01-08-2009 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Amendments On July 11, the Council submitted an amendment to the Commission to change Chapter VIII of the Charter, as proposed by the Citizen's Task Force. This amendment seeks to remove the provision for an automatic referendum for road reconstruction projects paid for by assessments and limits the rights of citizens to shape such projects. The Commission seriously reviewed the Citizen's Task Force amendment, utilizing the initial 60 -day and additional 90 -day review periods to secure legal counsel with charter experience to write a substitute amendment. The Commission's substitute amendment also eliminates the automatic referendum provision on road reconstruction projects and still includes provisions, including an option to petition for referendum, to protect citizen's rights with such projects. The Commission presented its amendment to the Council. on December 3, 2007, requesting that it be placed on the ballot in 2008. Charter Expenditures The Commission continues to closely monitor the expenses incurred by itself and the City. Following the decision to hire outside legal counsel for amendment review, the Commission requested and received an increase of $5,250 in funding for 2007 to cover legal expenses. The Commission also requested and received a budget increase of $5,000 for 2008 to cover any ongoing legal expenses associated with the proposed amendments. Five Year Financial Plan Under the Charter, the Five Year Plan requires annual updating. In 2007, the Commission received its first update to the plan since 1996. The plan has been updated for 2008 and upcoming public hearings have been scheduled for its review and implementation. Respectfully Submitted, Cori M. Duffy Chair, Lino Lakes Charter Commission