06/23/1997 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 23, 1997 Ms. Anderson reviewed options available to the City Council and recommended they adopt Resolution No. 97 - 79, declaring that the original petition calling for a referendum is not "sufficient". After that motion is adopted, she recommended the City Council adopt a motion declaring that the receipt of the additional petition does make the petition "sufficient" and place the matter on the November 4, 1997 election ballot pending verification by the City Attorney. Mr. Hawkins stated he disagrees with Ms. Anderson on several points since he believes there is only one petition and residents are provided with the opportunity to amend the petition, as they did by obtaining additional signatures prior to presentation to the City Council. He recommended the Council adopt a motion declaring that the receipt of the amended petition does make the petition "sufficient" and place the matter on the November 4, 1997 election ballot. Mr. Hawkins advised there is no provision in the Charter to allow a counter petition to remove from the issue from the ballot so it will have to be placed on the ballot for a vote by residents of the community. Council Member Kuether moved to declare that the receipt of the amended petition is "sufficient" and place the matter on the November 4,1 997 election ballot. Council Member Lyden seconded the motion. Council Member Neal raised the option of repealing the ordinance at this point. He inquired what the wording will be when placed on the ballot. Mr. Hawkins stated legal counsel will draft recommended language and it will be up to the public to educate themselves on each side of the issue -- they cannot be educated on the ballot. Council Member Bergeson stated it is not often that the Charter gets used and he believes this is one of the few opportunities the City has had to test that provision of the Charter. Motion carried unanimously. CONSIDER DIRECTING SOLID WASTE COORDINATOR REGARDING ORGANIZED COLLECTION, RANDY SCHUMACHER This item was deleted from the agenda upon adoption of the agenda this evening. CONSIDER ORGANIZATIONAL RESTRUCTURING TO PROVIDE FOR AN ENVIRONMENT -FORESTRY POSITION, RANDY SCHUMACHER Mr. Schumacher explained the results of the recently conducted community survey, as well as a strong recommendation that carne out of the 20/20 Vision program has made it clear how important our unique environment is to our residents. The City Council is also making final arrangements for the establishment of an Environmental Advisory Commission. He explained that to be effective in this area. the City needs to dedicate a staff person to work full time in the area of the environment and forestry. Marty Asleson currently works in the area of forestry, and has a degree in forestry with a concentration in urban forestry. In addition, he holds certificates from the MN Department of Agriculture, is a licensed tree inspector and is a member several arboriculture societies. ,All-. Schumacher advised staff has developed a job description that waH modeled after 20/20 recommendations. In 1995-96 Marty began work on natural 16