04-08-2004 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission April 8, 2004 Page 4 APPROVED Five-Year Plan is and will continue to be a work in progress. Staff will keep the Charter Commission updated on the status of the Five-Year Plan. Update on Charter Discussion (from October meeting)—Michael Grochala—Community Development Director Grochala reviewed the background of the three Charter exempt areas within the City in relation to tax exempt bonds. Staff did discuss the possibility of changing that clause with the Charter Commission at a previous meeting. Staff has not pursued that because the Charter Commission did not show any interest in changing that clause. Community Development Director Grochala advised two of the three districts no longer have residential properties so it is no longer an issue. The third area has 14 residential properties and approximately 5 of them are on the market. Staff may come back to the Charter Commission with a recommendation on that district because the clause will make it more expensive for the City to develop in that district. City Policy on Residents' Charter Concerns and Informational Needs—Contacts with Staff - Chair Trehus asked how staff handles residents' concerns or questions in regard to the City Charter. City Administrator Heitke stated he does not believe the City has a set policy regarding this issue. He indicated he does have a copy of the City Charter in his office and does make that available to residents. He stated he would forward a specific Charter questions to the Charter Commission Chair. Councilmember/Commissioner Dahl stated information on the Charter used to be included in welcome packets. She stated will now direct any questions about the Charter to the City Administrator. Contacts with the Charter Commission—Chair Trehus stated the Commission has not had any citizens come to the Charter Commission with a question about the City Charter. Contacts with the Mayor and/or Council -Handling of the Stern Letter—Chair Trehus inquired how the letter from Mr. and Mrs. Stern was handled by the City Council. Mayor Bergeson stated he does not believe the City has responded to the letter and he is unsure on how to respond. He stated it is a letter of complaint and should be acknowledged but does not think it is a good idea to get into a discussion about a difference of opinions. He suggested sending an acknowledgment and indicating the letter would be forwarded to the appropriate City Board or Department. Commissioner Bor stated every resident deserves a timely response. The response should thank them for their concern and indicate the issue will be looked at. Chair Trehus stated the Council has to respond to the letter somehow. 4