CHM 11/24/2008 - 29979CITY OF FRIDLEY
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
November 24, 2008
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Borman called the Charter Commission meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Commissioners Borman, Braam, Findell, Hoiby, Jorgenson, Kranz, Nelson, Reynolds,
Ryan, Shaw, Soule and Scholzen
Members Absent: Commissioners Holm, Kirkwood, and Plummer.
Others Present: Deb Skogen, City Clerk/Staff Liaison
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Commissioner Ryan MOVED and Commissioner Braam seconded a motion to approve the agenda.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON BORMAN DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 27, 2008 CHARTER COMMISSION MINUTES:
Commissioner Kranz MOVED and Commissioner Braam seconded a motion to approve the October 27, 2008
Charter Commission Minutes.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON BORMAN DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. 2009 Meeting Dates
Commissioner Nelson MOVED and Commissioner Soule seconded a motion approving the dates of
January 26, February 23, March 23, April 27, May 18, September 28, October 26, and November 23 as
meeting dates of the Charter Commission for 2009.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON BORMAN DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. DISCUSSION OF CHAPTER 11
Deb Skogen reviewed the materials she provided from the internet in reference to cities that had Utility
Commissions. The Cities of Circle Pines, Grand Rapids, Sleepy Eye, and Shakopee provided some background
information. The information was discussed by the Commission. In reference to these Commissions, the
Commission does the oversight and hiring of the utilities, rather than the City Council in Fridley.
Commissioner Kranz wondered if the City Council had the ability to speculate any of the pre - purchased items
needed for utilities such as gas, chemicals or salt. Commissioner Jorgenson didn't think the City could do that
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 24, 2008 PAGE 2
with public funds. It was suggested, during the discussion, if the city could purchase commodities at a reasonable
rate, the city should not be making a profit off of the utilities. Chairperson Borman wondered about state law
requiring cities not to raise the rates to make a profit. Deb Skogen said that the City had actually provided a
refund and reduced the rate for sewer.
The Commissioners reviewed Chapter 11 and the following changes were recommended to section 11.04:
"The Council shall make a reasonable charges, based on the cost of service, for lighting the
streets and public buildings, of for supplying heat, power or any other utility, and Feasonable
chaFges for supplying the City with water,_ The Ci shall credit the same..."
Commissioner Scholzen wondered if the definition of a responsible person was defined in state statutes. Direction
was given to Deb Skogen to review the statute.
The Commissioners discussed possible changes from establishing a commission to defining what the commission
might be to a process they would use and discussed what type of public notification process would be needed. It was
suggested language be added "the City Council may establish a public utilities commission as defined and
authorized by state law." It was recommended that MN Chapter 412 be provided for the January meeting.
The Commission also reviewed Chapter 6 in reference to a public utilities commission.
3. DISCUSSION OF CHAPTER 12
Chairperson Borman said Chapter 12 was brought forward with recommended changes. There were no changes at
this time. A discussion took place of the definition of vacation, when vacating a street, but did not change
anything at this time.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Braam MOVED and Commissioner Findell 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 8:25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra A. Skogen,
City Clerk/Staff Liaison
Kathleen Linder, Secretary