CHA 03/25/2002 rkTO: Charter Commission Members
FROM: Deb Skogen, City Clerk and Staff Liaison
Date: March 19, 2002
CI1YOF Re: Charter Meeting of Monday, March 25, 2002
FRIDLEY'
The next Charter Commission meeting will be held on Monday, March 25, 2002, in Meeting
Room 1 in the lower level of City Hall.
I have included the minutes of February 25th, working glossary, definitions from a Webster's
Dictionary, memo from Cindy Soule on definition of sinking fund,the fall newsletter article, and
a packet of information on the Charter from the League of Minnesota Cities.
I have again asked Community Development for information on eminent domain and hope to
have that information for you at the meeting.
If you cannot attend the meeting,please contact me at 763-572-3523 or by e-mail at
skogend(a`ci.fridley.mn.us. Thanks..
CITY OF FRIDLEY
CHARTER COMMISSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2002 7:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Fridley Municipal Center
Meeting Room 1 (Lower Level)
CALL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL:
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 25,2002
1. Administrative Matters
2. Discussion of Glossary/Index
3. Consideration of items for future discussion
ADJOURNMENT
Next regular meeting: April 22,2002 at 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room 1 in the Lower Level
/'-•
CITY OF FRIDLEY
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
February 25,2002
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Gordon called the Charter Commission meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Don Findell,Ann Gerrety,Craig Gordon,Harry Heck,Carter Hendricks,Janet Johnson,
Nancy Jorgenson,Maynard Nielsen(7:07 p.m.),Regina Querimit(7:45 pm)Cindy Soule,
Francis Van Dan(7:09 p.m.)
Members Absent: Bill Holm,Deborah Monden,Dale Warren,and Suzanne Warren
Others Present: Deb Skogen,City Clerk/Staff Liaison
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
MOTION by Commissioner Soule seconded by Commissioner Hendricks to approve the agenda.
UPON A VOICE VOTE,ALL VOTING AYE,CHAIRPERSON GORDON DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 26,2001,CHARTER COMMISSION MINUTES:
MOTION by Commissioner Heck seconded by Commissioner Hendricks to approve the January 28,2002,Charter
Commission Minutes.
Commissioner Heck requested two small changes to minutes on page 2,remove the repeated word petition and
change uniformed to uninformed.
UPON A VOICE VOTE,ALL VOTING AYE,CHAIRPERSON GORDON DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
As Commissioner Van Dan was not available immediately,the commission began discussing the glossary.
Chairperson Gordon said that eminent domain should be added to the glossary. The commissioners discussed
referring to the state statute or defining the term. The West Publishing definition was briefly discussed.
Commissioner Van Dan was now present and the Commission turned the discussion back to Administrative Matters.
1. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Commissioner Van Dan reported that the Nominating Committee had met over the phone to determine the
nominations of officers for the next year. The Nominating Committee recommends as follows:
Craig Gordon,Chairperson
Don Findell,Vice Chairperson
Debora Monden,Secretary
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 25,2002 PAGE 2
Chairperson Gordon opened the floor for further nominations. Commissioner Van Dan said there were two others
P-C that may be interested in the position,but because they were on the nominating committee,they would have had to
resign from the nominating Committee.
Seeing no further nominations Chairperson Gordon declared the nominations closed.
Commissioner Hendricks MOVED and Commissioner Jorgenson seconded a motion to accept the nominations as
reported by the Nominating Committee.
UPON A VOICE VOTE,ALL VOTING AYE,CHAIRPERSON GORDON DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Discussion of Glossary/Index
The Commission returned to the discussion about eminent domain. Commissioner Van Dan expressed her concern
with the West Publishing defmition and the different legal interpretations of eminent domain. She felt there was one
place that was controversial,which was the word power and the payment of just compensation. The Commission
further discussed the issue and it was determined to have two separate definitions to review: One without payment
and one without the word just as defined by West Publishing.
It was suggested that staff send another request to Community Development to have them outline the procedures the
city would use if an eminent domain proceeding
Commissioner Soule suggested adding the term Charter and Chairperson Gordon suggested adding the term Charter
Commission to the glossary.
Commissioner Van Dan reviewed the recent history in Columbia Heights regarding the City Council's desire to get
rid of the Charter Commission,but decided instead to keep it.
