HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 01-28 CHCMMINUTES OF January 28, 2010
BROOKLYN CENTER
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
Called to order by Chairman Stan Leino at 7:45 PM.
Roll Call: Secretary Gary Brown called roll; Gary Brown, Gail Ebert, Stan Leino, Bruce Lund, Ed Nelson,
and Eileen Oslund were present.
Excused Absences: Harold Middleton, Richard Phillips
Absent: Mary Neirengarten
Consideration of Minutes
Motion by Nelson seconded by Lund to approve minutes of January 22, 2009,
with the correction of removing Derrick Johnson from the minutes. Unanimously approved (6-0)
New Business
Election of Officersfor 2010
Chairman: Stan Leino
Vice Chairman: Gail Ebert
Secretary: Gary Brown
Audit Chair: Eileen Oslund
Motion by Nelson and seconded by Lund to cast a white ballot for the above stated candidates. Unanimously
approved (6-0)
Consideration of Charter Amendment to allow or require Elections of City Council-members by Ward, or
Hybrid of Ward and At-Large. A good discussion of the pros and cons of changing the current at-large election
of council-members to a ward representation or a hybrid (combination of at-large and ward) took place with all
commission members. Concerns about a changing demographics and cost of holding a special election were
discussed by all members. Chairman Leino had been approached by a citizen who expressed concern that all
elected council members including the Mayor could end up coming from a small geographical area of the city.
Motion by Brown and seconded by Lund to Table the discussion until such time that the citizen comes before
the commission or expresses concerns in writing. Passed unanimously (6-0).
Declare opening for seat held by Mary Neirengarten Commissioner Neirengarten is moving to
Washington DC and will be unable to serve on the Charter Commission.
Parting gift given for commissioner Neirengarten was approved by the commission.
Charter Commission Pamphlet Gary Brown suggested that a small pamphlet be assembled that tells the
public what the charter commission does and how often it meets, etc. Brown was directed to present a draft
at next meeting.
Future meeting dates April 22, June 24, October 28, were set for future meeting dates in 2010.
Adjournment Motion by Oslund, seconded by Lund to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 PM. Passed
unanimously (6-0)
Submitted for consideration,
Gary E. Brown, Secretary