04-13-2006 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

Charter Commission APPROVED April 13, 2006 Page 7 264 is needed. She noted there are other issues coming before the Commission and this item needs to 265 be addressed in an unbiased manner. 266 267 Motion failed with Commissioner Bening voting yes. 268 269 MOTION by Commissioner Trehus to notify the City Council of a need for an extension of an 270 additional 45-60 days,which will still allow time for the amendment to be placed on the ballot. 271 272 Commissioner Richard Williams asked if it cost a lot to place it on the ballot. Commissioner 273 Trehus stated there is already an election this year so it would not cost a lot. 274 275 Commissioner Trehus speculated on how residents will view this Charter amendment and stated 276 he thinks it is an embarrassment and should not be on the ballot. He stated he thinks this can be 277 considered by the Charter Commission and Council. 278 279 Commissioner Handrick stated her agreement that it would not reflect positively on either. 280 281 Commissioner Bor stated clarity from the lawyer is needed so the Charter Commission knows 282 what is possible. She stated she supports the motion for an extension. 283 284 Discussion ensued regarding the need for a legal opinion on whether it can be considered without 285 sending it to the voters and whether a Councilmember can be a non-paid non-voting liaison. 286 287 Commissioner Duffy seconded the motion. 288 289 Commissioner Montain noted a resident survey had been conducted to ask the people but now 290 discussion is occurring that this amendment should not be on the ballot. He speculated that the 291 500 plus residents who signed the petition and the Council expect it to be on the ballot. He asked 292 if a subcommittee should be formed to get additional information and then present a 293 recommendation and options at the July meeting. 294 295 Commissioner Trehus stated it is not his intention to show a lack of respect for the voting public 296 but believed the 500 signatures were obtained under the guise there was a conflict of interest. 297 298 Commissioner Montain called the question. 299 300 The motion on the floor was read. 301 302 Commissioner Trehus stated a date for the extension is needed. He stated it would be beneficial 303 to have some dialog with the Council before making a recommendation and suggested a joint 304 meeting be scheduled for July. 305 306 Motion carried with Commissioners Bening and Montain voting no. 307 7