HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC RES 90-028 RESOLUTION REGARDING THE RAMSEY COUNTY CHARTER COMMISSION Meeting Sheet
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103678
Box: 26
Folder: RES 1990
Document: CC RES 90-028 RESOLUTION REGARDING THE RAMSEY
COUNTY CHARTER COMMISSION
• CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
RESOLUTION 90-028
A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE
RAMSEY COUNTY CHARTER COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the Ramsey County Charter Commission was created by the
Legislature and its members appointed by the Judiciary
for the purpose of writing the first county home rule
charter in the State of Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, after extensive research, hearings and drafting, the
Ramsey County Charter Commission has completed this
historic constitutional document for the people of Ramsey
County; and
WHEREAS, representatives of the City of St. Anthony have worked
with the Ramsey County Charter Commission during the past
two years in developing this Charter; and
WHEREAS, this constitutional document seeks to enhance the
visibility, accessibility, flexibility, efficiency, and
responsiveness of county government.
• NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Anthony City Council
urges all St. Anthony citizens living in Ramsey County to
become informed about the proposed Ramsey County Home
Rule Charter; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the St. Anthony City
Council urge Citizens of St. Anthony to go to the polls
and exercise their constitutional right to be a part of
their government process by voting on this issue in the
November 6 , 1990 general election.
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Adopted this 1C1 day of 1990.
Mayor
ATTEST: .cel
City Cle` k
• Reviewed for Administration:
City Manager
RAMSEY COUNTY CHARTER COMMISSION
• 356 COURT HOUSE
15 WEST KFjAx)GG BOULEVARD
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA 55102
298-4111
June 21, 1990
Tom Burt, City Manager
3301 Silver Lake Road
St. Anthony, MN 55418
Dear Mr. Burt,
Thank you for allowing the Ramsey County Charter Commission to
appear before the St. Anthony City Council at their regular
meeting on July 10, 1990 at 7:30 p.m. Enclosed are fifteen
copies of the proposed Charter, fact sheets, and Council
Resolution of support of our educational efforts for
distribution to the Council and staff prior to the meeting.
We will have a short slide presentation (8-10 minutes) and a
Charter Commission member, Bob Beutel, will be present to answer
any questions the Council members may have. We would then ask
that the Council pass a Resolution urging city residents to
• become informed and vote on the Charter question in the November
election. The Charter Commission would welcome a resolution of
support for the Charter, but as a non-partisan Commission whose
role is to educate the public, we cannot advocate for support.
This Resolution would then be sent to the local newspaper to
begin the public educational campaign.
We will also ask for an in-kind contribution to be worked out
with staff. This would take the form of distribution of our
fact sheet through a City newsletter or making information
available to the public at a licensing desk or similar outlet.
The volunteers of the Ramsey County Charter Commission have
spent over two years creating this document for the people of
Ramsey County and appreciate your assistance in bringing this
important issue to them for their consideration on the
November 6, 1990 ballot. Thank you becoming a part of this
historic event.
i
erely,
S. rant
te Coordinator
•
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RAMSEY COUNTY CHARTER COAINUSSION
356 COURT HoU9E
15 WEST KELIA)GG Boui.EVARD
SAINT PAUL, AIINNEBOTA 55102
298-4111 -
This is the first home rule charter ever written for a county in the _
history of Minnesota. Some cities have home rule charters; they serve
as a constitutional blueprint and allow more decisions to be made at the
local level by elected officials. This is the first time the State
Legislature has allowed a county to draft a charter, and the voters will
decide on adopting this county constitution at the November 6, 1990
general election.
What will the Charter change?
1. It will give the people the power to pass ordinances
by Initiative, to vote on existing ordinances by
Referendum, and to Recall irresponsible elected
officials. A valid petition for these actions
requires a specified percentage of the voters to sign
the petition; currently this number in Ramsey County
• would be 23;500;
2. It provides for professional management which will
lead to greater efficiency and effective use of county
resources. Currently, the professional form of
management can be changed by a vote of four county
board members;
3. It gives limited bonding authority with increased
citizen participation through public hearings;
4. It provides for more direct citizen participation in
decisions regarding park land transfers;
5. It requires coordination of county activities with
local units of government but does not change any
powers local governments currently have; and
6. It allows the voters to change and amend the Charter
to reflect changing needs in our society.
The Charter recognizes that many things are working well in the county
and has included these in the charter framework. In addition, some
things will not change.
What will not change?
• 1. County Commissioners will be elected by districts for
staggered terms;
2. The Sheriff and County Attorney will continue to be - -
elected positions;
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3. The powers of cities or other local governments will •
not be affected; and
4. Personnel policies will continue to be governed by
state law.
This historic Charter is the result of two years of research, public
input, and drafting and re-drafting by a group of civic volunteers who
serve on the Ramsey County Charter Commission. The Commission was
created by the state legislature and the members were selected by
district court judges. They represent all areas of the county and have
had considerable experience in service to their communities. This is a
document written for the people of Ramsey County by the people of Ramsey
County.
Adoption of the Charter will be on the November 6, 1990 ballot. If you
would like more information or would like a speaker with a short slide
presentation to explain the Charter to your group, call the Ramsey County
Charter Commission office at 298-4111.
REMEMBER TO VOTE ON THE CHARTER NOVEMBER 6, 1990
•
Raymond W. Faricy, Jr. , Chair
Robert Beutel Milton L. Knoll, Jr.
Secretary Vice Chair
Dana Marie Brandt William J. Langlois
Ann Copeland Lou McKenna
Steve E. Dress Beverly K. McKinnell
Dean Fenner James D. Schmitz
Beverley Oliver Hawkins Emily F. Seesel
Thomas J. Kelley Virginia Sykes
S. Mark Vaught
•