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Charter Commission 1 July 8, 2010January 12, 2012 Page 2 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Charter Amendments. Commissioner Trehus discussed the referral to the Commission from City Council and staff regarding election timing changes in State law. He noted that an earlier request by the Commission to Council for funding for attorney's fees to review the proposal had been rejected, but felt that a second request was a prophate. MOTION by Commissioner Trehus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland, requesting Chair Dahl to write to Ms. Marty asking for an estimate of the fees required to review the draft amendment language from City Staff. Upon receipt of the estimate, the Chair is further directed to write to the Council requesting the necessary funds. Motion passes unanimously. Commissioner Trehus reviewed the background on the Tax Cap amendment proposal and the Chapter 1 proposal to clarify the role of the Charter Commission. These amendments have been in development for over two years of very hard work by the Charter Commission, its subcommittee, and its attorney., and have been discussed with the City Council in joint meetings during that period. The two amendments were submitted to City Council on July 28, 2011 to be adopted by ordinance, which requires a unanimous vote of the Council following the Commission's recommendation. Since nNeither amendment request received council support®; aAt the Oct. 13, 2011 meeting, Commissioners voted to have the Commission's attorney review the opinions that had been obtained by the Council's legal experts attorney and financial consultant. The review was to take place after 1/1/12 so that funding to pay for the review would be available. Ms. Marty's response had not been obtained until Jan. 12, and was distributed at the meeting. Her position differs significantly from the opinions obtained by the council in that she recommends that the amendments proceed as originally drafted. Commissioner Storberg requested clarification as to whether Ms. Marty disagrees with the opinion rendered by the City attorney Joseph Langel. Commissioner Gunderson asked whether there is a firm or a single attorney representing the City. As Council Member Rafferty was in attendance he clarified that Mr. Langel is under contract with the City. Commissioner Storberg asked Council Member Rafferty why the City changes attorneys when new attorneys may have to start from scratch in gaining knowledge and background about the issues about which they are providing Council. Council Member Rafferty indicated that decisions about engaging outside counsel were made to be mindful of economics. 2