HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 18, 2006 Work Session
5<)0 40th Avenue N.E., Columhia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 TDD (763) 706-3692
Visil Our Wehsile al: www.ci.columhia-heighls.mn.us
Mavor
Gary L PelerSOI1
Councilmembers
Roberl A. Williams
Bruce Nawrocki
7izmmera Ericson Diehm
Bruce Kelzenberg
City Manaqer
1+'0/1 Fehsl
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
ADMINISTRA nON
NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
************
to be held in the
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
as follows:
Meeting of:
Date of Meeting:
Time of Meeting:
Location of Meeting:
Purpose of Meeting:
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
THURSDAY, MAY 18,2006
7:00 A.M.
CONFERENCE ROOM 1
WORK SESSION
AGENDA
1. Proposal of Ordinance adopt Wards, two additional Councilmembers, and transition
schedule.
2. Improvements to Prestemon Park lighting
3. Consultant to acquire property for a new liquor store -discussion
4. Discussion to establish a Goal Session with District #13 School Board
5. Discussion of Paperless Council packets
6. 2006 Street Rehab Program - brief discussion of bids
The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or
employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with
disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handcapped
persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council SecrEtary at
706-36 J I, to make arrangements. (TDDI706-3692 for deaf or hearing impaired only)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABiLiTY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISIO~' OF SERVICES
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of:
May 22,2006
AGENDA SECTION:
NO:
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:
ADMINISTRATION
CITY MANAGER'S
APPROVAL
ITEM:
FIRST READING OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE
CITY CHARTER, CHAPTER 2, SECTIONS 6, 7,
8, & 9 PERTAINING TO FORM OF GOVERNMENT
BY: CHARTER COMMISSION
DATE:
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NO:
Throughout 2005, the Charter Commission has again studied the issue of dividing the c into
wards/distrjcts. Tn addition, they have discussed adding two councilmembers at large. An in-
depth study was done comparing cities of like size via information received from the League of
Minnesota Cities.
After considerable discussion throughout 2005, the Charter Commission has passed,
separate readings, proposed revisions to the City Charter to accomplish this. These
changes were presented to the City Council at a work session on April 3, 2006.
on two
charter
The City Council has the option of approving the proposed changes unanimously. If the City
Council does not pass them unanimous ,they can send it back to the Charter Commission. The
Charter Commission then has 60 days in which to respond to any council action/suggested
revisions, per Minnesota Statutes 410.12. The Charter Commission will then determine if
wish to pursue the changes or not, or to put this issue on the ballot at the next regular
election.
At the work session of April 3, 2006, the Charter Commission and the City Council met to
discuss the proposed changes mentioned above. At that meeting, the City Council suggested
that a transition/implementation schedule should be incorporated into the proposed ordinance
to reflect all the changes proposed as well as how and when they would take place. Therefore,
the Charter Commission met on April 20 and April 26, 2006, to discuss this suggestion and
approve wording regarding a transition/implementation schedule. The Charter Commission
concluded a transition/implementation schedule should be included, and they have held their
two readings on the revised wording which is included on the attached ordinance.
Attached is:
-Ordinance NO. 1509. amending Chapter 2, Sections 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the City Charter
pertaining to "Form of Government" which also includes wording on a
transition/implementation schedule
-Informational paper from the League of Minnesota Cities presenting a summary of
disadvantages and advantages of ward systems
-Other ideas to consider
-Listing of eleven cities that have populations similar to Columbia Heights and have ward
systems
-Minutes of the special meeting of the Charter Commission of April 26, 2006 (not yet
approved), the regular meeting of April 20, 2006 (not yet approved), and the special
meeting of February 16, 2006
-Maps showing population by quadrant using 44th Avenue and Central Avenue for dividing lines
and 43rd Avenue and Central Avenue for dividing lines for possible ward districts
-Minutes from the regular meeting of the Charter Commission of January 19,2006
-Excerpts from the regular meeting of the Charter Commission of October 20, 2005, July 21,
2005, April 21, 2005, and January 20, 2005
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1509, an ordinance pertaining
to 2, Sections 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the City Charter, "Form of Government".
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to schedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 1509 at approximately
7 p.m. on / May 8,2006, in the City Hall Council Charnbers.
C ALTIUN
ORDINANCE NO. 1509
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
CHAPTER 2, SECTIONS 6, 7, 8, AND 9
OF THE CITY CHARTER
OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
PERTAINING TO "FORM OF GOVERNMENT"
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Chapter 2, Sections 6,7,8, and 9, of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights which currently reads
as follows, to wit:
Section 6. FORM OF GOVERNMENT. The form of government established by this charter shall be
known as the "Council-Manager Plan."
Section 7. ELECTIVE OFFICES. The council shall be composed of a mayor and four council
members who shall be qualified electors, and who shall be elected at large in the manner hereinafter
provided. The four council members shall serve for a term of four years and until their successors are
elected and qualified. The Mayor shall serve for a term of two years and until a successor is elected and
qualified. The council shall be judge of the election of the mayor and council members.
Section 8. INCOMP A TIBLE OFFICES. No member of the council shall hold any paid municipal
offIce or employment under the City of Columbia Heights, and until one year after the expiration of that
member's term as council member no former member shall be appointed to any paid office or
employment under the city which office or employment was created or the emoluments of which were
increased during that member's term.
Section 9. VACANCIES IN THE COUNCIL. A vacancy in the council shall be deemed to exist in
case of the failure of any person elected thereto to qualify on or before the date of the second regular
meeting of the new council, or by reason of the death, resignation, removal from office, cessation as a
resident of the city, continuous absence from the city for more than three months, conviction of a felony
of any such person whether before or after qualification, the failure of any council member without good
cause to perform any of the duties of membership in the council for a period of three months or for any
other cause as may be provided for in Minnesota Statutes, as amended. In each such case, at the next
regular meeting following receipt of notice by the council of one of the foregoing conditions, the council
shall by resolution declare such vacancy to exist unless further investigation is required. Notice of said
vacancy shall be posted at city hall for a period of two (2) weeks from the date of the adoption of the
resolution declaring said vacancy. Notice shall also be published in a designated city newspaper for a
period of two (2) weeks as soon as possible after the date of the adoption of said resolution, with the
publication being completed no later than thirty (30) days from said date. Applications shall be sought
and accepted ti-om individuals interested in filling the vacancy, which applications shall be submitted to
city hall, to the attention of the City Clerk, within 45 days from the date of said resolution. The council
shall interview each of the applicants within 30 days from the close of the application period, and shall
conduct said interviews in an agreed upon uniform manner as a council. After said 30 day period, the
council shall make its appointment from the pool of applicants within 15 days. whether done so at a
regular council meeting or a special meeting. The individuals so appointed shall fill said vacancy until
the next regular municipal election, when the office shall be fllled for the unexpired term by an eligible
person elected at large in the manner hereinafter set forth; provided, however, that if a vacancy is
declared by resolution after March 31 st in the year of a regular municipal election, then the appointment
process as set forth herein shall not take effect and any such vacancy shall continue to exist until said
election, at which time the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by an eligible person elected at
large in the manner hereinafter provided. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any vacancy
resulting from a recall election or from a resignation following the filing of a recall petition shall be filled
in the manner provided in such case.
