HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 09-18 CHCMMINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 18 2008
BROOKLYN CENTER
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
Called to order by Chairman Stan Leino at 7:00 PM.
Roll Call: Secretary Gary Brown called roll; Gary Brown, Gail Ebert, Stan Leino, Bruce Lund, Ed
Nelson, Mary Nierengarten, and Richard Phillips were present.
Absent: Eileen Oslund and Harold Middleton
Also in attendance: Former commissioner, Richard Theis
Presentation: Chairman Leino presented Richard Theis with a commemorative clock for his years of
service to the city on the Charter Commission.
Old Business
Motion Lund, second Phillips to approve minutes of July 31, 2008 and September 3, 2008. Passed
Unanimously 7 -0.
Chairman Leino reviewed status of the proposed charter amendment;
Secretary Brown presented a position paper on behalf of the commission that was modified by the
commission and adopted as follows:
The members of the Charter Commission unanimously support a City Charter amendment to
establish administrative penalties for violations of city ordinances. An administrative
enforcement system provides an alternative legal tool for the effective and efficient
enforcement of certain city ordinances, and has been used successfully by other metropolitan
cities. Administrative enforcement systems provide a timely process and encourage problem
solving and resolution of public nuisances.
Currently, when a person is issued a fine for failing to mow their lawn, having a
junk/unlicensed car on their property, or renting their property without a license, they are often
required to a pay a fine to the Hennepin County District Court. In many cases the city attorney
must prepare costly legal papers to go to court to collect the fine and 20% of the fine is
forfeited to Hennepin County. By the time the case is resolved, the city may not even recover
the costs enforcing the city codes that keep our city beautiful and livable.
If the charter amendment is passed, a user friendly alternative to appearing in criminal court
will be available. Fines would then go directly to the city to help recover the cost of enforcing
city codes. A third party, an administrative judge, can be requested by the person being fined
to ensure impartiality and fairness that the code has been enforced in a respectful manner.
New Business
A brief discussion took place regarding future possible changes to the charter such as changing the bylaws
relating to by -Laws and super- majorities.
Next Meeting was set for January 22, 2009 as the annual meeting.
A new member was recently appointed: Mr. Derrick Johnson, 1701 69 Ave., Apt. 106, Brooklyn Center
Motion by Brown, seconded by Phillips to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 PM. Passed unanimously (9 -0)
Submitted for consideration,
Gary E. Brown, Secretary