01-03-1979 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MV Charter Commission - Minutes - (continued) (2) VI. NEW BUSINESS - continued 6. Mr. Peskar was introduced to the Commission members and other guests at the meeting by Chairman, Bill Doty. The following guests were also recognized and introduced: Charlotte Forslund - City Councilmember Donald Hodges - City Councilmember Gordon Ziebarth - City Councilmember Judy Rowley - City Councilmember Isabelle Wille - representative of the MV League of Women Voters 7. A few salient points made by Mr. Peskar were: a) One big advantage of Charter Government is that whenever local changes are desired or needed, action can be done immediately instead of waiting for the slow process of legislative action. b) A City Charter can be formed to fit the needs of its own distinctive character. c) The language of the City Charter should be in simple terms - not too cumbersome so as to hinder the progress of the city. Ordinances can be" made to fill in necessary detail. d) Tax and debt limits can be included in a City Charter. e) The cost of government under a City Charter need not be any greater than under statutory form. f) Initiative, Referendum and Recall are common reasons for adopting a City Charter. g) The majority of the Home Rule Charter cities in Minnesota have the Mayor-Council form. h) A Commission form is suitable in a small town which lacks professional staff. i) A Ward system is not advisable for a small city, unless there are natural divisions that need to be accommodated. j) The Charter Commission is a permanent body. Once a Charter has been set up for a City, the Commissions function is to continue to study the local charter and government, and make changes where and when necessary. However, a Home Rule Charter can be abandoned. This is accomplished in the same manner as used in forming a Charter form of government. 411