Shall be amended to read:
Section 6. FORM OF GOVERNMENT. The form of government established by this charter shall be
known as the "Council-Manager Plan."
Section 7. ELECTIVE OJ1'FICES. The council shall be composed of the mayor, elected at-large, two
councilmembers elected at-large, and four councilmembers, each of whom shall be elected from a
separate ward as established or amended pursuant to this charter. The mayor and councilmembers shall
be qualified electors. Each councilmember elected from a ward shall be a resident of the ward.
However, the following circumstances shall not disqualify a councilmember from serving the remainder
of a term: (i) a change in ward boundaries; or (ii) cessation as a resident of the ward from which elected,
so long as the councilmember remains a resident of the City. Except as hereinafter provided,
councilmembers shall serve for a term of four years and until a successor is elected and qualifies. The
mayor shall serve for a term of two years and until a successor is elected and qualifies. The elections for
the mayor and council members shall be held as provided herein.
Section 7a. WARDS. The City shall be divided into four separate wards. The boundaries of such
wards shall be determined by ordinance based upon population as determined by the most recent federal
census and shall be as equal in population as practicable. A ward must be composed of a compact and
contiguous territory. Review of the ward boundaries must be made by the Council and the wards
reapportioned by ordinance no later than two years after the year in which a federal census is taken so
that the populations of the wards are as equal as practicable.
Section 7b. TRANSITION SCHEDULE. For the 2008 City election: (i) One (1) councilmember
shall be elected from each of the four (4) Wards. (ii) No councilmembers shall be elected at-large. (iii)
The Mayor shall be elected at-large. For the 2010 City election: (i) Two (2) councilmembers shall be
elected at-large. (ii) The Mayor shall be elected at-large.
Section 8. INCOMPATIBLE OFFICES. No member of the council shall hold any paid municipal
office or employment under the City of Columbia Heights, and until one year after the expiration of that
member's term as council member no former member shall be appointed to any emoluments of which
were increased during the member's term.
Section 9. VACANCIES IN THE COUNCIL. A vacancy in the council shall be deemed to exist in
case of the failure of any person elected thereto to qualify on or before the date of the second regular
meeting of the new council, or by reason of the death, resignation, removal from office, cessation as a
resident of the city, continuous absence from the city for more than three months, conviction of a felony
of any such person whether before or after qualification, the failure of any council member without good
cause to perform any of the duties of membership in the council for a period of three months or for any
other cause as may be provided for in Minnesota Statutes, as amended. In each such case, at the next
regular meeting following receipt of notice by the council of one of the foregoing conditions, the council
shall by resolution declare such vacancy to exist unless further investigation is required. Notice of said
vacancy shall be posted at eity hall for a period of two (2) weeks from the date ofthe adoption of
resolution declaring said vacancy. Notice shall also be published in a designated city newspaper for a
period of two (2) weeks as soon as possible after the date of the adoption of said resolution, with the
publication being completed no later than thirty (30) days from said date. Applications shall be sought
and accepted from individuals interested in filling the vacancy, which applications shall be submitted to
city hall, to the attention of the City Clerk, within 45 days from the date of said resolution. The council
shall interview each of the applicants within 30 days from the close of the application period, and shall
conduct said interviews in an agreed upon uniform manner as a council. After said 30 day period, the
council shall make its appointment from the pool of applicants within 15 days, whether done so at a
regular council meeting or a special meeting. The individuals so appointed shall fill said vacancy until
the next regular municipal election, when the office shall be filled for the unexpired term by an eligible
person elected at large in the manner hereinafter set forth; provided, however, that if a vacancy is
declared by resolution after March 31 st in the year of a regular municipal election, then the appointment
process as set forth herein shall not take effect and any such vacancy shall continue to exist until said
election, at which time the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by an eligible person elected at
large in the manner hereinafter provided. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any vacancy
resulting from a recall election or from a resignation following the filing of a recall petition shall be filled
in the manner provided in such case.
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Date of Passage:
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Gary L. Peterson, Mayor
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
L-gu. 0/ Mm"uolD Oliu
Oliu promoU", _LCtI
League of Minnesota Cities
145 University Avenue West, St Paul, MN 55103.2044
(651) 281-1200 · (800) 925-1122
Fax: (651) 281-1299 · TOD: (651) 281-1290
www.lmnc.org
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Ward System in Home Rule
Charter Cities
By Rylee Retzer, Staff Attorney, Charter Assistance Program
Standard Arguments for both propositions:
Advantages of the Ward System
· As citizens vote only for candidates in their ward, the ballot is shorter and simpler.
· Voters are more likely to have direct, personal knowledge about qualities of those who
seek to represent them, and thereby will make a more intelligent choice.
· After the election, the council member will keep in closer touch with his or her
constituents.
· Insofar as wards have special interests, these will be represented.
· Insofar as wards contain distinct social, ethnic, and economic groups, the council will be
a better cross-section of the population.
· If a minority is concentrated in one geographical area, the ward system increases its
chance of securing some representation on the council.
· The campaign costs to a council candidate are lower.
· Election by wards tends to attract ore candidates to run for office.
· Each geographical area of the city will be assured some representation.
· Council members will be able to have closer contact with. th.err constituents and be more
responsive to their needs.
Disadvantages of the Ward System
· Ward boundaries do not necessarily delineate homogenous areas. T'nerefore, there may
not be a ward interest that would justify separate representation.
· Voters in one ward may flnd there is no candidate in the ward they can wholeheartedly
support, and that there is a candidate in another ward who would more fully represent
their support, and that there is a candidate in another ward who would more fully
represent their views. The ward system prevents these voters from fully exercising their
freedom of choice.
..
· In some wards there may be difficulty in finding qualified candidates who are willing to
run for office so that the voters' range of choice is restricted and the quality of the council
may be lowered.
· Wards encourage a spirit of localism since the basis of selection tends to be service to the
ward, not the city.
· Wards may foster divisive competition for scarce resources.
· Politically active or special interest groups may be over represented by targeting certain
wards.
· Once established, ward boundaries are difficult to change. Redistricting may be
expensive.
· Election will be more expensive as more polling places and election judges will be
needed. It may be more difficult for the voter to fmd the correct polling place.
(NOTE; TIHs.'WQldd not be the case tn Columbi:a H"e.tgli.t$~l
PROS AND CONS OF WARDS/DISTRICTS:
:PROS CONS
tallots are shorter and simpler. Ward boundaries do not necessarily delineate homogenous areas so there may
not be a ward interest that would justify separate representation.
r oters likely to have direct, personal knowledge about qualities of Some voters may tind there is no candidate in their ward they want to
hose seeking to represent them, thereby making a more intelligent support, but there's another candidate in another ward they would.
:hoice.
\fter the election, the council member will keep in closer touch with It's possible in some wards there will be difficulty in fmding qualified and
lis/her constituents. interested candidates.
nsofar as wards have special interests, these will be represented. Wards can encourage a spirit of localism since the basis of selection tends to
be service to the ward.
[nsofar as wards contain distinct social, ethnic, and economic groups, Wards may foster divisive competition for scarce resources.
the council will be a better cross-section of the entire city.
