CHM 10/30/2000 - 00027231CITY OF FRIDLEY
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
October 30, 2000
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice Chairperson Gordon called the Charter Commission meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present:
Findell, Gordon, Holm, Monden, Querimit, Soule, Van Dan
Members Absent:
Fitzpatrick, Nielsen, Warren
Others Present:
Deb Skogen, Staff Liaison
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
MOTION by Commissioner Soule seconded by Commissioner Findell to approve the agenda.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE CHAIRPERSON GORDON DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF CHARTER COMMISSION MINUTES:
MOTION by Commissioner Monden, second by Commissioner Querimit to approve the May 15, 2000 Charter
Commission meeting minutes as written.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE CHAIRPERSON GORDON DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION by Commissioner Monden, second by Commissioner Querimit to approve the August 21, 2000 Special
Charter Commission meeting minutes.
Skogen suggested several changes to the minutes to have them read better:
1) I't Page, last paragraph, second sentence, change Him to his; same paragraph third line, change the
sentence to read, increased between 10 to 17 percent per year, and in the last sentence change form to for
2) 2nd page, 3 d paragraph, second sentence, add the words in the past after lay -offs; and correct the spelling
of Pain to Paine.
3) 2nd page 2nd to last paragraph, add the words voted in favor of the motion after abstained.
A friendly amendment was offered and seconded by the makers of the motion to approve the minutes as amended.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE CHAIRPERSON GORDON DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION by Commissioner Monden, second by Commissioner Findell to approve the September 25, 2000 Charter
Commission meeting minutes.
Adopted 11 -27 -00
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF OCTOBER 30, 2000
PAGE 2
Commissioner Monden stated she was not at the meeting and could not have seconded the motions to approve the
agenda or adjourn. She recommended adding the word "be ", after the word "would" to the second paragraph under
Administrative Matters.
Skogen apologized and said her handwritten notes had been misplaced. Findell said he had made the motions.
A friendly amendment was offered and seconded by the makers of the motion to approve the minutes as amended.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE CHAIRPERSON GORDON DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
1. DISCUSSION OF SECRETARIAL ROLE
Commissioner Gordon thought it would be a good idea to have the secretary play a minor role in the minutes
by having the secretary review the minutes after they have been completed before being sent out with the
agenda.
Commissioner Holm was concerned that there not be additional overhead and thought the secretary could
contact the staff by phone prior to the meeting with any suggested changes.
Commissioner VanDan said it was a good idea in looking to the future that the secretary play a role in
reviewing minutes, and possibly countersigning the minutes.
Skogen suggested e- mailing the minutes to the secretary to avoid any additional overhead.
Commissioner Findell agreed that the secretary should review and sign the minutes.
After further discussion the consensus of the group was to have the secretary receive the minutes and co -sign
them with the staff liaison.
2. CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FOR 1999.
The 2001 calendar was reviewed to see if there were any conflicts. The only conflict found was in May, due to
Memorial Day, and it was determined the date would be changed to May 21st.
MOTION by Commissioner Monden, second by Commissioner VanDan to approve the 2001 Calendar as
discussed.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE CHAIRPERSON GORDON DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. DISCUSSION OF LETER FROM CHIEF JUDGE REGARDING COMMISSION VACANCIES
Skogen stated the letter was included in their packet as informational letting them know that a new Chief
Judge had been appointed.
The Commissioners discussed how vacancies might be filled and it was suggested that Skogen post vacancy
notices at the library and community center, as well as checking to see if it is included in the New Resident
Packets, on cable or in the Focus. Skogen did note that it should also be on the Web page and on Cable.
DISCUSSION OF CHAPTER 8
Adopted 11 -27 -00
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF OCTOBER 30, 2000
PAGE 3
Skogen noted that John Flora's comments to their questions were shown in the attachment in bold and his
recommended changes to the charter were also included.
Commissioner Gordon said it appeared that John Flora recommended using the state statutes for the dollar amount
and for majority vote vs 4/5 or full vote of council.
Commissioner Holm felt it might be better to refer to state statute rather than having to amend the Charter when
the limitations changed in the future.
Skogen reviewed Flora's comments and explained what the 5 year comprehensive plan was.
Commissioner Van Dan wondered if the city could award a bid for all of the projects in their 5 year plan and that
each project would be completed individually within that 5 year time period.
There discussion on whether or not the state would allow that type of a contract or whether or not it was even legal
if a project were to be assessed. It was also felt that bidders would not bid due to the cost of wages and materials.
Commissioner Holm said he did not think there was anything that would prohibit that practice.
Commissioner Soule recommended that the Commission review the whole Chapter to see if wording should be
updated. She suggested Skogen include the information from the League of Minnesota Cities on Competitive
Bidding Section.
After further discussion, the Commission decided they would continue discussion of Chapter 8 at the next
meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION
A. Discussion of Chapter 8
B. Discussion of Chapter 9
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION by Commissioner Holm, seconded by Commissioner Querimit to adjourn the meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON WARREN DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED AND THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:02 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Monden, Secretary
"aXamsesi
Debra A. Skogen, Stalaiaison
Adopted 11 -27 -00