06-14-2007 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 1, 2007 MeetinE Summary Citizens' Task Force & Charter Commission In Attendance: Charter Commission: Cori Duffy -Chair, Don Aldentaler, Rosemary Williams, Richard Williams, Rosemary Storberg, Robert Bening, Caroline Dahl, Mike Trehus, Melissa S. Maher, Irvin Zastrow, Barbara Bor Citizens' Task Force- Kathi Gallup -Chair, Jon Latcham, Cheryl Sanchez, Laura Carlson, Jamie Stern, Judi Brunner, Peter T. Brown The meeting began with introductions and a brief background on the task force. It is made up of members of the visioning committee, randomly selected from the community. It was appointed by the City Council following completion of the 2030 Vision Plan. 2030 recommended that a citizens' group review the City Charter after it was identified as a concern in a community -wide survey and in public forums associated with the visioning process. The task force is studying the charter's impact on the Council's ability to manage streets. So far, information has been received on the city's Pavement Management Report, charter cities, the process for assessing the costs of public improvements under state statutes and under the Lino Lakes Charter and financing recommendations for road maintenance and reconstruction. The meeting with the Charter Commission was a continuation of the information -gathering process. The Charter Commission responded to questions concerning the history of the charter and past referendums. Commissioners explained that the Charter was adopted in the 1980's to improve citizen representation at a time when there was a lack of confidence in city leaders. It was intended to prevent leapfrogging (haphazard development) and assessments for improvements that property owners might not want or benefit from. Commissioners said they believe such issues remain today. They do not feel the Charter prevents or stops development (i.e. arrival of Target, Kohl's). It only makes sure that development is controlled and wanted by the community. Commissioners said Section 8 of the Charter ensures that citizens always have a voice; that they can both stop and initiate a project. Commissioners were asked if they agree with opinions voiced through the Quality of Life survey and visioning process that the charter does not allow the city council to reconstruct streets when they need to be reconstructed. Commissioners responded by noting that 53% of survey respondents rated city streets as excellent or good. The percentage that thought roads were in fair condition was low. The commission doesn't feel citizens make selfish decisions regarding voting on improvements but admit the system relies on the best qualities of human nature. Under the charter, the city must hold a city-wide referendum to do street reconstruction if any public money is used. Since its adoption, three referendums have been held under the Charter. Two were road projects. One passed (East Shadow Lake Drive), one failed (West Shadow Lake Drive). Another (Shenendoah) did not get out of the petition process so was never on the ballot. A 1995 effort to amend the Charter by replacing Section 8 with Minnesota Statute 429 -6-