[f a minority is concentrated in one geographic area of the city, the Politically active or special interest groups may be overrepresented by
ward system increases its chance of securing some representation on targeting certain wards.
the council.
-
Campaign costs to a council candidate would be: much lower, as the Once established, boundaries are difficult to change, and redistricting may be
candidate would have to only canvass a specific area of the city, not expenSIve.
the whole city (unless they were running for an at-large position).
Each geographical area of the city will be assur(~d some If no one decided to run in a specific quadrant, write-in candidates would be a
representation, thus not leaving anyone feel like: they are not possibly, as well as the council appointing the current member or someone
"represented" from their area. new. A special election is also a possiblv in this case.
Council members will be able to have closer contact with their
constituents and be mor~ response to their needs.
If the city considers the wards/districts option, i.t would be a good
time to also consider increasing the size of the council and possibly
i.ncreasing the length of term for the Mayor.
It may be an opportunity to get younger people to run for office, as
well as minorities.
Increases in population in certain quadrants (i.{:., Industrial Park, The
Lofts, NEI site, Mady's Bowling Alley/Salvation Army site) of the
city due to development/redevelopment may change some of the
proposed quadrants currently being looked at.
Elections could be less expensive, as fewer poning places and
election judges will be needed.
Voters might find it less difficult to fmd their correct polling place
initially.
LISTING OF CITIES WITH LIKE POPULATIONS
THAT HAVE W ARDS/DISTRICT:
o Albert Lea (population 18,079)
o Austin (population 23,670)
o Crystal (population 22, 840)
o Hastings (population 19,202)
o Northfield (population 17,846)
o Ramsey (population 18,830)
o Owatonna (population 23,082)
o Red Wing (population 16,269)
o West St. Paul (population 19,650)
o White Bear Lake (population 24,874) and
o Willmar (population 18,512).
Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 7:00pm
Gauvitte Room - Murzyn Hall
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City Columbia Heights Charter Commission
Minutes from Special Meeting
~
1. Meeting Called to order at 7:04 pm by President Hartel.
2. Roll Taken by Secretary Dan V ogtman.
Present: Bob Buboltz, Mike Hartel, Jim Johnson, Kathleen Korday, Carolyn Laine,
Mike Patiuk, Lori Ritzko, Joe Sturdevant, Joseph Sturdevant, Dan V ogtman
Absent Excused: Nicole Druckrey
Absent Unexcused: Barb Gertsema, Nancy King, Scott Kyseth
Also Present: Jim Hoeft, City Attorney. City Council Member Bruce Nawrocki
3. Approval of minutes from 4/20/06 tabled until next meeting.
4. Old Business
A. Second Reading of proposed wording for Implementation of Wards
Discussion on the reading: President Hartel summarized the changes made, and discussed that
we had read, and approved the] st reading of the change. The change was the removal of the
last sentence of section 7a.
Councilmember Nawrocki asked why wait until 2010 to implement the system in whole.
Commissioner Laine, Commissioner Joe Sturdevant, Commissioner Vogtman, and President
Hartel discussed the logic behind the implementation schedule. Councilmember Nawrocki was
concerned two people from the same ward may have to compete.
Councilmember Navvrocki inquired if this implementation schedule was for the benefit of the
existing Councii, or the voters. It was discussed by various Commissioners with
Councilmember Nawrocki that by staggering the Ward/At-Large positions, it would be easier
to communicate to the voters. Additionally, various Commissioners made the point that this
transition schedule would align with upcoming term expirations, so it would allow
Councilmembers voted in in 2006 to serve full 4 year terms.
Councilmember Nawrocki also mentioned with all the changes in the city, populations would
be constantly changing. mentioned being able to use the Met Council population surveys
as a vvay to change districts. President Hartel offered that in the wording, this is addressed and
the wording al iWS for changes to be made after Federal Census counts.
Councilmembcr Nawrocki also inquired about the legal timetable based on Minnesota Statutes
and quoted a stltute. (' Attorney Hoeft mentioned that that statute did not apply in this
situatiun. Hoen said . \vas discussed at previous Chmier Commission meetings, and was
also discussed a previous City Council meeting. He said the Charter Commission controls
the timetable. if the body does not feel the City Council is acting in a timely manner, then
the Commissioi) body can take action to move it to a vote by the voters.
There was additional discussion about Councilmember Nawrocki's concerns with the language
and philosophy. He mentioned that he was concerned about the added cost to the voters of
having an addilionallvio ('ollncilmembers.
Motion was m::
Seconded by 13
by Commissioner Johnson to approve the Second Reading of the Language,
Buboltz.
Ayes 10, Nays
Abstentions 0 by voice vote
5.
No
BUSlIl'.
6. Next Regular "cting in July, or possibly earlier at discretion of President Hmiel.
7. Mution to adin by 'ommissioner Joseph Sturdevant, Seconded by Bob Buboltz.
Ayes 10, Nays Abstentions 0 by voice vote
Meeting adjoU1, led at 7:35pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dan Vogtman
Secretary
OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CHARTER COMMISSION
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2006
7:00 P.M.
KEYES ROOM
MURZYN HALL
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President Mike Hartel at 7:05 p.m.
Roll Call
Members present:
Bob Buboltz (7:43 p.m.), Nicole Druckrey, Mike Hartel, Jim Johnson, Carolyn
Laine, Mike Patiuk, Lori Ritzko, Joe Sturdevant, Joseph Sturdevant, Dan Vogtman
Members absent and excused:
Members absent and unexcused:
Barb Gertsema, Nancy King, Katy Korday
Scott Kyseth
Council Liaison, Tami-Ericson Diehm, was unable to attend; however, Councilmember Bruce
Kelzenberg attended on her behalf.
Also present: Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Carole Blowers, Recording Secretary
Approval of Minutes of February 16,2006:
Motion by Commissioner Sturdevant, seconded by Commissioner Laine to approve the minutes of
February 16, 2006. Motion passed unanimously.
Correspondence
The Recording Secretary stated that numerous e-mails had been sent to commission members advising
them of the work session which was held on April 3rd. the results of that meeting, and upcoming charter
commission meetings (regular and special).
Old Business
Discussion on Districts/Wards
President Hartel stated that the purpose of this meeting tonight was to consider the proposed amendments
to Chapter 2 with a transition/implementation schedule as a first reading on the commission level.
President Hartel was asked to recap the events of the work session of April 3, 2006, where our proposed
ordinance was discussed. President Hartel stated that the city council asked the Charter Commission
about having a transition/implementation plan for dividing the city into wards and how the elections
would allow for filling the positions in the wards. In further discussions and thought on this subject, it
was determined that it would be imperative for changing both the wording to divide the city into wards
and add two councilmembers at large, AND have wording in the charter on how this was all to be
implemented in one ordinance.
Thus. President Hartel asked the City Attorney to come up with implementation language to add to the
changes previously discussed and passed at the Charter Commission level. Commission members were
provided tonight with wording put together by the City Attorney's office reflecting proposed changes to
date as well as wording for a transition/implementation schedule. The wording discussed tonight
Charter Commission
April 20, 2006
Page 1
suggests adding two new councilmembers and implementing the ward system in 2008. Other scenarios
were discussed. The seats of councilmembers Tami Ericson-Diehm and Bruce Kelzenberg are up in
2006. They have four year terms. The seat of Mayor is also up in 2006. The Mayor's seat is for a two
year term.
