10-14-2004 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission October 14, 2004 Page 4 APPROVED expressed a concern that there was no timeframe set up and this might not be decided until the next election in two years. Chair Trehus asked Commissioner Dahl if the Council had any feedback to the Commission's letter. Commissioner Dahl stated the letter was received by the Council and there was a little discussion on it, but there was no response. Commissioner Duffy stated she got the overall sense that Mr. Heitke's memorandum was being polite, but thought of the Charter Commission as a hindrance. Commissioner Bor stated she had spoken with Mr. Heitke about the Pavement Management Plan and a communication plan, and he indicated that the actual participation in a process was limited to a very few people and it was difficult to get residents to come to public hearings. She stated she had told him not to "mess with the Charter". She stated those kinds of interactions were good for communication and she would like to see the Commission continue to communicate with staff and Council, so the residents could make an informed decision on any referendum. She stated she wanted more details given to the residents. Chair Trehus stated he did not believe the City was locked into a referendum for an overlay. Commissioner Bor noted she did not know if an overlay would be sufficient. She indicated she wanted to see the plan to assist her in understanding how the budget worked. Communication to the Residents—Chair Trehus stated he had requested further information on communication to the residents from City Administrator Gordon Heitke who indicated in a memorandum to the Commission that staff will be recommending that upon City Council determining that the proposed program is in a form suitable for public review,that various means of informing the public be considered and carried out. Mr. Heitke's memorandum indicated the obvious means of communication includes a detailed presentation at a televised regular Council meeting, articles in the City newsletter, special informational meeting(s),public hearing(s), information posted on the City's web site, detailed articles in the local newspapers, special mailings, etc. Mr. Heitke's memorandum noted staff would be discussing the various means of informing the public on both the proposed Pavement Management Plan and proposed 2005 general fund budget and levy with the City Council. At that time the Council will direct staff as to how to proceed with a public information effort. The Charter Commissioner's memo of July 8, 2004 has been provided to the City Council and will be provided again, along with any additional comments during this discussion. Chair Trehus stated he was disappointed nothing had been done regarding communication to the residents. 4