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Mounds View City Council October 25, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 16 Council Member Stigney stated as a member of the Charter Commission, he took offense to some of the comments made by Mayor Coughlin. He advised the Charter Commission meets only once a month, and at the first meeting after the Council's request, the Charter Commission reviewed the request and drafted a response, which required approval at the next meeting, the following month. He explained this response was just approved at the last meeting of the Charter Commission and forwarded back to the Council. He pointed out these were valid questions asked by the Charter Commission, and a vote was taken in response to the Council's inquiry to make changes to the Charter. Council Member Stigney stated the questions asked are all valid, and the city Attorney has presently responded to them, which was what the Charter Commission was requesting. He stated for the Council to overthrow the Charter Commission's authority to conduct their meetings, during their schedule, which is once a month is wrong. He stated he opposed this motion. Council Member Stigney stated Mayor Coughlin has indicated the Charter Commission has more than doubled the expense of their budget, however, to his knowledge, the Charter Commission has never received a bill for anything, and has not spent anything. He advised that if there is a billing to the Charter Commission, it would have to come from the City, and there is no billing. He advised that before a statement is made that the Charter Commission has overspent, the City should bill them, because as far as they are aware, the Commission has not spent one nickel. Mayor Coughlin stated it has, and it did. Council member Stigney inquired when the City would bill them. Mayor Coughlin stated he would move to request the City Attorney look into who is responsible for this overage. He stated otherwise, the taxpayers of the City will have to pay for these items, and this is an appointed body, not even an elected body, that is spending money. Council Member Stigney stated to his awareness the Charter Commission has spent nothing. He reiterated if there is a billing, the City should submit the billing, and indicate what it is for. He explained they should not just indicate the Commission has overspent their budget by $2,500. He stated this was news to him, and he was a member of the Charter Commission. Mayor Coughlin suggested Council Member Stigney consult with the Charter Commission Chair in this regard. Council Member Stigney stated he has, and they discussed this at their last meeting. He explained as far as anyone on the Charter Commission is aware, they have not spent anything out of their budget. Council Member Quick moved the question, and closed off the debate. Ayes—3 Nays— 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. Mayor Coughlin asked the Council if anyone desired clarification of the motion. There were no requests for clarification.