It was asked if we could start the ward system in 20067 President Hartel stated the city council would
need time to establish the wards. It was questioned if we would need language addressing the boundaries
of the wards in the first reading. The maps the commission has looked at are based on the best
information we have at the time. After that, the city council will review the boundaries on an ongoing
basis.
Jim Hoeft reminded the commission members that this new language would go to the city council at a
work session (the next one is tentatively set for May 18th at 7 a.m.) and would require two readings on the
part of the city council and one public hearing.
It was asked if we could put the referendum on a primary election. (Note: The primary election will be
September 12,2006.)
President Hartel stated that our proposed wording changes and the implementation schedule should be
forwarded to the City Council all at one time. The Charter Commission needs to also hold two readings
on this latest version presented tonight. We do have 53 days prior to the election to provide the wording
to the county. If the city council does not act on our proposal, we can put it on the ballot.
The language tonight considered is as follows:
PROPOSED CHANGES TO
CHAPTER 2
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
(Note: Underlined material indicates new language; crossed out material indicates current language to
be deleted.)
Section 6. FORM OF GOVERNMENT. The form of government established by this charter shall be
known as the "Council-Manager Plan."
Section 7. ELECTIVE OFFICES. The council shall be composed of a the mayor, elected at-large. two
councilmembers elected at-large, and four council members, each of whom whe shall be qualified electors,
and "vho shall be elected from a separate ward as established or amended pursuant to this charter. at large in
the manner hereinafter provided. The mayor and councilmembers shall be qualified electors. Each
councilmember elected from a ward shall be a resident of the ward. However, the following circumstances
shall not disqualify a councilmember from seryjng the remainder of a tenn: (1) a change in ward boundaries;
or (ii) cessation as a resident of the ward from which elected, so long as the councilmember remains a
resident of the City. Except as hereinafter provided, councilmembers The four council members shall serve
for a term of four years and until their ~ successors is are elected and qualifie~d. The mayor shall serve for a
term of two years and unti I a successor is elected and qualifie~4. The council shall be judge of the elections
ef for the mayor and councilmembers shall be held as provided herein. (Ordinance No. 1466, passed
December 15,2003) (Ordinance No. 1300, passed April 10, 1995)
Charter Commission
April 20, 2006
Page 2
Section 7a. WARDS. The City shall be divided into four separate wards. The boundaries of such
wards shall be determined by ordinance based upon population as determined by the most recent federal
census and shall be as equal in population as practicable. A ward must be composed of a compact and
contiguous territory. Review of the ward boundaries must be made by the Council and the wards
reapportioned by ordinance no later than two years after the year in which a federal census is taken so
that the populations of the wards are as equal as practicable. The wards of the City are those described
herein on the effective date of this Charter amendment.
Section 7b. TRANSITION SCHEDULE. For the 2008 city election: (n One (1) councilmember shall
be elected from each ofthe four (4) Wards. (in No councilmembers shall be elected at large. (iin The
Mayor shall be elected at-large. For the 2010 City election: (i) Two (2) councilmembers shall be
elected at-large. (in The Mayor shall be elected at-large.
Section 8. INCOMPATIBLE OFFICES. No member of the council shall hold any paid municipal office
or employment under the City of Columbia Heights, and until one year after the expiration of that member's
term as council member no former member shall be appointed to any paid office or employment under the
city which of1ice or employment was created eF--t:l1e emoluments of which were increased during that
member's term. (Ordinance No. 1086, passed June 11, 1984)
Section 9. VACANCIES IN THE COUNCIL. A vacancy in the council shall be deemed to exist in
case of the failure of any person elected thereto to qualify on or before the date of the second regular
meeting of the new council, or by reason of the death, resignation, removal from of1ice, cessation as a
resident of the city, continuous absence from the city for more than three months, conviction of a felony
of any such person whether before or after qualification, the failure of any council member without good
cause to perform any of the duties of membership in the council for a period of three months or for any
other cause as may be provided for in Minnesota Statutes, as amended. In each such case, at the next
regular meeting following receipt of notice by the council of one of the foregoing conditions, the council
shall by resolution declare such vacancy to exist unless further investigation is required. Notice of said
vacancy shall be posted at city hall for a period of two (2) weeks from the date ofihe adoption of the
resolution declaring said vacancy. Notice shall also be published in a designated city newspaper for a
period of two (2) weel(s as soon as possible after the date of the adoption of said resolution, with the
publication being completed no later than thirty (30) days from said date. Applications shall be sought
and accepted from individuals interested in filling the vacancy, which applications shall be submitted to
city hall, to the attention of the City Clerk, within 45 days from the date of said resolution. The council
shall interview each of the applicants within 30 days from the close of the application period, and shall
conduct said interviews in an agreed upon uniform manner as a council. After said 30 day period, the
council shall make its appointment from the pool of applicants within 15 days, whether done so at a
regular council meeting or a special meeting. The individuals so appointed shall fill said vacancy until
the next regular municipal election, when the office shall be filled for the unexpired term by an eligible
person elected at large in the manner hereinafter set fOlih; provided, however, that if a vacancy is declared
by resolution after March 31 st in the year of a regular municipal election, then the appointment process as
set fOlih herein shall not take effect and any such vacancy shall continue to exist until said election, at
which time the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by an eligible person elected at large in the
manner hereinafter provided. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any vacancy resulting
from a recall election or from a resignation following the filing of a recall petition shall be filled in the
manner provided in such case. (Ordinance No. 1331, passed September 23,1996) (Ordinance No.
Charter Commission
April 20, 2006
Page 3
1086, passed .June 11, 1984)
There was continued discussion regarding the last sentence proposed in Section 7 A. WARDS.
Motion by Commissioner Druckrey, seconded by Conunissioner V ogtman, to approve the above
proposed language on a second reading, omitting the last sentence of Section 7 A and adding Section 7B,
at the commission level, and to forward it to the City Council. Vote on the above motion: Ayes:
Buboltz, Druckrey, Hartel, Johnson, Laine, Patiuk, Ritzko, Sturdevant, V ogtman Nayes: None
(Absent: Buboltz (arrived just after vote taken), Gertsema, King, Korday, Kyseth). Motion passed.
President Hartel said he would expect this issue to be put on the next possible council work session,
which it appears to be May 18, 2006, at 7 a.m.. Charter Commission members are certainly invited to
attend the work session meeting as well, but President Hartel will be there to represent the commission as
a whole.
Next Meeting Date
Because there needs to be a second reading of this just voted upon wording including the
implementation schedule, President Hartel asked the commissioners if they would like to set a special
meeting next week to hold this second reading. After polling members in attendance about next
Thursday, April 27th, there appeared there would not be a quorum. After polling members in
attendance about next Wednesday, April 26th, it appeared there would be a quorum. Therefore, a
special meeting of the Charter Commission will be held on Wednesday, April 26th at 7 p.m. The
location of the meeting will be figured out as soon as possible, and commission members will be
advised of the location by the Recording Secretary.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Sturdevant, seconded by Commissioner Laine to adjourn the meeting at 7:58
p.m.
