05-03-2021
CHARTER COMMISSION
May 03, 2021
7:00 PM
MINUTES
Call to Order
Chairperson Nelson called the Charter Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Members Present: Commissioners Kelli Brillhart, Donald Findell, Manuel Granroos (arrived at 7:15
p.m.), Nikki Karnopp, Ted Kranz, Rick Nelson, Oluwaseyi Olawore, Courtney Rathke,
Barb Reiland, Pam Reynolds, Cynthia Soule, and Avonna Starck
Members Absent: Commissioner Gary Braam, Bruce Nelson, Courtney Rathke, and Val Rolstad
Others Present: Melissa Moore, Admin. Services Coord./Deputy City Clerk/Staff Liaison
Dan Tienter, Finance Director/City Treasurer/City Clerk
Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Reynolds, approving the meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner
Findell.
UPON A ROLL CALL VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON NELSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1. Approval of April 5, 2021 Charter Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Findell to approve the meeting minutes of April 5, 2021 as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner Brillhart.
UPON A ROLL CALL VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON NELSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.
Administrative Matters
2. Reappointment of Commissioner Brillhart
It was noted that Commissioner Brillhart is up for reappointment.
Charter Commission 5/3/2021 Minutes Page 2
Commissioner Brillhart confirmed that she would like to continue to serve.
MOTION by Commissioner Reynolds, to recommend the reappointment of Commissioner Brillhart.
Seconded by Commissioner Reiland.
UPON A ROLL CALL VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON NELSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.
3. City Charter Commission Presentation, League of Minnesota Cities
Kevin Toskey, League of Minnesota Cities, provided background information on the League of Minnesota
Cities and the work his department does related to charter cities. He provided a presentation to the
Commission on city government, the differences between statutory cities and charter cities, and
understanding charter cities.
Commissioner Kranz referenced the prohibition of residential picketing and asked for more information
and whether it is appropriate for cities to add that type of language to their charter.
Mr. Toskey stated that several cities have recently adopted ordinances related to residential targeted
picketing. He stated that type of action has been done through Council adopted ordinance rather than
City Charter.
Commissioner Karnopp asked why a city would choose to abandon its charter.
Mr. Toskey stated that some of the cities that abandoned their charter did so in the 1980s and he was
not able to find that historical information. He stated that in the city he mentioned that is currently
considering that option it seems to be political. He stated that things are more certain for statutory cities,
but there is less voter control.
Commissioner Karnopp noted that it would seem difficult to enact a charter and therefore she was unsure
why those cities would want to relinquish that power. She asked if there is any documentation as to why
a judge would deny an appointment to a Charter Commission.
Mr. Toskey stated that he worked with the Anoka County Courts for a number of years and perhaps they
do not have the time or resources to look into an appointment and often approve a City or Commission
recommended appointment. He stated that perhaps if someone were not a qualified voter or resident of
the city they would not be appointed.
Chairperson Nelson asked if members interested in more information should go through Ms. Moore or
contact Mr. Toskey directly.
Mr. Toskey replied that his research service is included in the City contract but noted that questions could
be passed through City staff.
Charter Commission 5/3/2021 Minutes Page 3
Old Business
None.
New Business
Ms. Moore recognized that this is the first meeting with Commissioner Olawore as a member.
Future Meeting Topics/Communications
Chairperson Nelson noted that the next meeting is scheduled for October 4, 2021.
Mr. Tienter stated that at that meeting the Commission will go through work planning to discuss
upcoming goals and priorities. He stated that as the date nears October, staff will work with Chairperson
Nelson to determine how the meeting should be held.
Chairperson Nelson stated that he would anticipate that the guidance would be in place by that time as
to how meetings could be conducted.
Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Reynolds to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Brillhart.
UPON A ROLL CALL VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON NELSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED
AND THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:16 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Commissioner Karnopp, Charter Commission Secretary
Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary