09-08-2009 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

SPECIALCOUNCIL MEETING September 8, 2009 APPROVED 42 Paul Tralle, 945 Evergreen Trail, supports the amendment adding that he would like to see all 43 the city's government groups, including the charter commission, be added to the requirement 44 (to be televised). 45 Pat Smith, 6922 West Shadow Lake Drive, stated that he is a former charter commission chair 46 person and he agrees with the concept of televising the charter commission meetings so the 47 public can view their activities as well. 48 There being no one else wishing to speak, Council Member O'Donnell moved to close the 49 public hearing. Council Member Reinert seconded the motion. Motion was adopted. 50 Council Member Reinert moved to approve first reading of the charter amendment ordinance. 51 The motion was seconded. 52 The council asked for more information on the attorney's work to clarify the amendment 53 language. 54 City Attorney Langel explained that he identified some language in the amendment (as 55 proposed by the commission)to be unnecessary or inaccurate. For example the amendment 56 identifies all "open" council meetings but all council meetings are open so there is no need for 57 that word. Additionally council work sessions are identified but council work sessions are 58 regular council meetings so they would be covered without being specifically identified. Also 59 the open mike portion wouldn't be included unless it is a part of the meeting. He prepared 60 language that he feels is clearer but it was rejected by the commission. 61 Commissioner Sutherland explained that the city code calls for the open mike portion to be a 62 part of the meeting and the commission feels it is important to identify that portion in 63 particular. The commission feels the language is clear and appropriate in that the charter itself 64 is written in"working man's language". They would like a guarantee, through the charter, 65 that the open mike portion will remain televised. In addition she explained that the 66 commission has discussed televising their meetings but she cannot speak on behalf of the 67 commission in approving any changes. 68 The city attorney stated that he is unaware as to whether or not open mike is included in the 69 city code as part of the regular meeting. If in fact it is, it would be unnecessary to include that 70 designation. The amendment could simply read"all council meetings will be televised". 71 Council members commented. There is concern that the council should not lose the ability to 72 have a less formal forum in which citizens can come forward; the formality of the council 73 chambers (where meetings can be televised) is less appropriate for some discussions. There is 74 obviously interest in seeing charter commission meetings televised also for transparency. 75 When asked about a process for making a change to the language, City Attorney Langel 76 explained that the amendment cannot be changed by the council, only by the commission. 77 The amendment is proposed to the section of the charter that deals with council process so it 78 isn't inappropriate to include it there and as well if the charter commission were to be added, 79 that language is appropriate to the charter document. If however the desire is to add advisory 80 groups appointed by the council (Planning &Zoning, Environmental, etc.)that would be 81 appropriate in the city code. 2