Special Projects Coordinator Jean Kuelm arrived to take a photo of the Charter Commission members
present at tonight's meeting for the time capsule that is being planned in conjunction with the Peace
Clock dedication in June (during Jamboree).
Respectfully submitted,
Carole J. Blowers,
Recording Secretary
(Maps to be attached)
Charter Commission
April 20, 2006
Page 4
OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CHARTER COMMISSION
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16,2006
7:00 P.M.
GAUVITTE ROOM
MURZYN HALL
Call to Order
The special meeting was called to order by President Mike Hartel at 7:05 p.m.
Roll Call
Members present: Bob Buboltz, Nicole Druckrey, Barb Gertsema, Mike Hartel, Jim Johnson, Nancy
King, Carolyn Laine, Mike Patiuk, Lori Ritzko, Joe Sturdevant, Dan V ogtman
Members absent and excused: Scott Kyseth, Joseph Sturdevant
Members absent and unexcused: Katy Korday
Council Liaison for 2006, Tami-Ericson Diehm, was present.
Also present: Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Carole Blowers, Recording Secretary
Status of Membership
President Hmiel mIDounced that there is one vacancy on the Charter Commission due to the removal of
Clare Schmidt from the commission due to the fact that she has missed four consecutive meetings
without being excused. Applications were available for members tonight to take with them if they knew
of anyone interested in applying for this commission.
Approval of Minutes of January 19, 2006:
Commissioner V ogtman asked that a correction be made on page 2, second paragraph from the bottom of
the page. The correction was to add the words "as originally discussed". Motion by Commissioner
V ogtman, seconded by Commissioner Buboltz to make this amendment. Motion by Commissioner
Laine, seconded by Commissioner Hartel to approve the minutes of January 19,2006, with the above
correction. Motion passed unanimously.
Old Business
Discussion on Districts/Wards
President Hartel stated that the purpose of this special meeting tonight was to consider the proposed
amendments to Chapter 2 as a second reading on the commission level.
New maps showing the population figures right now for quadrants considering 43rd Avenue and Central
A venue were passed out tonight for commissioner's information. Using that map and dividing lines,
populations were: NW Quadrant 5,495
NE Quadrant 4,950
SWQuadrant 3,916
SE Quadrant 4,159
Previous maps showing the population figures right now for quadrants considering 44th A venue and
Charter Commission
February 16, 2006
Page 1
Previous maps showing the population figures right now for quadrants considering 44th Avenue and
Central Avenue were passed out as well, in case people needed that map. Using that map and dividing
lines, populations were: NW Quadrant 4,500
NE Quadrant 4,115
SW Quadrant 4,911
SE Quadrant 4,994
Commissioners agreed that using 44th Avenue and Central Avenue had a more equal distribution of
population.
Commissioners were also given information from the City Planner regarding projected increase in
housing units for the city.
Commission members were provided tonight with wording put together by the City Attorney's office
reflecting changes discussed at the January, 2006, meeting. This version addressed the issue of when a
councilmember moves from one ward to another in the city, they would still be allowed to finish out their
elected term. The City Attorney stated that he felt he should address this in Section 7 instead of Section
9, and the draft provided this evening reflects that.
Commissioner Druckrey mentioned that there was a typographical error in the first sentence of Section
7-the last word should be "charter" not "charger".
Questions were asked regarding voting to put this item on the ballot. The City Attorney stated that if the
City Council did not pass the amendments proposed unanimously, it would take a simple majority vote at
the Charter Commission level to put this item on the ballot.
Motion by Commissioner Buboltz, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to approve the amended
language on a second reading at the commission level, and to forward it to the City Council (as follows):
PROPOSED CHANGES TO
CHAPTER 2
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
(Note: Underlined material indicates new language; crossed out material indicates current language to
h"" r1""I""t..r1 \
v,,", .................."......\,.1..)
Section 6. FORM OF GOVERNMENT. The form of government established by this charter shall be
known as the "Council-Manager Plan."
Section 7. ELECTIVE OFFICES. The council shall be composed of a the mayor. elected at-large. two
councilmembers elected at-large. and four council members. each of whom wfle shall be qualified electors,
and '.'tho shall be elected from a separate ward as established or amended pursuant to this charter. at large in
the ffiUillier hereinafter provided. The mayor and councilmembers shall be qualified electors. Each
councilmember elected from a ward shall be a resident of the ward. However. the following circumstances
shall not disqualify a councilmember from serving the remainder of a term: (1) a change in ward boundaries;
or (in cessation as a resident of the ward from which elected. so long as the councilmember remains a
resident of the City. Except as hereinafter provided. councilmembers The four council members shall serve
for a term of four years and until tlreff !! successors is are elected and qualifie~a. The mayor shall serve for a
Charter Commission
February 16,2006
n___ "\
term of two years and until a successor is elected and qualifie~d. The council shall be judge of the elections
ef for the mayor and counciImembers shall be held as provided herein. (Ordinance No. 1466, passed
December 15, 2003) (Ordinance No. 1300, passed April 10, 1995)
Section 73. WARDS. The City shall be divided into four separate wards. The boundaries of such
wards shall be determined by ordinance based upon population as determined by the most recent federal
census and shall be as equal in population as practicable. A ward must be composed of a compact and
contiguous territory. Review of the ward boundaries must be made bv the Council and the wards
reapportioned by ordinance no later than two years after the year in which a federal census is taken so
that the populations of the wards are as equal as practicable. The wards of the City are those described
herein on the effective date of this Charter amendment.
Section 8. INCOMPATIBLE OFFICES. No member ofthe council shall hold any paid municipal office
or employment under the City of Columbia Heights, and until one year after the expiration of that member's
term as council member no former member shall be appointed to any paid office or employment Uflder the
city which office or employment '.vas created er-the emoluments of which were increased during that
member's term. (Ordinance No. 1086, passed June 11, 1984)
Section 9. VACANCIES IN THE COUNCIL. A vacancy in the council shall be deemed to exist in
case of the failure of any person elected thereto to qualify on or before the date of the second regular
meeting of the new council, or by reason of the death, resignation, removal from office, cessation as a
resident of the city, continuous absence from the city for more than three months, conviction ofa felony
of any such person whether before or after qualification, the failure of any council member without good
cause to perform any of the duties of membership in the council for a period of three months or for any
other cause as may be provided for in Minnesota Statutes, as amended. In each such case, at the next
regular meeting following receipt of notice by the council of one of the foregoing conditions, the council
shall by resolution declare such vacancy to exist unless further investigation is required. Notice of said
vacancy shall be posted at city hall for a period of two (2) weeks from the date of the adoption of the
resolution declaring said vacancy. Notice shall also be published in a designated city newspaper for a
period of two (2) weeks as soon as possible after the date of the adoption of said resolution, with the
publication being completed no later than thirty (30) days from said date. Applications shall be sought
and accepted from individuals interested in filling the vacancy, which applications shall be submitted to
city hall, to the attention of the City Clerk, within 45 days from the date of said resolution. The council
shall interview each of the applicants within 30 days from the close of the application period, and shall
conduct said interviews in an agreed upon uniform manner as a council. After said 30 day period, the
council shall make its appointment from the pool of applicants within 15 days, whether done so at a
regular council meeting or a special meeting. The individuals so appointed shall fill said vacancy until
the next regular municipal election, when the office shall be filled for the unexpired term by an eligible
person elected at large in the manner hereinafter set forth; provided, however, that if a vacancy is declared
by resolution after March 31 st in the year of a regular municipal election, then the appointment process as
set forth herein shall not take effect and any such vacancy shall continue to exist until said election, at
which time the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by an eligible person elected at large in the
manner hereinafter provided. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any vacancy resulting
from a recall election or from a resignation following the filing of a recall petition shall be filled in the
maIliler provided in such case. (Ordinance No. 1331, passed September 23, 1996) (Ordinance No.
