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-2- 1/2c/S3 ` !Fr VI . New Business Charter History & Philosophy The Vice-Chair asked Duane McCarty , a member of the original Charter Commission , to provide the commission with a historical perspective of the Charter. Duane McCarty rioted that the Charter generally follows the Model Charter (from the League of Minnesota Cities) , adopting the "weak mayor-council" form of government . The city 's business is conducted by the 5-member City Council . He explained that the prevailing public attitude was that it was very difficult to get the council to respond to public demands between elections . Specifically , there was much concern over proposed storm sewer projects. The commission wanted citizens to have continuing involvement in the city 's government . Several charter provisions reflect these views--the method of filling council vacancies ; provision for initiative , referendum and recall ; and those on public improvements and special assessments. Further , public notice was required when feasible . Duane McCarty rioted that the adoption of Chapter 8 on public improvements and special assessments required adoption of coordinating city ordinances (City Ordinances, Chapter 25) . Citizens involved in drafting and getting the Charter passed shared a philosophy that citizens should have a strong role in local government . VII . Review of Charter The commission discussed the philosophy of the Charter . A consensus developed that the commission would review and update the Charter , maintaining the philosophy of the original document . There was no disagreement on this point. In order to proceed efficiently , the Vice-Chair asked the Secretary to contact the Chair and have him send a letter t❑ each member asking them to make a real effort to attend all meetings , being prepared for the scheduled discussions. The commission proceeded to review the beginning chapters of the Charter , looking for agreement on the concept or goal described in a section . The consensus was to set aside for later discussion any section in which agreement could not be reached in a short amount of time . Chapter 1 : Sec. 1 .01 - Agreement (Move 2nd sent . to §8.03 , Clerk- Admin'r Resp. ) Sec. 1 .02 - Agreement (Note : watch for relationships of political subd . s , esp ' ly w/ county , for approp. inclusion. )