10-09-1997 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission October 9, 1997 Page 7 Commissioner Bening expressed concern that if the issue passes it can be interpreted incorrectly. Chair Montain indicated that the duty of the Commission would be to monitor future projects that would fall under this process. Commissioner Dunn pointed out that any future projects would have to follow the same process as this one has thus far; and that the petition process can stop any projects not acceptable to the public. Commissioner Trehus disagreed with Commissioner Dunn's interpretation of the Charter. Additionally, he hypothesized that if the City Council were to initiate another road reconstruction project, in accordance with the process set forth in the Charter, it would be highly unlikely that they would go forward with road reconstruction without offering the matter for public approval. Chair Montain reiterated the Commission's responsibility to monitor future projects. Commissioner Bening stated that all the Commission can do is point out a problem with the process; it cannot provide a solution. Commissioner Dunn stated that the Commission can only recommend what is on the ballot. Kim Sullivan expressed concern that the Charter test will not be a good one; that the paper trail ends between the descriptive paragraph and Question No. 2, according to her sources. Commissioner Rehbein stated that even if the Question itself is vague,the Charter process must still be followed with respect to future projects. Commissioner Trehus agreed that the Charter requires that the petition process be followed. Commissioner Bening pointed out that a petition is only presented by those directly effected by the proposed project,not the entire community. Commissioner Turner asked what the Commission can do to resolve the situation. Commissioner Rehbein expressed his feeling that publicizing the street names would result in more "no" votes. Commissioner Turner asked if there is anything the Commission can do to make the Question more valid. Commissioner Bening suggested that the City Council be asked to take formal action tying the Question to the descriptive paragraph. Commissioner Turner expressed agreement. MOTION by Bening, seconded by Turner,to advise the City Council to clarify by formal action that Question No. 2 encompasses only the East Shadow Lake Drive/Black Duck Drive area, and is not blanket for any other road reconstruction.