HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 07-20 CHCMBrooklyn Center Charter Commission
Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2017
Called to order by Chairman Mark Goodell at 6:30 p.m.
Roll Call:
Chair Mark Goodell called the roll.
Present:
• Mawuli Blabuh
• Donald Bumgarner
• Kathryn Ellgren
• Michael Elliott
• Mark Goodell
• Charlene Johnson
• Stanley Leino (arrived at 6:40 p.m.)
• Robert Marvin
• Mary O’Connor
• Beverly Rieschl
• Abraham Rizvi
• Susan Warner
• Mark Yelich
Absent:
• Judy Thorbus
Absent and Excused:
• Gail Ebert
Adoption of Agenda:
A motion was made by Abraham Rizvi and seconded by Mark Goodell to add an item under
New Business to discuss raising the minimum wage in Brooklyn Center. The motion passed. The
agenda was adopted as amended with a motion by Robert Marvin and a second by Kathryn
Ellgren. Motion passed.
Consideration of Minutes:
The April 20, 2017, minutes were adopted with a motion by Robert Marvin and a second by
Kathryn Ellgren. Motion passed.
Recognition of Commissioner Gary Brown:
There was no recognition of past Commissioner Gary Brown because he did not attend the
meeting.
Old Business:
a. Review feedback about discrepancy between state and local/county election guides:
Charter Commission -2- 07/20/2017
Chair Goodell handed out copies of an email from City Clerk Sharon Knutson. She
explains that the State Statute is pretty clear that “agent of a candidate” is not included in
the State Statute, only “candidate”. Therefore an agent of a candidate is allowed to assist
voters.
Chair Goodell also handed out copies of emails he sent to Hennepin County asking about
the difference in the Secretary of State's Voters' Guide and the Hennepin County Voters'
Guide to which he got no response. He then called Hennepin County and was told that
there is no restriction on an “agent of a candidate” assisting voters. The Secretary of
State's Voters' Guide is unclear.
Discussion followed. A motion was made by Susan Warner to table discussion of
elections and a second was made by Kathryn Ellgren. The motion failed.
A motion was made by Robert Marvin and seconded by Don Bumgarner to ask City
Attorney Troy Gilchrist to attend our next meeting to address concerns and questions
about elections. Motion passed.
A motion was made by Kathryn Ellgren and seconded by Stan Leino to allow Chair
Goodell to respond to questions for clarification from the attorney or Chair Goodell can
call a Charter Commission meeting to respond to questions. Motion passed.
New Business:
a. Discuss raising minimum wages in Brooklyn Center:
Discussion followed but no action was taken.
b. Stan Leino said the Charter Commission adopted Firehouse Park years ago. The Charter
Commission used to clean the park occasionally. Chair Goodell will check to see if the
Charter Commission is still listed as adoptees of Firehouse Park.
Adjournment:
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m. by Robert Marvin and seconded by
Mary O'Connor. The motion passed.
The next meeting is October 19, 2017.
Mary O’Connor
Secretary