02-19-1998 Charter Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission February 19, 1998 Page 5 Chair Montain expressed concern that such a cooperative effort might not meet the criteria of the Charter mandate. Mayor Sullivan suggested that Ms. Vaske's recommendation would not be in conflict with the Charter. Commissioner Dunn suggested that if a cooperative effort such as the one suggested by Ms. Vaske turns out to be more efficient and desirable but does not coincide with the Charter, perhaps the Charter should be amended. Chair Montain reminded Commissioner Dunn that recently the Charter was proven to work. Council Member Lyden stated that the five-year CIP is not an option, and that Council will comply. COMMUNICATION Establish a Better Line of Communication Between Charter Commission and City Council; i.e., Annual Meetings, Quarterly Letter, or workshop Attendance - Chair Montain explained that in 1997 there was a joint meeting between the Charter Commission and City Council. He also stated that Council Member Bergeson expressed his feeling that there was a lack of trust between the two groups. Chair Montain explained that trust can be enhanced through a good line of communication, indicating that the Commission would like to establish this possibly through a regularly-scheduled joint annual meeting, a quarterly newsletter, sharing of minutes, or joint work sessions. Council Member Lyden suggested work sessions. Mayor Sullivan agreed, adding the importance of coming to a work session with specific items for discussion. She added that Council would like to hear from the Commission at least annually, specifically with regard to the City's compliance with the Charter. Council Member Lyden stated that the five-year CIP and road reconstruction issues indicate a need to meet more frequently. Commissioner Turner suggested that it would be helpful for a Commission member to attend a Council work session prior to each quarterly Commission meeting, other than Caroline Dahl. Chair Montain added that according to the Charter a liaison cannot vote; therefore, Ms. Dahl could not participate in official action as a representative of the Commission. Commissioner Turner suggested that the Commission representative would not have to be the same person each time, and that perhaps an appropriate agenda item could be added. Mayor Sullivan explained that there is a process by which to be added to a Council work session agenda. Chair Montain concluded that there might continue to be annual joint meetings, and it was agreed that April would be a good time in order to incorporate budget and road reconstruction issues. 5