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Charter Commission April 28, 2016 Page 2 46 A. Potential Attorney for Charter Commission 47 Chair Dahl noted that she included correspondence in the package between herself and the 48 League of Minnesota Cities. She distributed one additional letter that was not included in the 49 packet. She stated that she would not be able to sign the potential contract, as there would be 50 restrictions placed on the Charter. 51 52 Vice Chair Devaney stated that when he reads the original contract he is not sure where the 53 Charter would be vulnerable. 54 55 Commissioner Turcotte stated that a specific condition of the contract would allow the City to 56 shut down the work the League is doing for the Commission. 57 58 Commissioner Bretoi stated that it was made clear that the League works for the City and 59 therefore that relationship would come first. 60 61 Commissioner Johnson arrived. 62 63 Commissioner Lyden stated that the Charter is meant to be included in a system of checks and 64 balances and therefore does not want to mix the lines between the City Council and Charter 65 Commission. 66 67 Commissioner Stranik stated that he did not join the Commission to protect the Charter but 68 rather to update the Charter to adapt to the changes that have occurred since its creation in 1982. 69 He noted that there are weaknesses in the Charter that need to be updated. 70 71 Commissioner Bretoi stated that historically there have been several attempts by the Charter 72 Commission to update the Charter but the City Council has continued to deny the potential 73 amendments and funding for legal services in order for the Commission to pursue amendments. 74 75 Commissioner Lyden agreed that the Commission should be forward thinking and attempt to best 76 serve the residents of the community. He believed that the Commission has attempted to work 77 with the other bodies in power and hoped that the bodies would be able to work together in the 78 future. 79 80 Chair Dahl stated that the Commission still has an issue attempting to send this ward amendment 81 issue to ballot. She noted that she reached out to a potential attorney. 82 83 Commissioner Bretoi stated that he reached out to Erick Kaardal, a potential attorney that could 84 possibly assist in drafting the necessary legal language needed for a potential ward amendment. 85 He noted that Mr. Kaardal was willing to attend the meeting tonight pro bono but noted that there 86 would be a charge if there is additional work needed. 87 88 Erick Kaardal stated that he is pleased to help the Charter Commission in any way that he can. 89 He provided background information on his legal and career experience. He acknowledged that 90 it would be difficult for the Commission to interpret the legalese returned by the Council and 2