1086, passed June 11, 1984)
Vote on the above motion: Ayes: Buboltz, Druckrey, Gertsema, Hartel, Johnson, Laine, Patiuk, Ritzko,
Sturdevant, V ogtman Nayes: King Absent: Korday, Kyseth, Sturdevant. Motion passed.
Charter Commission
February 16,2006
D"np ?;
Council Liaison Ericson-Diehm asked that the maps the Charter Commission has been looking at be
attached to these minutes for review by the City Council.
President Hartel said he would expect this issue to be brought up first at a council work session and then
to a regular city council meeting. Council Liaison Ericson-Diehm stated that Councilmember Nawrocki
will be gone one meeting in March. Charter Commission members felt it would be important to have this
on a work session that all city councilmembers would be attending. President Hartel will be in contact
with the City Manager to set the date this would be discussed at a council work session. Charter
Commission members are certainly invited to attend the work session meeting as well, but President
Hartel will be there to represent the commission as a whole.
Next Meeting Date
The next regular Charter Commission meeting date is April 20, 2006, at 7 p.m. at Murzyn Hall.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Vogtman, seconded by President-Elect Hartel to adjourn the meeting at 7:25
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carole ], Blowers,
Recording Secretary
Attachments-Maps (2)
Charter Commission
February 16.2006
D""......o. A
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C eh-tyCl f
'City of
. Columbia Heights
Population by Quadrant
J:
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~
o
::tl
51 STAVE
50 112 AVE
o Census Block
Data: 2000 Census
Map Date: February 15, 2006
Author: Columbia Heights GIS
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+
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ce".
" . '~City of
. .' .'Columbia Heights
Population by Quadrant
with Census Block Populations
2B.s3
Data: 2000 Census
Map Date: July 20, 2005
Author. Columbia Heights GIS
o Census Block
OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE
CHARTER COMMISSION
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19,2006
7:00 P.M.
GAUVITTE ROOM
MURZYN HALL
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President Joseph Sturdevant at 7:02 p.m.
Roll CalJ
Members present: Bob Buboltz, Nicole Druckrey, Barb Gertsema, Mike Hartel, Jim Johnson, Nancy
King, Scott Kyseth, Carolyn Laine, Mike Patiuk (7: 12 p.m.), Lori Ritzko, Joe
Sturdevant, Joseph Sturdevant, Dan V ogtman
Members absent and excused: Katy Korday
Members absent and unexcused: Clare Schmidt
Council Liaison for 2006, Tami-Ericson Diehm, was present.
Also present: Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Carole Blowers, Recording Secretary
Approval of Minutes of October 20, 2005
Motion by Commissioner Buboltz, seconded by Commissioner Hartel, to approve the minutes as
submitted for the October 20, 2005, meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Election of Officers
President Sturdevant asked commissioners for nominations for President. Motion by Commissioner
Johnson to nominate Joe Sturdevant for President. Joe Sturdevant declined the nomination. Motion by
Commissioner Laine to nominate Mike Hartel for President. President Sturdevant called for nominations
for President three times. There being no further nominations, Mike Hartel was elected President via a
white ballot.
It was decided that Joseph Sturdevant would continue to run tonight's meeting. President Sturdevant
asked commissioners for nominations for Vice President. Motion by Commissioner Sturdevant to
nominate Bob Buboltz. President Sturdevant called for nominations for Vice President three times.
There being no further nominations, Bob Buboltz was elected Vice President via a white ballot.
President Sturdevant asked commissioners for nominations for Secretary. Motion by Commissioner
V ogtman to nominate himself. President Sturdevant called for nominatIOns for Secretary three times.
There being no further nominations, Dan V ogtman was elected Secretary via a white ballot.
Therefore, officers for 2006 are:
President Mike Hartel
Vice President Bob Buboltz
Secretary Dan V ogtman
Correspondence
The Recording Secretary advised the following correspondence took place since the last meeting in
October:
· Revisions were made to the City Charter regarding Chapter 7, Section 72, Bonded Debt and Debt
Limit, and copies were provided to the Mayor and Council, division heads, charter commission
members, local schools, and the League of Minnesota Cities.
Charter Commission
January 19, 2006
~ .
.
The City Attorney's office forwarded a copy of proposed changes to the City Charter regarding the
issue o{wards/districts. A strike-out/underline version of these changes was prepared for commission
members to be included in the packets for tonight's meeting. A cover memo was also prepared to
introduce the proposed changes from the City Attorney regarding the issue of wards/districts.
Tonight's agenda was prepared and mailed.
Member e-mail/phone number update forms were prepared.
The 2005 Annual Report of the Charter Commission was prepared for review by the members.
.
.
.
President Sturdevant asked if any members had any other correspondence since our last meeting. There
was no further correspondence reported.
Status of Membership
The Charter CommiSSIOn has its full complement of fifteen members at this time.
Slips were passed out to members to verifY their current phone and e-mail addresses for the Recording
Secretary.
The City Attorney arrived at 7:10 p.m.
Old Business
Annual Board/Commission Dinner
The annual board/commission recognition dinner was held on Wednesday, December 14, 2005, at
Murzyn Hall. Some members of this commission were in attendance. This year's caterer was Classic
Catering. It was suggested that perhaps a different caterer could be used next year, as the food was not
as good as usual.
New Charter Pages
New city charter pages were provided to commission members regarding the ordinance changes made to
the Bonded Debt section. Motion by Commissioner Sturdevant, seconded by Commissioner Buboltz to
accept the updated pages.
Discussion on Districts/Wards
This topic is ongoing from the past several commission meetings. Commission members were provided,
in advance, wording put together by the City Attorney's office regarding what needed to be changed in
the charter to divide the city into four wards or districts and add two city councilmembers at large.
There was discussion about using the word "ward", and should either the word "district" or "precinct" be
used instead. It was decided to keep the word "ward" throughout the proposed language.
Commissioner Laine addressed the proposed wording for Section 7a, WARDS, the fourth sentence
concerning who will review the ward boundaries. She stated that it was the wish of the Charter
Commission members present at the last meeting that the Charter Conunission would be the body that
would review the boundaries. Commissioners Buboltz, Hartel, and V ogtman stated the Charter
Commission was to have control of the boundaries, as originally discussed.
Commissioner Laine also questioned the City Attorney about Section 7a, WARDS, in which it states that
"the wards reapportioned by ordinance no later than two years after the year in which a federal census is
taken so that the populations of the wards are as equal as practicable." She felt that the boundaries had to
be changed anytime ifthe populations between wards varied between a certain percentage. There was
further discussion on this item.
