CHM 10/25/2010 - 29995CITY OF FRIDLEY
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
October 25, 2010
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Soule called the Charter Commission meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Gray Braam, Donald Findell ,Carol Hoiby, Ted Kranz, Rick Nelson, Leslie Plummer,
Pam Reynolds, Noel Ryan, Cynthia Soule
Members Absent: Peter Borman, Marion Flickinger, William Holm, Nancy Jorgenson and Keith Shaw
Others Present: Deb Skogen, City Clerk/Staff Liaison
Cindy Ruschy, Staff Liaison
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Gary Braam MOVED and Commissioner Carol Hoiby seconded a motion approving the meeting
agenda.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOULE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Pam Reynolds MOVED and Commissioner Gary Braam seconded a motion approving the Charter
Commission meeting minutes of October 25, 2010.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOULE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Discussion of 2011 Calendar.
The question was asked why this date? Deb Skogen said it was changed to this day /week several years ago by the
Commission. There was discussion to change the day /week the Charter Commission meets due to conflicts with
the Council meeting schedule. The 2011 calendar was checked and out and there would be only one conflict. It was
determined that it would be a good time to discuss the day /week schedule change for this Commission effective
with the 2011 Calendar. Commissioner Donald Findell MOVED and Commissioner Ted Kranz seconded a
motion to add the meeting day /week discussion to a specific Agenda item for the November 22 d meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOULE DECLARD THE MOTION CARRIED.
By doing so, this would call attention to the discussion to request changes of the standard meeting date of this
commission to the first Monday of the Month. The staff could also investigate the schedules for the other
commission meetings or other standard scheduled meeting on the first Monday of the month.
Discussion of Ordinance Amending Chapters 7 -12
To address the questions from for Chapters 7 to 12 from the City Council, Deb Skogen said she included copies of
the minutes where all of these items were discussed. Deb felt that the letter addressing these items should be
Adopted 11 -22 -10
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF October 25, 2010. PAGE 2
written by the Charter Chairperson. This letter could then be attached to the memo to the Council to request that
the adoption of the Ordinance be placed on the Council Agenda.
Cindy Soule, Chairperson will prepare a letter to provide an explanation to the Councils questions. No designation
made as to date of Council Meeting this memo and letter would be submitted.
DISCUSSION OF CHAPTER 2 Vacancies in the Council
Deb said she included a table regarding several different cities methods for appointments to council. Every city has
a few little things some concerns coming with the length of time until the vacancy is filled and how long the
appointee would fill the position. Should there be a special election, mayor appointment, Council Vote or service
until the next General election.
Should we ask the council what they prefer? Deb Skogen feels this designation should come from this body due to
the current State Law changes and how many months of the year an election cannot take place.
Fridley's charter is totally vague with no dates or limitations. It appears the other cities that are outlined have not
adjusted their requirements to the new state law time frame designations. Maybe we should have a conference for
all charter commissions addressing the new concerns? Should there be a predetermined line of progression to fill
the vacant position? Should the council make the decision or the city clerk? The City of Fridley cannot afford
special elections? Other cities have budget issues like our City. What about a former council member accepting the
appointment? How would this affect specific ward appointments? What to do when any Vacancy is declared.
Members concerned that long vacancies be filled by election, not appointments.
This discussion should continue to the next meeting. Commissioner Reynolds said she would make some type of
chart to further break out the dates and lengths involved. Perhaps this could be included with the next months
meeting packet.
After looking at all of the other city languages we need the ability to determine and appoint someone for the vacant
position. Perhaps we should have a 2nd Council Member at large just waiting if there is a need for an appointment.
This discussion gives you the opportunity to determine what criteria this body would like to have in place to use if
this situation should arise. Your consideration and discussion should continue.
DISCUSSION OF CHAPTER 5
To remain on the table.
DISCUSSION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Proposal to discuss Commission's standard meeting date.
Chapter 2 — Vacancies in Council
Letter to Council outlining answers to their questions to the ordinance amending Chapters 7 -12 of the Charter.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Reynolds MOVED and Commissioner Hoiby seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOULE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED
AND THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:20 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra A. Skogen,
City Clerk/Staff Liaison
Adopted 11 -22 -10
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF October 25, 2010.
Carol Hoiby, Secretary
Adopted 11 -22 -10
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