01-08-1998 Charter Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission January 8, 1998 Page 5 Chair Montain stated that this problem is not unique to Lino Lakes. He added that the articles in the newsletter and newspaper prior to the election were effective, and that this type of publicity should be continued. Commissioner Rehbine suggested that the Commission plan to place an article in the newsletter and local newspaper on a regular basis, updating residents and including references to the Charter where appropriate. Commissioner Turner expressed concern that there is no vehicle whereby such a process will remain ongoing, suggesting that a policy be developed to ensure continued communication for the future. She also raised the issue of the filing system. Chair Montain suggested establishment of a timeline for publication. He also pointed out that the local cable television channel provides information on upcoming City meetings. Commissioner Turner asked if the Charter Commission's By Laws could be amended to include such a mandate. Commissioner Sullivan responded that the By Laws allow for election of an assistant secretary. Chair Montain suggested that the By Laws could be amended to include a communications officer who would assist in publications and advertisement for the purpose of Commission communication. Commissioner Turner drew the group's attention to the Vision/Mission Statement which she prepared for previous consideration. Commissioner Dunn acknowledged that response was not enthusiastic, but that the Charter Commission would be best served by a vision statement. He added that a vision and/or mission statement could include some of the Commission's most important objectives, and that they could, in turn, be incorporated into the By Laws. He suggested that the Commission discuss this issue at its April meeting to allow for input from newly-appointed members. Chair Montain agreed. Commissioner Turner also requested that the issue of rewording the Charter be revisited, asking if that process should go forward without a vision/mission statement. Commissioner Corson stated that the Charter should be reworded, with or without a vision/mission statement. Commissioner Dunn stated that the City needs an educational process to be offered to its citizens. He added that there remains a lack of knowledge as to what the Charter is, why it exists, etc. Commissioner Turner suggested that a format such as that proposed for the Village Academy might be useful in a citizen education effort. Commissioner Corson suggested that the Commission itself must first be educated before attempting to educate others. Commissioner Dunn agreed, stating that by going through the Charter language in the rewording process the Commission will come to understand it and be in a better position to educate the public. 5