CHM 10/27/2008 - 29978CITY OF FRIDLEY
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
October 27, 2008
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Borman called the Charter Commission meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Pete Borman, Gary Braam, Don Findell, Carol Hoiby, Mary Kirkwood, Rick Nelson,
Noel Ryan, Lois Scholzen, Keith Shaw, Cindy Soule
Members Absent: Bill Holm, Nancy Jorgenson, Ted Kranz, Leslie Plummer and Pam Reynolds
Others Present: Deb Skogen, City Clerk/Staff Liaison
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Commissioner Braam MOVED and Commissioner Soule seconded a motion to approve the agenda.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON BORMAN DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2008, CHARTER COMMISSION MINUTES:
Commissioner Braam MOVED and Commissioner Ryan seconded a motion to approve the September 29, 2008,
Charter Commission Minutes.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON BORMAN DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
There were no administrative matters at this time. Deb Skogen suggested they place the 2009 calendar on the
agenda for the neat meeting.
2. DISCUSSION OF CHAPTER 11
Chairperson Borman wondered why the city would have the power to acquire public utilities. Deb Skogen said
some cities do have electric or gas in addition to water based on where they might be located in the state. This
chapter just allows the city to acquire public utilities.
Commissioner Soule said the last time they reviewed this chapter they expanded some of the definitions to allow
cell phone companies the ability to rent space on the water tower for antennas.
There was a question as to how many filtration plants and wells the City has. The water from Arden Hills/New
Brighton was also discussed. The Commission would like to know the number and type of facilities and more
information about the water from New Brighton. Commissioner Braam said the water coming from New Brighton
was from an agreement because of prior problems with groundwater contamination.
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF OCTOBER 27, 2008 PAGE 2
There was a question about whether or not the City Council would like to add more street lights. Ms. Skogen
stated Section 11.04 would allow the city to charge for this service.
The Commission also discussed briefly about the city's ability to sell the public utility which would allow
privatization. A company would buy the water and sewer services and then operates it like an electric or gas utility
billing property owners directly. Commissioner Ryan said that was what the state did with the prisons allowing
other states to house their criminals.
The Commission discussed Section 11.08 allowing the Council to establish a utilities commission. They discussed
whether or not to leave the language in or modify the language to make it read better. They felt this commission
would be the body citizens could go to if they were concerned about the rates. The Commission asked for
information about other cities that might have a utilities commission and the city code pertaining to commissions
for further discussion.
3. DISCUSSION OF CHAPTER 12
The Commissioners discussed the language in Chapter 12 and recommended the following two changes:
The language in Section 12.01 was recommended to change as follows: "...The Council may in its discretion, in
addition to the publications required by this Charter, provide for the publication or publish important city
information including the annual budget, ordinances, resolutions, election notices, and such other measures and
matters as it may deem wise. It shall be done by mailing or posting printed copies thereof upon bulletin boards
located in public places of the city in such number and for such period of time as the Council may direct in each
case. In addition, the city council may use electronic means for publication. Nothing herein..."
The language in Section 12.02 was recommended to change as follows: "All records and accounts of every office,
department or agency of the city shall be open to inspection in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data
Practices Act."
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Ryan MOVED and Commissioner Braam seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON BORMAN DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED AND THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:23 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra A. Skogen,
City Clerk/Staff Liaison
Kathleen Linder, Secretary