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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990 01-24 CHCMBROOKLYN CENTER CHARTER COMMISSION JANUARY 24, 1990 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES 7 P. X. CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mary Heitzig at 7:01 P.M. ROLL CALL Members present: Al Anderson, David Ault, Ulyssess Boyd, Benjamin Chatelle, Ron Christensen, Edward Commers, Mary Heitzig, Mona Hintzman, Tony Kuefler, Dennis Kueng, Barbara Sex- ton Members absent and excused: Everett Lindh, Neil Smeaton, Beverly Wolfe Members absent and unexcused: Dennis Snook Also present: Gerald G. Splinter, City Manager APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Mona Hintzman, seconded by Ben Chatelle to approve the minutes of November 29, 1989, as presented. Notion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF ANNUAL REPORT Notion by Nona Hintzman, seconded by Ben Chatelle to approve the Annual Report as submitted by Chairperson Heitzig. Motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF AUDIT REPORT Motion by Mona Hintzman, seconded by Tony Kuefler to accept the audit report as presented. Motion passed unanimously. NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT Commissioner Commers, speaking for the nominating committee, presented the following nominations: Chairperson: Barbara Sexton Vice Chairperson: Mona Hintzman Secretary: Beverly Wolfe Chairperson Heitzig asked three times for additional nominations and none were made. Motion was made by Ed Commers that nominations for secretary be closed; passed unanimously. Motion by Tony Kuefler that nominations for vice chairperson be closed; passed unanimously. Motion by Mona Hintzman that nominations for chairperson be closed; passed unanimously. At this point Chairperson Heitzig turned the meeting over to Barbara Sexton, new chairperson for the Charter Commission. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS, The following people were asked and agreed to fill the following appointments: Audit: Al Anderson Public Relations: Ed Commers Rules/Parliamentarian: Ron Christensen SALARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Motion by Tony Kuefler, seconded by Mona Hintzman that the Administrative Assistant receive a 4% pay increase (present salary is $14,00/hour). Motion passed unanimously. CORRESPONDENCE Chairperson Sexton stated letters were written to the Editor of the Brooklyn Center Post regarding tonight's meeting as well as the one vacancy we will have on the commission as of December 1, Both items did NOT appear in the Brooklyn Center Post. At this point, Mr. Splinter provided the commission with the new editor's name: John Kerr, Discussion was also held regarding using the city's newsletter, Ed Commers stated that an article on our vacancies and the availability of minutes/agendas to the public will be in the newsletter distributed in February, The City Newsletter is distributed approximately six times a year (i.e., almost every other month). Mr. Splinter also stated that it may be possible in the future to include city news in the Weekender paper that is distributed to all homes. Chairperson Sexton stated a letter was sent to the City Manager regarding the new truth and taxation law inviting him to attend our Annual Meeting tonight with any further information on this subject. A letter was sent to Chief Judge Lindberg expressing the wishes of Everett Lindh to be reappointed to another four year term. His first four year term expires on January 14, 1990. As of this date, we have not had a reply to this letter. OLD BUSINESS *A,ppointment of Sub Cnmmj-tteP Regar Vacancies on the Council: Chairperson Sexton appointed the following commissioners to the sub committee on council vacancies: Ed Commers (Chair), David Ault, and Mona Hintzman They are charged to provide alternative suggestions for revision of the charter sections pertaining to council vacancies (Sections 2.03, 2.04a, 2.04b, 2.05, and 2.06) Page 2 of 4 is 1-24-90 *RapQrt on Le7isj ct&ugea' City Manager, Gerald G. Splinter, stated that the new truth and taxation laws affected Section 7.06 of the existing charter. He passed out a sheet with possible revision to that area of the charter. Mr. Splinter also suggested that the City Clerk, in reviewing the city charter, feels the wording must be changed in Section 3,01 of the city charter. This part of the charter deals with the process of swearing in a new council member. Mr. Splinter stated he would check with the League of Municipalities and the city attorney regarding both of these items and then will prepare a package of materials stating both the present and proposed wording for these two sections in the near future. *V-Pdate on Vacancies on the Ctaztjar Cnmission, Nell Smeaton's term expires January 27, 1990, and he cannot be reappointed as he has served his two full four year terms. With this term expiration, the commission will currently have two vacancies, Dennis Kueng's term expires March 4, 1990, and he cannot be reappointed as he has served eight years on the commission. The Administrative Assistant stated that she is working on getting the community service plaques prepared and completed for the first meeting in February for both Mary Heitzig and Neil Smeaton. 40 NEV BUSINESS At this point in the meeting, Commissioner Ulysses Boyd presented an idea regarding council vacancies. This suggestion is regarding if the number of members drop below three, he feels that the vacancies should be filled with someone who has previously been an the council or is involved in other city commissions who has some knowledge of city government. Commissioner Comners asked Mr. Boyd to provide this suggestion in writing to the Administrative Assistant so that the sub committee can examine and discuss it when they meet. Commissioner Christensen also stated at this time that he felt that the Charter Commission should somehow have some oversight over the person selected by the remaining council members to fill a vacancy. Commi sinner A oi Kuefler suggested that a maximum time length be put on someone'sA rm. 77. a a-!-.,c P -much-.time they--must-, be -off between- -terms. He also felt thi' perlh G4E 1 =A 11_ to fill a vacancy should have former council experience or community involvement. Commissioner Hintzman stated that she felt if the time to fill a vacancy was short, someone should be appointed; if a long time, a special election should definitely be held. It was suggested that anyone else who has other ideas on this topic should supply them to the sub committee for their consideration. Commissioner Anderson asked that new membership rosters be provided. acv Te 5 c" C' 9, Page 3 of 4 1-24-90 NEXT MEETING DATE It was a consensus of the members present that the next Charter Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 25, 1990, at 7 P.M. ADJOTJRMIKT Motion was made by Ron Christensen, seconded by Mona Hintzman to adjourn at 7-47 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Carole J. Blowe-ps i C.P.S. Administrative Assistant E Chair: Mary Heitzig/Barbara Sexton Secretary: Barbara Sexton/Beverly Wolfe Page 4 of 4 1-24-90