01-17-2008 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission January 11, 2007 Page 9 DRAFT Mr. Thomas indicated that Northfield Charter Commission recommended joint meetings with Council. Ms. Thomas added that they should visit staff at City Hall during working hours, and invite them to a meeting. Ms. Thomas stated that usually the Council, not the mayor was the communicator with the Commission. B. Outcome of City Staff and City Council actions with Charter Amendment - continued Chair Warren reopened up the discussion. Commissioner Duffy expressed concern that staff was making it difficult to communicate with the Commission. She noted that the City Attorney had addressed the Commission. It was her main concern. Commissioner Trehus stated the Commission might want to make a statement that they had requested information and were denied. He indicated he would welcome a joint training for the Commission and Council. Commissioner Duffy noted that nothing changed until the attorney changed. Motion carried on 8 -ayes, 4 -nays (Aldentaler, Dahl, Duffy, and Trehus) vote. Commissioner Bor stated she wanted to work with what the Commission had. She believed an offer should be made with a statement open to dialogue and training. Chair Warren stated that Council did not see the Charter as an advantage to them. With the negative dialogue after each meeting, there needed to be another means to address the issues if Council wanted to repeal the Charter. Commissioner Vacha indicated he believed that the issue was team building. He gave the example where a Commissioner went to staff up to two times per week before they came to a meeting. C. Annual Report - Paulette Warren, Chair Chair Warren stated a recap of the minutes was unnecessary because the Commission could change it. Commissioner Trehus stated that "accessible" was misspelled. Commissioner Duffy inquired about the reason for sending it to Washington County. Commissioner Trehus responded it was the newly drawn judicial district. In addition, the date needed verification.