Charter Commission
January 19, 2006
~ ~
Commissioner V ogtman asked if a councilmember moved out of their ward (but still lived in the city)
during their term of office, would they be allowed to finish out their term and then file in the new district
or ward they live in or what? The City Attorney stated that the way the proposed reading stands, if a
councilmember moved from their elected district or ward, it would end their term. However, that person
would not be disqualified if the boundaries changed during their term.
The section of the charter that addresses this is the first paragraph of the proposed Section 9.
VACANCIES IN THE COUNCIL which is proposed as follows:
A vacancy in the council shall be deemed to exist in case of the failure of any person
elected thereto to qualify on or before the date of the second regular meeting of the new
council, or by reason of the death, resignation, removal from office, cessation as a resident
of the city, or of the ward from which elected (except as provided in Section 7a),
continuous absence from the city for more than three months, conviction of a felony of any
such person whether before or after qualification, the failure of any council member
without good cause to perform any of the duties of membership in the council for a period
of three months or for any other cause as may be provided for in Minnesota Statutes, as
amended.
After this discussion, motion by Commissioner V ogtman, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to
remove the proposed wording "or of the ward from which elected (except as provided in Section 7a)"
from Section 9, VACANCIES IN THE COUNCIL.
There was further discussion on what should happen if a councilmember moved out of their ward (but
still lived in the city). It appeared commissioners felt that if a councilmember moved out of their ward
(but still lived in the city), they should be allowed to finish out their term and then file in the new district
or ward they live in if they wanted to.
Commissioner Druckrey asked if this should be clarified in Section 7. The City Attorney stated he
definitely felt it should be in Section 9. The City Attorney stated he could put different language in
Section 9 to address the situation if a councilmember moves from his or her particular ward, but is still a
resident of the city, they would be able to serve out their term they were originally elected for. If they
wish to continue to serve beyond that, the person would have to run in their new district.
Commissioner V ogtman agreed to amend his original motion, and Commissioner Johnson agreed to
second this amendment to the original motion to redraft wording as part of Section 9 to reflect that a
councilmember moving from his or her particular ward (and still living in the city) would still be allowed
to serve out their elected original term. Amended motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Commissioner Laine to change the wording regarding the review of the ward or district
boundaries to be made by the Charter Commission (not the City Council) and that it needs to be
reapportioned by Charter amendment.
Councilmember Ericson-Diehm stated that if the City Council votes on this amendment and it does not
pass unanimously, the Charter Commission will then have to put the item on the ballot, possibly at a
special election.
Charter Commission
January 19, 2006
D~lYA '1
Commissioner V ogtman stated that the Charter Commission might have to meet more often.
Commissioner Laine had another suggestion that perhaps an independent commission could be set up by
the Charter Commission to review boundaries. The City Attorney stated he felt the city council would
take care of the boundary issues and redistricting as needed, even though it could be challenging. He
stated that the proposed wording put together by his office incorporates the wording of many other city
charters.
Commissioner Vogtman stated he didn't feel the Charter Commission should remove a layer of control
from the City Council. Commissioner Kyseth stated he was in favor of a small group overlooking the
boundaries instead of the having this done by the entire commission.
Commissioner Buboltz wanted to know how many times would we have to redistrict? Discussion then
centered on whether there should be just a simple majority of the council to decide on the boundaries, or a
super majority. Commissioner Hartel stated that after hearing all the discussion tonight, maybe the
Charter Commission should not review the boundaries and redistricting issue, but leave it up to the City
Council.
Many members felt a transition schedule needs to be addressed. The City Attorney stated he felt this was
premature, as the proposed charter changes need to be read again at another Charter Commission meeting
and then passed on to the City Council, where they have sixty days to act on it.
Councilmember Ericson-Diehm stated that philosophically, she does not agree with the proposed charter
changes to divide the city into four wards or districts. The city is only 3.5 square miles in size. She
stated that if there are wards or districts, those elected may consider representing their "special area" only
and may not consider themselves as representing the entire city. She feels that choice of candidates in a
specific ward or district of the city could be very limited. However, she also stated it would be easier to
campaign if there were wards.
Commissioner V ogtman stated that he used to think like Council member Ericson-Diehm, but after
discussing this issue for some time now, he has changed his mind. After consideration, he is in favor of
adding more people to the city council and adding members at large. He stated that maybe we should
consider having only two wards or districts, and let the rest of the councilmembers run at large.
Commissioner Laine stated that if you have enough money to run for office, you can use the Post Office.
If not, you need to walk around the entire city. Some members felt that the prevalence of campaign street
signs is a big factor as well.
Voting statistics were discussed. There are approximately 10,000 registered voters, and 7,000 actually
vote. Some members felt that some people don't vote if they don't know who is running. Voting turnout
could be even larger if people were run..Tling in specific wards or districts of the city, because those people
would be "known" in their area.
Discussion was held on whether or not to invite the councilmembers to another meeting with the Charter
Commission. Some members did not feel it would be fruitful, as this was attempted before, and
Councilmember Nawrocki was the only councilmember who appeared previously to discuss this issue
with commission members as a whole.
Charter Commission
January 19, 2006
n___ If
Commissioner King stated she is not in favor of wards or districts; ~he does not think it is fair to have just
one or two choices. She likes to select her councilmembers on the basis of business experience and
background. She also stated that it is not that costly to place campaign ads in the local papers, and some
people on this commission support this ward issue because they have run in the past and lost.
President Sturdevant stated that in 1980, there were some people running for office unopposed. He could
recall in 1993 or so, that 16 or 17 people ran for council seats in the primary. All city council members at
the present time live on the east side of Central Avenue. The concern of not every having every area of
the city represented is still a common comment. He also reminded members that the number of places to
go vote would go down from eight to four.
Commissioner Hartel asked the City Attorney about the wording that was crossed out in Section 8,
INCOMPATIBLE OFFICES, that was provided to commission members. The City Attorney stated that
he will check the current charter language, but it appeared that the wording underlined in that section
should be omitted from the changes being considered tonight.
Commissioner Laine's motion died for a lack ofa second.
Motion by Commissioner Buboltz, seconded by Commissioner Laine, to forward to the City Council the
proposed charter language as amended tonight. The language that was being voted on is as follows:
PROPOSED CHANGES TO
CHAPTER 2
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
(Note: Underlined material indicates new language; crossed out material indicates current language to
be deleted.)
Section 6. FORM OF GOVERNMENT. The form of government established by this charter shall be
known as the "Council-Manager Plan."
