04-14-2005 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission April 14, 2005 Page 4 APPROVED the needs of the City. It is a positive thing that she has heard but she is left with the feeling that there is a severe problem with the Charter Commission. She wanted the City Council to hear the discussion around the communication plan. The Charter Commission wanted a successful outcome. Commissioner Handrick advised she was very disappointed. Tonight was a big night for her family and she chose not to go because of the importance of this meeting. Commissioner Warren advised they were at an impasse on how it ever got to this point. The Commissioners do not have the benefit of what the City Council heard regarding the role of the Charter Commission and how it should interact with the City Council. Before the Commissioners consider a joint meeting they should have that information. The pavement management report is an excellent report. It would help to understand the situation Commissioners are in so they can know how to go forward and what are their roles are here. She was aware they made commitments for only four meetings this year. However, if they want to be on a good footing with the City Council,they need to receive the same training sooner,not later. Commissioner Handrick agreed. She spoke to the representative from the League of Minnesota Cities who has agreed to come to the July 14th meeting. The Commissioners could have gone to the training a few weeks ago and then had this joint meeting. This was completely inappropriate behavior on the part of the City and a waste of everyone's time. She indicated she could call and set up an earlier date for the training. Chair Trehus advised he felt there was a presumption that this Charter Commission did not understand its scope. Its scope is to amend and frame the Charter. The Charter infers the powers to the City. It is incumbent on the Charter Commission to be aware of issues that go in the City that could potentially be affected adversely or improved,by the Charter or an amendment to it. Each member has this responsibility. The scope is widespread. There is some concern about the Commissioner's training and their understanding about what they are here to do. The meeting could have a dual purpose. The Commission could have the training and then conduct a joint meeting following or just continue the joint meeting until July 14, 2005. Commissioner Handrick advised she was concerned about waiting for the meeting on July 14tn since they had intended to place it on the Fall referendum. It would be a good idea to have the League of Minnesota Cities speak on the role of Charter Commissions if there is information the Commissioners do not have. She noted anyone was capable of reading the League of Minnesota Cities' booklets on line. Council Member Dahl advised she received one of the booklets during the training. Commissioner Handrick asked what information Council Member Dahl learned at the training that the Charter Commissioners might not be aware of. 4