Minutes - 2000/05/08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council May 8, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 13 Council Member Stigney stated this matter be submitted to the Charter Commission as a • proposed amendment by the Charter Commission, after their review, as the Charter Commission is the body which has worked in this area for quite some time. He stated the comments he has heard are all subjective in terms of whether or not this proposal would be better for the residents, and from what he has heard in the discussions thus far, it is not to the betterment of the residents, therefore, he had some hesitancy in this regard. Council Member Quick stated he agreed with Council Member Stigney in that the population of Mounds View has not changed significantly since 1978 or 1979, however, the demographics have changed drastically. Mayor Coughlin stated every member of the Council was elected by the citizenry, and if this item was to proceed, it would be on the ballot, and the citizens would ultimately decide whether they like the current form of government, or would like to change it. He advised that without disrespect to the Charter Commission, they are an appointed body, not an elected body, and in being so, they may or may not be true representatives of the City. Council Member Quick inquired who appoints the members of the Charter Commission. Mayor Coughlin advised that the District Court Judge who serves over all of Ramsey County appoints the members of the Commission, and the individuals are selected from those who apply. He added that vacancies on the Charter Commission are not necessarily well publicized. • Council Member Quick stated therefore, they were not appointed by an elected body, group, or individual. Mayor Coughlin stated they were appointed by an outside entity, not necessarily representing Mounds View's interest or population. Council Member Stigney advised that those who are appointed have generally applied for the purpose of preserving and protecting the City Charter for residents' rights. He indicated this was his reason for serving on the Commission, and he was certain the members that he serves with also do so for the same reason. He stated that if the Council directs that this should be the new form of City government, the matter should be submitted to the Charter Commission for their review and recommendation, and not under Chapter 410.12, Subd. 5. He stated he takes exception to the form in which it is being presented. Council Member Quick stated that if the Charter Commission serves to protect the citizens' rights, he would inquire if they have had a televised meeting. Mayor Coughlin stated to his knowledge they have not. Council Member Quick inquired if the Charter Commission has met in City Hall since they were requested to do so. Mayor Coughlin stated no. Council Member Quick stated therefore, it appears that they were meeting offsite to evade the televising of their meetings. Mayor Coughlin stated they have motivations of their own, • however, it appears that this conclusion could be drawn.