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

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Charter Commission January 8, 1998 Page 6 It was suggested that the recent election had exposed the public to the Charter. Commissioner Turner asked if the Commission had access to funds for the purpose of soliciting legal advice. Chair Montain explained that one of the main purposes for the Commission's budget is for use in obtaining legal advice. Commissioner Solfest pointed out that a considerable amount of legal advice could be provided free of charge through the League of Cities. Chair Montain pointed out that the 1998 Commission budget is $6,700, having grown from $1,500 as need arises. Commissioner Solfest stated that the Commission has the option to go to Council for large budget requests. Commissioner Sullivan stated that the League of Cities has reviewed the Lino Lakes Charter. They have concluded that it is difficult to read and understand and expressed willingness to assist in its rewriting, especially Chapter No. 8. Commissioner Lane asked how much of the Commission's budget was expended during 1997. Chair Montain indicated that expenditures such as minute-taking, advertisement, and legal consultations totaled approximately $3,000 to $3,500. He added that Staff time in preparing for Commission meetings is billed directly to the Commission's budget. Chair Montain clarified that a formal budget of expenditures is not required on a regular basis. Each expenditure is addressed as it arises, and thus far the Commission has remained within its budgeted funds. Commissioner Solfest explained that the Chair makes the final decisions regarding expenditures. Ms. Rickaby explained that in 1992 rewording the City Charter was Mounds View's principal endeavor. The Commission met with their Council to solicit input, and involved the League of Cities as a resource for problem areas. They were provided a model charter, and the Commission was divided into sections to work on specific parts of the Charter. At the end of that process, which lasted over a year, a proposed revised Charter was presented to the Council. Commissioner Solfest asked how many meetings Mounds View conducted for this purpose, and Ms. Rickaby indicated that over the entire period the group met once a month, with considerable review and many amendments being proposed. MOTION by Commissioner Turner, seconded by Commissioner Dunn, to form a subcommittee to explore By Laws wording to assign an assistant secretary as official communications officer, and that this subcommittee make a recommendation to the Commission at its next regular meeting. Commissioner Trehus expressed concern that if interest in communications fades, the Commission would be required by the By Laws to provide this service. 6