Commissioner Hendricks suggested using the recent Newsletter article that was written about the Charter
Commission when looking for a defmition. He suggested possibly having a short executive summary at the
beginning of the Charter explaining what the Charter was.
Chairperson Gordon said a short definition should be part of the glossary,but possibly the history of the Charter
Commission could be explained in the summary.
Commissioner Van Dan suggested describing the power of the Commission,that it was a separate body appointed by
the District Court,was an advisory body to the Council. She described Senator Betzold's petition amendment that
changed the election process in the city.
Commissioner Jorgenson said in the past the City Council had discussed televising all commission meetings.
Commissioner Hendricks said that if meetings were televised,the Commission might have to change the format of
their meetings. He suggested highlighting the Commission by having City Manager Bill Burns interview someone
from the Commission on his weekly cable show.
Commissioner Jorgenson said the Council met with the other commissions to review the results of the survey that
was sent to all commissioners and said she would like to see the Charter Commission included in this process. She
also would like to see the Commission formulate a relationship with the City Council.
Commissioner Findell did not think the Commission could draw an audience to watch their meetings if they were
televised. There was further discussion and an informal vote was taken to see if there was any interest in televising
the meetings. There was no interest in televising the meetings,but there was interest in working with the City
Manager to highlight the Commission on one of his cable shows.
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 25,2002 PAGE 3
Ms. Gerrety wondered if people knew they could voice a concern at a Charter Commission and suggested putting
/""\ that in the defmition. Commissioner Hendricks suggested an outreach program to the community letting people
know the Charter Commission works and how it can work with other groups. There was further discussion about
community outreach and what the Commission's intent was. It was determined it was mainly to inform the
community about the Commission and the process.
Ms. Skogen was requested to look at the state statutes and newsletter article for a definition of Charter and Charter
Commission.
Commissioner Heck suggesting defining what a sinking fund was(Section 7.15.2). Commissioner Soule said she
could possibly define what a sinking fund was and e-mail it to Deb.
Commissioner Jorgenson suggested possibly defining discretionary funds and nondiscretionary funds.
The terms will be added to the working glossary for the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION by Commissioner Hendricks seconded by Commissioner Heck to adjourn the meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE,ALL VOTING AYE,CHAIRPERSON GORDON DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED AND THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra A.Skogen, Deborah Monden,Secretary
City Clerk/Staff Liaison
2002 Charter Commission Membership
Alvite'Warren,Suzanne (h)574-0772 6-16-97(v) 1-24-99
6220 Jupiter Drive NE (w) 2-8-99 1-24-03
55432
Findell,Donald (h)763-571-0467 donfinder @aol.com 6-16-97 5-11-01
6850 Siverts Lane (w)Fax 763-571- 2-21-01 5-1-05
55432 7386
Gerrety,Anita (h)571-5586 a.themell @attnet
1602 Woodside Court (w)952-942-9110
55432
Gordon,Craig (h)574-9807 2-8-99(v) 5-11-01
PO Box 32622 (w)571-4959 2-21-01 5-1-05
55421
Heck,Scott"Harry" (h)572-0677 2-21-01 2-21-05
6032 2 1/2 Street NE (w)
55432
Hendricks,Carter (h)502-0828 carterh@hotmail.com 2-21-01 2-21-05
38 66th Way NE (w)651-603-6784
55432
Holm,William (h)784-7052 holm @goldengate.co 4-26-96(v) 5-24-99
7424 Melody Drive NE (w) m 4-9-99 5-24-03
55432
Johnson,Janet (h)571-8359 jjohnson @mediation.s
1579 Briardale Road (w)651-649-5426 tate.mn.us
55432
Jorgenson,Nancy (h)571-1648 Njorgenson @aol.com 2-21-01 2-21-05
5730 Polk Street NE (w)
55432
Monden,Deborah (h)783-1402 Dwmonden @aol.com 4-9-99(v) 1-24-03
211 79th Way NE,#2 (w)
55432
Nielsen,Maynard (h)763-571-6608 fax 763-571-6493 3-28-94(v) 2-7-95
7144 Riverview Terrace NE (w)612-272-2603 2-27-95 1-24-99
55432 2-8-99 1-24-03
Querimit,Regina (h)502-1563 4-9-99(v) 1-24-03
6069 Wood Lane NE (w)
55432
Soule,Cynthia (h)572-9666 csoule @elcabop.org 6-16-97 5-11-01
7838 Firwood Way (w) 2-21-01 5-1-05
55432
Van Dan,Francis (h)571-3177 bimipula @juno.com 5-5-95(v) 5-11-97
6342 Baker Avenue NE (w) 97? 5-11-01
55432 2-21-01 5-1-05
Warren,Dale (h)574-0772 warrend @ci.fridley.m
6220 Jupiter Drive NE (w)572-3523 n.us
55432
(h) (v) 1-24-03(Nee Vacant
(w) Term)
Skogen, Deb
From: Cindy Soule [CSOULE @elcabop.org]
p-stSent: Thursday, March 07, 2002 11:24 AM
lo: Skogen, Deb
Subject: Definition of Sinking Fund
Hi Deb,
Here is a definition of sinking fund from one of our investment analysts. It looks good to
me. Hope you had a nice vacation.
