CHM 03/04/2013
CITY OF FRIDLEY
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 4, 2013
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Braam called the Charter Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Commissioners Gary Braam, Don Findell, Marion Flickinger, Carol Hoiby, Rick
Nelson, Barb Reiland, Pam Reynolds and Lois Scholzen
Members Absent: Commissioners Peter Borman, Bill Holm, Nancy Jorgenson, Ted Kranz, Keith Shaw
and Cindy Soule
Others Present: Deb Skogen, City Clerk/Staff Liaison
Cindy Ruschy, Staff Liaison
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Nelson MOVED and Commissioner Hoiby seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON BRAAM DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Nelson MOVED and Commissioner Reiland seconded a motion approving the Charter Commission
meeting minutes of February 4, 2013.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON BRAAM DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Election of Officers
Commissioner Hoiby MOVED and Commissioner Reynolds seconded a motion to open the nominations
for the 2013-14 Charter Commissioner Officers.
Chairperson Braam opened the nominations and asked for nominations. There being no nominations
Chairperson Braam closed the nominations.
Commissioner Hoiby MOVED and Commissioner Reiland seconded a motion approving the Nominating
Commission recommendations as reported on February 4, 2013 as Rick Nelson, Chairperson, Marion
Flickinger, Vice Chairperson and Don Findell as Secretary for 2013-14.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON BRAAM DECLARE THE MOTION
CARRIED.
Adopted 04/01/2013
Charter Commission Minutes of March 4, 2013 Page 2
B. Attendance Discussion
The Commissioners reviewed the attendance records from 2011 through 2013. It was noted that
Commissioner Shaw attended two meetings in 2011 and no meetings in 2012 and 2013. The
Commissioners understand that things come up and that family is important but were concerned about the
attendance. The Bylaws state, "Any member missing four (4) consecutive meetings shall be subject to a
discharge from the Commission upon a written request to the Court, supporting by two-thirds (2/3) of the
Commission members present.
Ms. Skogen stated in the past, if attendance was an issue, staff prepared a letter to the Commissioner
stating the concern of the Commissioners and asking for them to begin attending, ask for their resignation
and/or let them know if they do neither, the Commission will vote to ask the court have them removed
from the Commission.
Commissioner Nelson MOVED and Commissioner Findell seconded a motion requesting staff to prepare
a letter to Commission Shaw.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON BRAAM DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED.
C. Updated on Chapters 4 and 5
Ms. Skogen stated she had prepared a memo to the City Council on February 8, 2013, notifying them of
the Charter Commission's recommendation to amend the Charter by Ordinance and outlining what the
amendments were. She said Interim City Manager Nelson had reviewed them with the Council as well at
a preconference meeting. Councilmember Bolkcom has a few questions, but is on vacation, Ms. Skogen
will try to contact Bolkcom prior to the meeting asking if there is anything that needs clarification. She
said the public hearings were scheduled at the last Council meeting for March 25, 2013 and recommended
some of the Commissioners attend. The Commissioners had no changes.
Commissioner Reynolds asked where in the Charter it defines how the Charter may be amended or what
regulates the Charter. Ms. Skogen said Section 1.03 of the Charter refers to Minnesota State Laws.
Commissioner Reynolds asked if the Commission could discuss this at a future meeting. Ms. Skogen will
review other charters and come up with some examples for the next meeting.
DISCUSSION OF PROS AND CONS OF BEING CHARTER CITY
Staff handed out Part 1, Chapters 1, 3 and 4 of the League of Minnesota Cities Handbook. These sections of the
handbook provide information on local government, statutory cities and home rule cities. There are currently 107
charter cities and 746 statutory cities. The Commission briefly reviewed the chapters and determined they would
take the time to read and absorb the material prior to the next meeting.
Commissioner Nelson MOVED and Commissioner Findell seconded a motion that staff forward the information to
the Commissioners not in attendance with a letter recommending they study and absorb the materials for
discussion at the next meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON BRAAM DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED.
FUTURE MEETING TOPICS
The Charter Commission will discuss Chapter 1 and the pros and cons of being a charter city at their meeting in
April.
Adopted 04/01/2013
Charter Commission Minutes of March 4, 2013 Page 3
Commissioner Reiland thanked outgoing Chairperson Gary Braam for his dedication and service to the Charter
Commission. The Commissioners all agreed and thanked Chairperson Braam.
Staff will forward any questions or concerns the Council may have prior to the March 25th public meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Nelson MOVED and Commissioner Flickinger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON BRAAM DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED AND THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 7:43 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________ ________________________
Debra A. Skogen, Commissioner Peter Borman, Secretary
City Clerk/Staff Liaison
Adopted 04/01/2013