HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 10-29 Joint Session with Charter Commission MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AND CHARTER COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND
THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
OCTOBER 29, 1997
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Charter Commission Chair Tim Willson.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Debra Hilstrom, Kay Lasman, and
Robert Peppe; Charter Commission Chair Tim Willson, Charter Commission members Walter
Bursch, Nancy Carlson, Sy 1 Stanley Leino, Eileen Oslund, Rodney Snyder, Diane Swanson,
and Carl Wolter.
Absent and excused: Charter Commission members Elizabeth Hatle, James Holst, and Janice
Thielsen.
Absent and unexcused: Charter Commission members Todd Paulson and Ted Willard.
RECOGNITION OF CARD BLOWERS
LOWER S
A plaque was presented to Carole Blowers in recognition of her many years of service as
Administrative Assistant to the Charter Commission.
CITY COUNCIL /CHARTER COMMISSION DISCUSSION
Charter Commission Chair Willson informed the Council that the Charter Commission was not
currently working on a compelling issue. He indicated all members have reviewed the City Charter.
Charier Commission Chair Willson said the City Council has been supportive of recommendations
made by the Charter Commission. Mayor Kragness asked if there are needs of the Charter
Commission. Chair Willson responded the Charter Commission could use some assistance with the
issue of the Administrative Assistant. He explained the Charter Commission budget needs to be
increased. Mayor Kragness recommended the Charter Commission check with North Hennepin
Community College.
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There was discussion regarding hiring an Administrative Assistant for the Charter Commission.
Chair Willson explained the City Manager suggested the minutes be taken by one of the Charter
Commission members. He said the problem is that there can be severe difference of opinion
regarding Charter items, and this would restrict the Charter Commission member.
Commission Member Snyder said the Executive Board met to discuss the Administrative Assistant
issue, and they believe the $10 - $12 per hour range is too low to attract someone. Chair Willson
indicated that the Charter Commission budget would have to be increased before they could pay
more than that.
Mayor Kragness recommended the Charter Commission review what other cities of similar size are
doing with regard to minutes and the budget. She also recommended contacting the League of
Minnesota Cities. She noted the past Administrative Assistant received an increase each year;
however, the Charter Commission budget was never increased.
Discussion ensued regarding the Charter Commission budget. Charter Commission members
indicated legal costs can be excessive depending on the issue. Mayor Kragness recommended the
Charter Commission submit their budget request to the City Manager early next year.
There was discussion regarding City staff /Council relationships and City Manager performance
evaluation. Mayor Kragness explained that the Council goal setting sessions have been very helpful
with regard to these issues.
Commission Member Leino said he was pleased to see the Council goals listed in the Brooklyn
Center Sun -Post, so residents are informed on Council issues.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
City Clerk a Mayo
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