01-11-2007 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission January 11, 2007 Page 5 Not approved by Charter Commission (1-17-2008) Commissioner Storberg inquired if they received funding from Council. Mr. Thomas responded that Council could add to it, but the only money they spent was for the packet. Commissioner Storberg questioned if their Council allowed access to the City Attorney. Mr. Thomas stated they allowed access to the City Attorney one or two times per year. In the joint meetings, the City Attorney was present on behalf of the Council. Chair Warren inquired if Council made recommendations to the Charter. Mr. Thomas responded that they did make recommendations to the Charter; however, only a few requests required their input. Their Charter Commission also did research and discussion. Commissioner Trehus asked for clarification concerning the budget in dealing with Council conflicts. Mr. Thomas stated they were working to restrict taxation, which was ignored. Fridley had worked on their Charter so that taxes would not be increased by more than 5% per year. Commissioner Trehus questioned if they had worked with Council. Mr. Thomas explained that there were four meetings with Council, presenting drafts and discussing them. He indicated that staff was helpful. Commissioner Trehus inquired about the reason Council would want limitations. Mr. Thomas stated the Charter could limit the less conservative Council members. Commissioner Trehus asked if the issue was written in the paper, or on cable. Mr. Thomas responded they had used both and the press called him several times a week at certain times. Commissioner Trehus questioned who had decided on the mechanics of the process. Mr. Thomas answered that he did the research on the balloting process. Ms. Thomas added that the clerk issue was different from the amendment side. Mr. Thomas explained that the clerk supplied information on timing and sent copies of documents to people. The entire Commission was involved. He distributed copies of the document. Once completed, they were converted to City Council resolutions. The form needed to be drafted by a legal firm to be voted on. He had requested to see the draft in the process and commented on it before the vote, because it needed clarification. He indicated that now they were in good standing because there was a continual interface. The agendas for joint meetings were created to foster common ground. When an amendment was put on the ballot the City requested it to be complete between the budgeting year, so "Effective on," was beginning the new budget year. Chair Warren noted that it appeared that they had significant access to the League of Minnesota Cities. However when the Charter Commission approaches them, they seem