HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984 04-25 CHCMBROOKLYN CENTER CHARTER COMMISSION
MINUTES
APRIL 25, 1984
CALL TO ORDER
The Meeting was called to order by Chairman Donn Escher at 8:02 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Michael Beauchane, Ernest Erickson, Donn Escher,
John Lescault, Neil Smeaton, Mary Heitzig, Dennis Kueng, Mona Hi.nzman
Members absent and excused: William Hannay, Jean Schiebel, Barbara Sex-
ton, Vincent Tubman
Also present: Gerald G. Splinter, City Manager
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Ernest Erickson, seconded by Dennis Kueng to approve the
March 28, 1984 minutes as typed. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS Elections
Mr. Splinter presented a memo to the commissioners regarding the
legality in regard to revising municipal election dates. He also pre-
sented the survey which was done at the Charter Commission's request at
their last meeting. The items were briefly discussed and were basically
self- explanatory.
Then followed the commissioners' reports of their contacts with the
various council members and the mayor.
10 Commissioner Beauchane did not get a chance to contact the mayor. At
this point, Commissioner Lescault commented that his previous contacts
with the mayor regarding this matter indicated that he was concerned
about the high cost of off year elections.
Commissioner Kueng reported that Councilmember Hawes was in favor of
even year elections as well as changing the mayor's and councilmember's
terms to four years.
Commissioner Erickson reported that Councilmember Theis had mixed feel-
ings regarding the even year elections. He had no opinion on changing
the terms.
In the absence of Commissioners Tubman and Schiebel, Commissioner Heit-
zig reported on the conversations with Councilmembers Lhotka and Scott.
Councilmember Lhotka's reaction was that he is in favor of even year
elections but he did like like the situation of the mayor running with
the same two people each time. Councilmember Scott has been in favor
of even year elections for years, as this would save money.
Being asked what was his opinion, Mr. Splinter replied he is in favor
of even year elections and that the mayor and councilmembers should have
the same length of term.
Motion by
members to
other year
John Lescault, seconded by Dennis Kueng to poll the commission
see what direction the charter commission should seek'as to every
elections. All members present agreed to seek more information.
Motion by Michael Beauchane, seconded by Peary Heitzig to have the Charter
Commission request the City Manager to develop the mechanics of implement-
ing even year elections and to review various options, transition require-
ments, and what the technical language changes would be to the charter.
The City Manager was also asked to report back to the Charter Commission
at their May meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
CODE OF ETHICS
Motion by Ernest Erickson, seconded by Mary Heitzig to extend the dis-
cussion on the code of ethics by the City Manager from the May meeting
to the September, 1984 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
NEGv BUSINESS
Ernest Erickson inquired of the Chairman if Mr. Roth has sent in his applica-
tion for membership yet. Because of present health problems, he has not.
Chairman Escher stated he will stay in touch with Mr. Roth.
Commissioner Beaucha ne stated he will still contact the mayor regarding his
reactions to the even year elections.
NEXT MEETING DATE
The next Charter Commission date will be May 23, 1984•, at 8 :00 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Dennis Kueng, seconded by John Lescault, to adjourn at 9:10 P.M.
Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carole Blowers, C.P.S.
Secretarial Assistant
Chairman: Donn Escher
Secretary: Barb Sexton
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