10-09-1997 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission October 9, 1997 Page 4 Commissioner Dunn stated that the Charter was followed explicitly in so far as the process used. Commissioner Rehbein asked if the intention of the test of the Charter is not more of a blanket concept. Chair Montain responded that the purpose is to test the Charter as written; however, this Question is directed at the first phase only, not intended to be a blanket decision. Commissioner Sullivan suggested that the voters be apprised of the streets involved. Mr. Ahrens explained that East Shadow Lake Drive, Black Duck Drive, Mallard Lane, Black Duck Circle, Partridge Place, Lantern Circle, and Lantern Lane are the specific streets proposed for improvement. Chair Montain pointed that these streets are generally located at the southeast corner of Reshanau Lake. Mr. Ahrens expressed concern about the Commission's apparent dissatisfaction with the way the election Question is worded, and asked if it intended to pursue a remedy. Commissioner Trehus asked if there might be time to place an article in the next newsletter to clarify the Question. Commissioner Turner asked why reference to "improvements" couldn't be changed to "repairs" or"reconstruction", as "improvements" suggests inclusion of utilities. Chair Montain reiterated the intent of this ballot issue as a test of the Charter as written. If the issue fails, a close look must be taken at why the issue failed--whether it was due to anticipated cost, or due to the workings of the Charter. Commissioner Trehus stated that failure of this issue is no test of whether or not the Charter works. Commissioner Dunn suggested that if the issue fails, it is because the pertinent section of the Charter does not work. Commissioner Lane asked if there is any plan to educate the voters on the streets involved as they come to vote. Mr. Ahrens indicated that there is not. Commissioner Trehus asked if a flyer could be prepared for distribution. Chair Montain pointed that no campaigning activity could take place at the polling location. Commissioner Lane put this question to Mr. Ahrens, who agreed that there could be legal ramifications to any prepared information being distributed at the voting locations. He added that he doesn't feel it would be appropriate to place educational articles in local publications, as the proper process has been followed. Commissioner Dunn pointed out that a document went out to residents describing the project, and the City published a map of the area for the public hearing as well as the proposed costs.