04-09-1998 Charter Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission April 9, 1998 Page 10 MOTION by Commissioner Dunn, seconded by Commissioner Dahl,to close nominations for Communication Secretary. Motion carried unanimously. Upon a voice vote: Commissioner Turner was elected to the position of Communication Secretary with Commissioner Sullivan voting no. OTHER NEW BUSINESS Commissioner DeMotts expressed concern regarding someone being on the Charter Commission and City Council simultaneously. He referred to a handout stating that he had researched other cities and five (5) of the cities did have someone on the two (2) committees, three (3) of them stating only because they needed people. He continued saying that he felt this was an opportunity to get different people involved, although Commissioner Dahl did a fine job. Through his research, he found that most cities felt this was a conflict of interest, in which he agreed. He noted this could be an example of a small city creating a forum. Chair Montain explained that the founders of the Charter were on the City Council and did not feel a conflict. He indicated he was offended by Commissioner DeMotts suggestion. He continued asking where you would draw the line at excluding citizens to committees and said they need more people who want to get involved. Commissioner Bening stated that it could become a power struggle and he would like to see a separation as he had mentioned before. He noted that it was addressed in the State Statute. Chair Montain stated that they would have to change the bylaws. Commissioner DeMotts explained that it was already stated in the bylaws. Chair Montain then said that the State Statute would have to be changed which the Charter Commission cannot do so they should not be discussing this issue. Commissioner DeMotts stated that he had spoken with the Attorney General and the regulation was passed in 1949 by a city with a population of 549 people. Commissioner Bening suggested they come to a consensus to vote as to whether or not they would like the Legislature to change this regulation. Commissioner Trehus encouraged anyone who had a problem with this to lobby for the Legislature to change the statute. MOTION by Commissioner Trehus to dismiss this discussion. MOTION to discuss by Commissioner Sullivan. 10