Agenda Packets - 2000/04/10 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View City Council March 27, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 22 himself. He requested City Administrator Whiting read the letter, after which the Council could discuss possible action. City Administrator Whiting read as follows: Dear Mayor Coughlin and City Council, We understand that the Economic Development Commission consists of several seats held by city residents and two seats held by local business owners. One seat is held by Julie Olsen. After the recent letters to the editor with the reference to Adolph Hitler we feel that Ms. Olsen should be removed from this seat. Clearly her attitudes do not reflect the business community nor do we want this type of publicity for Mounds View and its businesses. We support your efforts to cable cast the Commission meeting including the Economic Development Commission and the Charter Commission. Because of this, it is extremely important to us that the community does not associate Ms. Olsen’s attitude with the business community. This seat on the Economic Development Commission should be held by a business owner in Mounds View who pays business rate taxes, franchise fees and supports the need for the city to move ahead in a positive productive manner. Sincerely, Carol Frey President New Brighton-Mounds View Area Chamber of Commerce Mayor Coughlin stated he has attached to the letter Section 408.06 Subd. 2, regarding the Code pertaining to the Economic Development Commission, for Council reference. He stated the first portion of this paragraph indicates “Any member of the Commission may be removed from office for just cause and on written charges by at least four-fifths (4/5) of the entire Authority. Such member may be entitled to a public hearing before such a vote is taken.” Mayor Coughlin stated in light of the significant gravity of this matter, and the vote of “no confidence” by the business community, he would request City Attorney Long advise if it would be in order for the Council to set a public hearing to provide that all parties could address this matter. City Attorney Long stated it was the Economic Development Authority that would take the action, and currently they are sitting as the City Council, therefore, the Council could make a recommendation to the Economic Development Authority to hold a public hearing at their next scheduled meeting date. He advised that the Economic Development Authority would hold the public hearing. Mayor Coughlin suggested that with the consent of the Council, they suspend the Council Meeting and open the Economic Development Authority meeting.