10-09-1997 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission October 9, 1997 Page 6 Commissioner Turner again expressed frustration with not having been asked for input during the process leading up to finalization of the ballot question. Commissioner Dunn stated that he inquired about the issue as it was being written. He added that the 60-day waiting period was almost coincident with the release of data for the ballot. Technically the 60 days must pass before the referendum could be allowed on the ballot, absent sufficient objection by the affected residents which did not occur. Unfortunately, Commissioner Dunn did not have the opportunity for further input prior to the ballot going to the printer. Commissioner Turner restated her question--would this have been a true test of the Charter if the Question was tied more specifically to the descriptive paragraph. Chair Montain stated that he is more optimistic. As far as testing the Charter, Chair Montain feels that the ballot accomplishes what the Charter requires. Commissioner Turner requested feedback from the balance of the Commission. Commissioner Sullivan stated that there is not time to call a special meeting for review of this issue. The Commission agreed to the Charter test, and that it is regrettable that the Commission did not have input into the content of the ballot. Commissioner Trehus indicated that the Commission should limit present discussion to what it can do to make this Charter test as successful as possible. Commissioner Sullivan presented the document prepared by Kim Sullivan which included results of her research and advice with respect to this issue. He expressed concern that if this is "the big test", it be a good test; and, in his opinion,this is not clear. Commissioner Sullivan called for a motion whether or not the Charter Commission supports the Question on the ballot. Commissioner Trehus stated that the Commission should concentrate on resolving the issue of the ambiguity of Question No. 2; that the question as to whether or not the Charter will require revision or amendment following the election is not one that should be addressed at this time. Commissioner Sullivan suggested that there is a good chance that if Question No. 2 passes the City can "run wild''with public funds. Commissioner Dunn pointed out that it can only spend up to $1.9 million. Commissioner Dunn stated that regardless of how the Question is worded, the City cannot spend more than $1.9 million. Commissioner Trehus stated that the Question suggests that the City is looking at a project for that amount of money and that they are requesting authorization to use public funds for a portion of those costs. There is a specific issue, and a general question.