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CHM 03/28/2005 - 00027088CITY OF FRIDLEY CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING March 28, 2005 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Findell called the Charter Commission meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Peter Borman, Gary Braam, Don Findell, Bill Holm, Kathleen Linder, Pam Reynolds, Cindy Soule and Francis Van Dan Members Absent: Char Fitzpatrick, Anita Gerrity, Craig Gordon, Carol Hoiby, Janet Johnson, Nancy Jorgenson, Deborah Monden Others Present: Deb Skogen, City Clerk/Staff Liaison APPROVAL OF AGENDA: MOTION by Commissioner Borman seconded by Commissioner Braam to approve the agenda. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON FINDELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 28, 2005, CHARTER COMMISSION MINUTES: MOTION by Commissioner Soule seconded by Commissioner Borman, to approve the February 28, 2005, Charter Commission Minutes. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON FINDELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 1. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS A. Membership Ms. Skogen gave an update on membership. Letters were sent to the Chief Judge for the appointment of Pam Reynolds and Carol Hoiby and the reappointment of Commissioners Fitzpatrick, Gordon and Jorgenson. She said the state statute had been changed and there is no longer a maximum term for members. In addition, she explained that Commissioner Monden had not responded to the letter that was mailed to her about her possible termination. Commissioner Borman MOVED and Commissioner Braam seconded a motion requesting the city clerk to send a letter to the Chief Judge recommending the termination Commissioner Monden's appointment. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON FINDELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Commissioner Reynolds MOVED and Commissioner Linder seconded a motion requesting city clerk to send a letter to the Chief Judge reappointing Commissioners Soule, Findell and Van Dan to another term FINE CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 28, 2005 PAGE 2 UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON FINDELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. B. Election of Officers Commissioner Holm said the nominating committee recommended the election of Nancy Jorgenson as Chair, Peter Borman as Vice -Chair and Kathleen Linder as Secretary for 2005 -06. Chairperson Findell opened the floor for additional nominations. Being none, the floor was closed. Commissioner Holm MOVED and Commissioner Borman seconded a motion to unanimously elect Nancy Jorgenson as Chair, Peter Borman as Vice -Chair and Kathleen Linder as Secretary as officers to the Charter Commission for 2005 -06. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTYING AYE, CHAIRPERSON FINDELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairperson Findell noted since Commissioner Jorgenson was absent, Commissioner Borman could take on the role of Chairperson for the remainder of the meeting. Commissioner Borman declined and Commissioner Findell continued to chair the meeting. 2. DISCUSSION OF MISSION STATEMENT Commissioner Soule led a discussion on the mission statement. She said she had facilitated several other similar group discussions. Commissioner Holm felt the purpose was defined in the By -Laws. Commissioner Van Dan felt it wasn't how much or what the Commission did, but felt it important to watch what our government officials are doing and that the Charter Commission has control over the city's purse strings. She reviewed how the charter was changed in reference to the city manager. Commissioner Van Dan said the Commission learns by doing and should keep at it. Commissioner Holm asked what doing meant. Commissioner Van Dan said doing meant keeping discussion and dialogue open. Commissioner Holm wondered if they should read each Chapter together and ask questions or have someone review a chapter and bring their changes or questions to the Commission. He wondered if they would come to the Commission meetings without any agenda. Commissioner Van Dan said the needs of the people change. Commissioner Holm agreed and said the Charter Commission has to respond to it. Commissioner Borman wondered if people included city council members, citizens, staff, business and/or taxpayers. He also wondered if the Commission was trying to enhance the Charter. Commissioner Reynolds and Linder responded that the charter might be amended because of legislation or terminology. A question was asked to define people. Commissioner Van Dan stated people should be defined as individual property owner who uses community services provided by the municipality. In addition, the city brings in the businesses to help bring down the tax -load of the residential property owners and provide jobs. Commissioner Borman felt you walk a fine line of representing the people, but the Commission also has to represent the city government and look out for what is best for both sides. FINE CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 28, 2005 PAGE 3 Commissioner Van Dan commented on, "of the people, by the people and for the people" and said corporations don't go bankrupt or die. Commissioner Soule said the city charter provides a plan for elected officials and staff to operate by. Commissioner Reynolds said the true focus was the people. Chairperson Findell said the charter provides rules by which the city operates efficiently and productively to serve the needs of the people. Commissioner Borman felt the Charter should not be so restricting to hinder those running the city. Commissioner Braam offered the following language as a mission statement: Appointed citizens working together to discuss and refine the ever changing framework of our charter that guides the efficient business of our city operation. Further discussion ensued and the Braam language was amended several times as follows: Court appointed citizens working together to discuss and refine the city charter to guide the efficient and economical conduct of city business to meet the citizens needs. By discussing the city charter the work to refine it as necessary to guide the efficient and economical conduct of city business. Court appointed citizens working together to amend the charter to meet the changing needs of the community. Discussing and refining the charter to provide the rules for the efficient and economical conduct of city business. Final consensus: Court appointed citizens discussing and refining the charter to meet the changing community needs. To provide the rules and the efficient and economic conduct of city business. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Commissioner Van Dan seconded by Commissioner Holm to adjourn the meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON FINDELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:25 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Debra A. Skogen, City Clerk/Staff Liaison FINE Kathleen Linder, Secretary