should it be limited to two or
four terms.
2. Council size. Should there be more members? Fridley has
grown, is now in the 30,000 category.
3. Should be a list of standing committees and it should be
published, with name of chairman, plus schedule, meeting
dates, etc. , at least once a year.
4. Boards. Newly created boards should have a termination
date or rejustification for further existence.
5. Can a person hold more than one elective office?
6. Should the City have a fair campaign practice whereby
printed materials handed out by a candidate be filed
with the City Clerk at least 11 days prior to the election
so the opposition would have the opportunity to respond
to it?
7. Feel that there should be something on ethics in the Charter.
8. Charter change on how vacancies on unexpired terms of
Councilmen be handled.
If your organization has any input on these items the Charter Commission
would he very appreciative of hearing from you. They will probably be scheduling
a public hearing on these items early in the fall of 1978.
Sincerely,
CLIFFQRQ'ASH, ACTING CHAIRMAN
CA/de CHARTER COMMISSION
•