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

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Charter Commission - January 8, 1998 Page 9 he added that its wording has been raised as an issue by others, and that it would be appropriate to have the document reviewed by the League of Cities. Commissioner Turner expressed her feeling that the Charter is cumbersome and in need of being made more succinct without changing its meaning. Chair Montain suggested that there is an element of apathy on the part of Lino Lakes citizenry with regard to the Charter. Commissioner Sullivan agreed that the Charter should be made more readable. Commissioners Turner and Dunn related that they had been aware of a number of instances where citizens had become frustrated at the Charter's complexity. Commissioner Trehus suggested that the Charter summary be revisited. Chair Montain pointed out that approaching the League of Cities might reveal that the entire process would be prohibitively expensive. OTHER NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Trehus raised the issue of the creation of a"Lame Duck" law to provide for revocation of action taken by the Council between election and the time new members officially take office. Chair Montain suggested that that ability already exists. Commissioner Corson agreed with Commissioner Trehus' concern, but suggested that the Commission could take no action on this legal issue. Chair Montain asked Commissioner Trehus to create a proposal for further consideration. Commissioner Dunn pointed out that every form of government faces this issue. He suggested that perhaps the term of a Council member could be changed so that newly-elected members would not take office until five days after an election. He added that regardless of the timing for change, there will always be a faction that will find the Council's decisions objectionable. INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM Chair Montain explained that there is no prepared form for use by individuals wishing to place such an item on an election ballot. He stated that this document is extremely cumbersome to create, and that the City Clerk had expressed her hope that a sample format could be developed. Chair Montain suggested that the Commission might assume this task, defining the requirements. 9