Cindy
Original Message
From: Diane Brehmer
Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2002 11:08 AM
To: Cindy Soule
Subject: RE: Request for definition of an investment term
Cindy:
Here is a very brief and general definition of sinking fund. Let me know if you'd like
more or less than this.
Sinking Fund: money set aside in a special account for the purpose of redeeming or
retiring bonds.
Diane
Original Message
From: Cindy Soule
Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2002 10:53 AM
To: Diane Brehmer
Subject: Request for definition of an investment term
Hi Diane,
In my world outside of the BOP I am assisting with a glossary of terms for the City of
Fridley's City Charter. One of the terms on the list is 'sinking fund' . Could you point
me to a reference or provide me with a 2-3 sentence definition of 'sinking fund' ? The
target audience for the glossary is the general public. The context of usage in the
charter is in reference to rules surrounding the City of Fridley's ability to issue
municipal bonds. Thanks.
Cindy
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tchsr•ter\'chart-ar\ n(ME charm. fr.OF,fr. ML charrula, fr.L,
dim. of chartaj 1 : a written instrument or contract (as a deed) 226
executed in due form 2 a : a grant or guarantee of rights.
franchises, or privileges from the sovereign power of a state or personnel b • food supplies c' a lunchroom esp. in a motions
country b • an instrument in writing creating and defining the pe pP
. ...Ranchises of a city, educational institution, or corporation c picture studio
CONSTITUTION 3: an instrument in writing from the authorities icom•mis•sion \ka-'mish-an\ n [ME, fr. MF. fr. L commission-,
f a society creating a lodge or branch 4 : a special privilege, commissio act of bringing together, fr. commisssus, pp. of commit-
immunity.or exemption 5: a mercantile lease of a ship or some revel 1 a : a formal written warrant ranting the power to
principal part of it perform various acts or duties b: a certificate conferring military
=charter yr 1 a: to establish,enable,or convey by charter b Brit rank and authority; also : the rank and authority so conferred 2
: CERTIFY <a ^red mechanical engineer> 2 • to hire. rent, or : an authorization or command to act in a prescribed manner or
lease for usu.exclusive and temporary use<^-ed a boat for deep-sea to perform prescribed acts: CHARGE 3 a: authority to act for,in
"i fishing> syn see HIRE—char•ter•er\-ar-ar\ n behalf of,or in place of another b: a task or matter entrusted to
,e one as an agent for another<executed a for me abroad> 4 a
3charter adj : of, relating to. or being a travel arrangement in
which transportation (as a bus or plane) is hired by and for one : a group of persons directed to perform same duty b : a
specific group of people <a •r flight> government agency having administrative, legislative, or judicial
chartered accountant n. Brit: a member of a chartered institute powers c : a city council having legislative and executive func-
of accountants tions 5 : an act of committing something <charged with of
charter member n • an original member of a society or corpora- felonies> 6 : a fee paid to an agent or employee for transacting
tion —charter membership n a piece of business or performing a service; esp : a percentage of
Chartism\'chart-.iz-am\ n [ML charts charter, fr. L,document] the money received from a total paid to the agent responsible for
: the principles and practices of a body of 19th century English the business 7 : an act of entrusting or giving authority — in
' --r^--° •.tvneatina better social and industnal condi- commission or into commission 1 : under the authority of
commissioners 2 of a ship: ready for active service 3: in use or
in condition for use—on commission: with commission serving
as partial or full pay for work done — out of commission 1
: out of active service or use 2 : out of working order
2commission vt com•mis•sioned; com•mis•sion•ing \'mish-
(a-)nig\ 1: to furnish with a commission:as a: to confer a formal
commission on <was^-ed lieutenant> b: to appoint or assign to
a task or function<the writer who was ^-ed to do the biography>
2 : to order to be made <wealthy persons who -r ed portraits of
themselves> 3 : to put (a ship) in commission
commis-sion-sire \ka-.mish-a-'na(a)r, -'ne(a)r\ n [F commission-
noire, fr. commission] chiefly Brit : a uniformed attendant
commissioned officer n : an officer of the armed forces holding
rank by virtue of a commission from the president
• cor .mis•sion•er \ka-'mish-(a-)nar\ n : a person with a commis-
sion:as a: a member of a commission b: the representative of
the governmental authority in a district, province. or other unit
often having both judicial and administrative Powers c : the
officer in charge of a department or bureau of the public service
d : the administrative head of a professional sport — com•mis-.
