HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989 09-27 CHCMBROOKLYN CENTER CHARTER COXXISSION
SEPTEMBER 27, 1989
NIMES
7 P. X.
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mary Heitzig at 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Allen Anderson, David Ault, Ulyssess Boyd, Benjamin
Chatelle, Ron Christensen, Edward Commers, Mary Heitzig,
Tony Kuefler, Dennis Kueng, Barbara Sexton, Neil Smeaton,
Dennis Snook, Beverly Wolfe
Members absent and excused: Mona Hintzman, Everett Lindh
Members absent and unexcused: None
APPROVAL OF XINUTES
Motion by Dennis Kueng to approve the minutes of April 26, 1989, as
presented. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson Heitzig stated several pieces of correspondence has been
received and sent since we last met. A letter was written to Rita Seymour,
Brooklyn Center Post Editor, regarding the omission of our last meeting in
the paper. A letter was also sent to her regarding tonight's meeting, and
it was published on the front page.
A letter was sent to the Mayor and City Council Members regarding the fact
that they do not read the resolution for departing commission members at
council meetings. The Mayor replied that this matter is handled in the
same usual and customary manner for all parting members of other city
commissions.
Chairperson Heitzig sent a letter to Gerald Splinter, City Manager,
regarding the passage of legislation this past session that affects Charter
Commissions. Mr. Splinter replied that the League of Cities is studying
the new truth and taxation law and should have a response in about thirty
to sixty days.
Correspondence from Chief Judge Lindberg was received stating that the
Acceptance of Appointment and Oath of Office was received by Ulyssess Boyd.
Mr. Boyd's term expires on April 20, 1993, and he can be reappointed for
another four year term at that time if he wishes. This appointment brings
our membership to the maximum fifteen.
OLD BUSINESS
*Review of Charter Sectims Regarding Vacancies on_±,he QDUDLi1_L
Chairperson Heitzig proceeded with discussion of the charter sections
pertaining to council vacancies (Sections 2,03, 2.04a, 2.04b, 2.05, and
2.06). At our last meeting, she had asked the members to review these
sections over the summ to see if there was any need for revisions.
Various questions arose such as quorum of the Council (last sentence of
Section 2.05); meaning of qualified persons; private employment section;
employment for the City (should maybe be BY the City); and conviction of a
crime involving moral turpitude.
At this point, the Chair asked the Administrative Assistant to present her
recent research on metro charters. The Administrative Assistant explained
that as a class assignment, she did some research for the Charter
Commission this summer. First of all, copies of the 31 metro area charterd
cities were obtained to start a reference library for the Brooklyn Center
Charter Commission members. Most copies were obtained free of charge. Ten
cities required some type of payment, for a total expense of $94.80. This
expense was pre-approved by the Executive Committee,
The Administrative Assistant then explained she reviewed these charters, in
particular the section on council vacancies. Her findings were as follows:
Approximately 17 used the key words "eligible person" to fill a council
vacancy; three used "qualified" person; one used "a successor"; and one
stated the person "must meet qualifications of the charter". Nine charters
had very specific, detailed language and much time and effort was spent in
spelling out the timing of filling such vacancies. Copies of the more
detailed charters were provided to members of the commission for their
review and comment. A summary of all metro area charters as found by the
Administrative Assistant was also provided to members.
Other facts provided by the Administrative Assistant was 108 cities out of
854 Minnesota cities have charters. The six metro cities whose populations
are similar to Brooklyn Center's are: Blaine, Coon Rapids, Crystal,
Fridley, Minnetonka, and Richfield.
Members briefly reviewed the material provided to them from the Admin-
istrative Assistant and various comments were made as to information about
other cities and how they worded this particular section on council
vacancies.
It was the consensus of the commission to review this information and come
back to our next meeting with suggestions/ideas for change/clarification in
wording in this section of our charter.
-2-
0 NEW BUSIhIsbb
*Ifew Ke
Chairperson Heitzig formally introduced Ulyssess Boyd, our newest member to
the commission. David Ault, Dennis Snook, and Beverly Wolfe, (who recently
became new members) were also re-introduced.
*R LJhrAry of Charters from the Metro Area:
Discussion now turned as to where the newly acquired copies of the metro
area charters should be kept and how they should be maintained. Consensus
was that they should be kept at the City Hall, either in the vault or a
file cabinet; one more copy of each should be made; all copies should be
dated when we received them; and they should be available to Charter
Commission members only. The Administrative Assistant will check to see
who at the City will be responsible for the checking out of these charters
to our commission members.
NEXT MEETING DATE
It was a consensus of the members present that the next Charter Commission
meeting will be held an Wednesday, November 29, 1989, at 7 P.M. Please
contact Chairperson Heitzig if there is a need to meet before then.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made to adjourn at 8:10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
C.P.S.
Administrative Assistant
Chair- Mary Heitzig
Secretary: Barbara Sexton
9-27-89