Misc Correspondence - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

To: Charter Commission From: Jeff Nelson, City Administrator Subject: First three chapters of proposed Mounds View Charter Date: August 1 , 1979 I have read the first three chapters of the proposed charter. I must admit that I initially found several issues which caused me great concern. I, therefore, requested and received information from the League of Cities on Charters and Charter Commissions. It is that light which I will comment on the proposed Charter. First, I would like to state that I am not sure what the purpose of the Charter is? From my discussion with the chairman and vice-chairman of the commission, I was left with the impression that it was to prevent the staff from dominating the Council . I am not sure that this is possible through a Charter. Rather this is a matter of Council vigilance. Because of the complexity of our society and the ever changing laws, no part-time Council will be able to fully keep abreast of all the issues. I realize that the Charter Commission is not attempting to adopt a strong major form of government, but this document will not reduce the Council dependence on professional staff either. Furthermore, I gleaned from my discussion with Mr. Doty and Mr. Loeding that, in their opinion, the previous administrator ran the Council . If that was the case, then that preception was a Council problem of communications. Again, no Charter will prevent that from reoccurring. The only final comment, however, is that it is difficult to evaluate this Charter in the absence of the goals set for the Charter. Evaluation of the Charter: Section 1 .01 - I believe better wording maybe: Name and Boundaries. Upon the taking effect of this charter, the City of Mounds View in the County of Ramsey and State of Minnesota shall become a city under the name of the City of Mounds View, and shall continue to be a municipal corporation with boundaries the same as they now are established or as they may hereafter be established. Although the, additional verbiage is suggested in the model charter of 1977, I believe this is unnecessary because the public information laws already provide for this. Section 1 .02 - Is the same as model Section 1 .03 - Same as model