10-09-1997 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission October 9, 1997 Page 9 Commissioner Dunn suggested that with some minor revisions the draft article for the winter volume of the Lino Lakes City Newsletter provides the essence of good material for an educational presentation. Commissioner Turner indicated an obligation on the part of the Commission to support the ballot issue. Commissioner Trehus stated that the Commission cannot claim that voting yes on this issue will save the City Charter. Commissioner Dunn reminded the group that the Commission's goal is to assure that the City is positioned to fix the infrastructure, roads being just one element. Commissioner Lane suggested "save the roads" as a slogan. Commissioner Turner stated that the endorsement should be tied to the Charter test. Chair Montain clarified that this ballot issue is a test of the Charter working, but is not a test of the Charter itself. He asked again for a decision as to whether or not the Commission should offer educational information and, if so, what specifically should be presented. With respect to road reconstruction, the majority of the group expressed agreement that educational information should be presented. Commissioner Dunn asked if the Commission will endorse a"yes"vote on this ballot issue. Chair Montain pointed out that the issue will appear on the ballot regardless of what the Commission decides, and that the intent of this poll is to establish ground for development of educational material. All voted yes, except Commissioner Trehus, who felt that endorsement would be advising people how to vote. Commissioner Sullivan called for professional behavior by the Commission, including being recognized before speaking. Commissioner Turner expressed her feeling that it is important for the Commission to endorse and support the City Council in this test of the City Charter. Commissioner Trehus expressed the necessity for the Commission to retain credibility, which could be jeopardized if this measure is not met with voter favor. He added that the Commission as a group should ask Lino Lakes residents to take a strong look at Question No. 2, because under the City Charter the only way to accomplish the much-needed road reconstruction in our community is through voter approval of this measure on the ballot. MOTION by Commissioner Trehus, seconded by Bernier, that the Commission feels strongly that many of the City's roads need repair. Under the current Charter the only way to repair roads is through voter approval, and that the residents take a strong look at the measure on the ballot.