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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 10-24 CHCABrooklyn Center Charter Commission Agenda Wednesday, October 24, 2001 Brooklyn Center City Hall Conference Room B 7:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes of June 27, 2001 4. Old Business A. Continued discussion of a charter amendment, which would establish a ward system for the election of city council members. 5. New Business A. Nominating committees for election of officers 6. Next meeting A. January, 2002 7. Adjournment FROM Sy and Barb Knapp PHONE NO. 16125600108 Oct. 13 2001 04:58PM P1 To: Sharon Knutson, City Clerk From: Sy Knapp Date: 10 /13/0 Re: Charter Commission Meeting on 10/24/01 Today Z talked to Harold Middleton about the upcoming meeting and he said he will be getting the agenda to you on Monday. Also, he okayed having you send copies of the following LMC memo with the agenda. Questions ?..........call me at 560 -0108. Thanks/ Attached: a 3 -page memo FROM Sy and Barb Knapp knaeR PHONE NO. 16125600108 From: Bach, Jeannette <JBach @LMNC.ORG> To: Knapp, Sy <knapp013 @tr-umn.edu> Seat: Wednesday, July 11, 20015:17 PM Attach: 0825 -4.doc Subject: Advantages disadvantages of Wards Dear Sy, Oct. 13 2001 04 :58PM P2 Here is the letter re- stating the advantages and disadvantages of a ward system. 1 hope this helps. If you have any difficulty opening or printing and need a paper copy just let me know. «0825 -4, doc» Jeannette Bach, Research Manager League of Minnesota Cities 800 925 -1122 651 281 -1200 jbach @lmnc.org 7111101 FROM Sy and Barb Knapp PHONE NO. 16125600108 Oct. 13 2001 04:58PM P3 i Fax Transmission League of Minnesota Cities 145 University Avenue west St. Paul, MN 55103 -2044 65I -281 -1200 Fax: 651 -281 -1296 To:OMark Sebora. Mate: ❑August 25, 20000 ❑Fax 1- 320 -587- 4096 ❑Pages: ❑5, including this cover sheet❑ ❑From:Ofeannette Bach❑ ❑Subject: ❑Charter issues❑ 0 0 The League of Minnesota Cities provides this material for general informational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for competent legal guidance. Consult your attorney for advice concerning specific situations. 0 0 Comments: This fax responds to your request for information on two charter issues: (1) whether the statutory requirements for charter amendments prevail over conflicting charter language procedures for charter amendment and (2) the advantages and disadvantages of reor m&ittg the city into wards. Based on information in the League's Handbook for Minnesota Cities, the general rule is that when a charter provision is in conflict with the state statutes, the statutory provision prevails and the charter provision is ineffective to the extent it conflicts with the state policy. Depending on the particular conflict you are dealing with, it seems probable that since the statutes particularly address charter amendments will either in part or entirely be invalid. I have provided the Handbook discussion pages (77 -78) for your information. As to whether or not the city is better off with a ward system or without, following are the standard arguments for both propositions. For the 'Ward System As citizens vote only for candidates in their ward, the ballot is shorter and simpler. Voters are more likely to have direct, personal knowledge about the qualities of those who seek to represent them, and thereby will make a more intelligent choice. After the election, the council member wi)) keep in closer touch with his or her constituents. lns far as wards have special interests, these will be represented. Insofar as wards contain distinct social, ethnic, and economic groups, the council will be a better cross section of the population. If a minority is concentrated in one geographical area, the ward system increases its chance of securing some representation on the council. The campaign costs to a council candidate are lower. Election by wards tend to attract more candidates to run for office. Each geographical area of the city will be assured some representation. Council members will be able to have closer contact with their constituents and be more responsive to their needs. Council members elected by wards will be more accountable to the people who elected them. Disadvantages of a Ward System Ward boundaries don't necessarily delineate homogeneous areas. Therefore, may not be a ward interest that would justify separate representation. Voters in one ward may find there is no candidate in the ward they can wholeheartedly support, and that there is a candidate in another ward who would more fully represent their views. The ward system prevents these voters from fully exercising their freedom of choice. FROM Sy and Barb Knapp PHONE NO. 16125600108 Oct. 13 2001 04:59PM P4 In some wards there may be difficulty in Ending quaMed candidates who are willing to run for office so that the voters' range of choice is restricted and the quality of the council may be lowered. Wards encourage a spirit of localism since the basis of selection tends to be service to the ward, not to the city. Wards may foster a divisive competition for scarce resources. Politically active or special interest groups may be over represented by targeting certain wards. Once established, ward boundaries are difficult to change. Redistricting may be expensive. EJection will be more expensive as more polling places and election judges will be needed. It maybe more difficult for the voter to find the correct polling place. I hope this information is helpful. If the League can be of any other assistance please contact us. warcb-Ys. I