sion•er•ship \-,ship\ n
commission merchant n : one who buys or sells another's goods
for a commission
commission plan n : a method of municipal government under
which a small elective commission exercises both executive and
legislative powers and each commissioner directly administers one
or more municipal departments
corn-mis•sure \�kam-a-shu(a)r\ n [ME, fr. MF or L; MF, fr. L
commissura a joining,fr. commisssus, pp.] 1 : the place where two
bodies or parts unite : CLOSLRE 2 : a connecting band of nerve
are made —Elinor Langer>
dis•cre•tion•ary\'kresh-a-,ner-c\ udj 1 : left to discretion : ex-
ercised at one's own discretion 2: available for discretionary
use <— purchasing power>
discretionary account n : a security or commodity market
account in which an agent (as a broker)is given power of attorney
allowing him to make independent decisions and buy and sell for
the account of his principal
dis•crim•i•na•bil•i•ty \-.knm-(a-)na-'bil-at-e\ n, pl •ties 1 : the
-'•^lieu of being discriminable <the ^• of the various senses of a
• •^ •icrriminate
" • ranable of being
CxCivu.u5
em•I-nen•cy \'em-a-nan-s5\ n, Qpl-cies: EMINENCE
em-i•nent\'em-a-nant\adj[ME,fr. MF or L; MF.fr. L eminenk
eminens, prp.of eminire to stand out.fr.e- + -minfre(akin to L
moot-, mons mountain] 1 : standing out so as to be readily
perceived or noted : CONSPICUOUS 2 •: jutting out: PROJECTING
b : LOFTY. TOWERING 3 : exhibiting eminence esp. in standing
above othefs in some quality or position : PROMINENT syn see
FAMOUS—em-i•nent•ly ads
eminent domain n : a right of a government to take private
property for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of the
sovereign power over all lands within its jurisdiction
emir\i-mi(a)r.a.\n[Ar amir commander]: a native ruler in parts
of Asia and Africa •
emirate\i-'mir-at, a-. =mi(a)r-at\ n the ct•..^.
1101"°"' VI'S" ° Y°- and accumula by u
sinking fund n : a fund set up
deposits for paying o ff
the principal of a debt wted hen it falls su. dot regular
sinless\'sin-las\ adj free from sin : IMPECCABLE—sin•les:0y
Working Glossary
Charter
Charter Commission
Discretionary Funds
Eminent Domain The power to take private property for public use by a state,
municipality, or private person or corporation authorized to exercise
functions of public character, following just compensation to te owner
of that property
Or
The power to take private property for public use by a state,
municipality, or private person or corporation authorized to exercise
functions of public character, following the payment of compensation to
te owner of that property
Initiative An action by the voters to petition the city council to enact a new
ordinance or to repeal an existing ordinance.
Non-discretionary
Funds
Recall An action by the voters to remove an elected municipal official from
office. Such action begins by petitioning the City Council alleging
malfeasance or nonfeasance in office.
Referendum An action by the voters to petition the city council to stop an ordinance
from becoming effective, thereby allowing the city council to reconsider
and repeal the ordinance or submit it to the voters at the next regular
election.
Sinking Fund