Section 7. ELECTIVE OFFICES. Tne council shaH be composed of a the Mayor. eiected at-large. two
councilmembers elected at-large. and four council members. each of whom whe shall be qualified electors,
and who shall be elected from a separate ward as established or amended pursuant to this charter. at large in
the manner hereinafter provided. The Mayor and councilmembers shall be qualified electors. Each
councilmember elected from a ward shall be a resident of the ward. but a change in ward boundaries does
not disqualify a councilmember from serving the remainder of a term. Except as hereinafter provided.
counciImembers The four council members shall serve for a term of four years and until theif ~ successors is
are elected and qualifie2a. The Mayor shall serve for a term of two years and until a successor is elected and
nlla1ifir>;;:;:!. Thr> ,~nlnlf'il "h,-rlll-t'" iU.-1o-", -+'+11", ",l",,-.ti,-.I1;;: .:;.f.t:;'I' tll"" r-"f<:iU,-.i' <:in,-I "'-'ilf',.iln''':''l,h,.:.,.s "h..,ll be 1...1,1 ""
"1. - A ........-.::::=.-~ - -- ..._.&. ...........-........ .....- J .....0- -..... "........- -....--........""'........""" VJL ~ .....,Ly.....; _... -........-. _'-'\.4. ..._..............._... ....v_... tJ ..... .L.a._...\".&."",",
provided herein. (Ordinance No. 1466, passed December 15, 2003) (Ordinance No. 1300, passed April
10,1995)
Section 7a. WARDS. The City shall be divided into four separate wards. The boundaries of such
wards shall be determined by ordinance based upon population as determined by the most recent federal
Charter Commission
January 19. 2006
census and shall be as equal in population as practicable. A ward must be composed of a compact and
contiguous territory. Review of the ward boundaries must be made by the Council and the wards
reapportioned by ordinance no later than two years after the year in which a federal census is taken so
that the populations of the wards are as equal as practicable. The wards of the City are those described
herein on the effective date of this Charter amendment.
Section 8. INCOMPATIBLE OFFICES. No member of the council shall hold any paid municipal office
or employment under the City of Columbia Heights, and until one year after the expiration of that member's
term as council member no former member shall be appointed to any paid office or employment under the
city which office or employment was created or the emoluments of which were increased during that
member's term. (Ordinance No. 1086, passed June 11, 1984)
Section 9. VACANCIES IN THE COUNCIL. A vacancy in the council shall be deemed to exist in
case of the failure of any person elected thereto to qualify on or before the date of the second regular
meeting of the new council, or by reason of the death, resignation, removal from office, cessation as a
resident of the city, continuous absence from the city for more than three months, conviction of a felony
of any such person whether before or after qualification, the failure of any council member without good
cause to perform any of the duties of membership in the council for a period of three months or for any
other cause as may be provided for in Minnesota Statutes, as amended. (New language will be inserted
here that if a councilmember moves out of their ward (but still lives in the city), they may serve out
their original elected term) In each such case, at the next regular meeting following receipt of notice by
the council of one of the foregoing conditions, the council shall by resolution declare such vacancy to
exist unless further investigation is required. Notice of said vacancy shall be posted at city hall for a
period of two (2) weeks from the date of the adoption of the resolution declaring said vacancy. Notice
shall also be published in a designated city newspaper for a period of two (2) weeks as soon as possible
after the date of the adoption of said resolution, with the publication being completed no later than thirty
(30) days from said date. Applications shall be sought and accepted from individuals interested in filling
the vacancy, which applications shall be submitted to city hall, to the attention of the City Clerk, within
45 days from the date of said resolution. The council shall interview each of the applicants within 30
days from the close of the application period, and shall conduct said interviews in an agreed upon
uniform manner as a council. After said 30 day period, the council shall make its appointment from the
pool of applicants within 15 days, whether done so at a regular council meeting or a special meeting. The
individuals so appointed shall fill said vacancy until the next regular municipal election, when the office
shall be filled for the unexpired term by an eligible person elected at large in the manner hereinafter set
forth; provided, however, that if a vacancy is declared by resolution after March 31 st in the year of a
regular municipal election, then the appointment process as set forth herein shall not take effect and any
such vacancy shall continue to exist until said election, at which time the vacancy shall be filled for the
unexpired term by an eligible person elected at large in the manner hereinafter provided.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any vacancy resulting from a recall election or from a
resignation following the filing of a recall petition shall be filled in the manner provided in such case.
(Ordinance No. 1331, passed September 23,1996) (Ordinance No. 1086, passed June 11, 1984)
It was pointed out that the proposed charter language being reviewed tonight could not just be forwarded
to the City Council, as it needs two readings at the Charter COIl11l1ission level.
Motion was amended and seconded that this be considered the first reading at the Charter Commission
level on the proposed charter language as amended tonight. Roll call vote was as follows.
Charter Commission
January 19, 2006
Ayes: Buboltz, Druckrey, Gertsema, Hartel, Johnson, Kyseth, Laine, Patiuk, Ritzko, Sturdevant,
Sturdevant, Vogtman. Nays: King. Abstain: None. Absent: Korday, Schmidt. Motion passed.
New Business
2005 Annual Report
Motion by Commissioner V ogtman, seconded by Commissioner Hartel to approve the 2005 Charter
Commission Annual Report as presented. The Recording Secretary will forward a copy to the Chief
Judge and City Clerk.
Next Meeting Date
The next regular Charter Commission meeting date is April 20, 2006, at 7 p.m. at Murzyn Hall.
President-Elect Hartel stated there could be a special meeting called of this commission before then.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner V ogtman, seconded by President-Elect Hartel to adjourn the meeting at 8:20
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~f1~
Carole J. Blowers,
Recording Secretary
Charter Commission
January 19, 2006
OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE
CHARTER COMMISSION
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2005
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CITY HALL
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President Joseph Sturdevant at 7:02 p.m.
Roll Call
Members present: Bob Buboltz, Nicole Druckrey, Barb Gertsema, Mike Hartel, Jim Johnson, Katy
Korday, Scott Kyseth, Carolyn Laine, Mike Patiuk, Lori Ritzko, Joe Sturdevant,
Joseph Sturdevant, Dan Vogtman
Members absent and excused: None
Members absent and unexcused: Nancy King, Clare Schmidt
Council Liaison, Mayor Gary Peterson, was not present.
Also present: Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Bruce Nawrocki, Councilmember; Carole Blowers, Recording
Secretary; Citizen Harold Hoium
Approval of Minutes of July 21, 2005
Motion by Commissioner Hartel, seconded by Commissioner Sturdevant, to approve the minutes as
submitted for the July 21,2005, meeting, Motion passed unanimously.
Joint Meeting with the City Council/Charter Commission Scheduled for Tonight
The following is the sequence of events leading up to tonight's meeting:
. Following a motion made at the July Charter Commission, a request was immediately made to
the City Manager and Mayor for a joint meeting with the City Council and the Charter
Commission regarding wards/districts,
. After various attempts to set a date, Charter Commission President Sturdevant got the date of
October 20th agreed upon as the date for a joint meeting,
. On September 26,2005, the City Council established a joint meeting of the Charter Commission
a...'1d City Council for Thursday, October 20, 2005, at 7 p.m.
. Agenda packets for this joint meeting went out Wednesday, October 12,2005.
. The Recording Secretary, City Manager, and Mr, Sturdevant were notified by the Mayor late on
Monday, October 17,2005, that at least two city council members could not make the joint
Charter Commission/City Council meeting of October 20th, The Mayor felt that since not all
council members could attend this meeting, a joint meeting should not be held, and he was
canceling the council's part of the meeting. Therefore, the regular meeting of the Charter
Commission would still be held, President Sturdevant stated he felt the joint meeting still could
h'~"e b....tl hel.J wl'th J'lI",t t1:,lf.... Yn","",1:,,,,rc of t1:,,,, cini ",,"n"1'l il\.Tnt... Th.. Cit\l Co'un'~l'l u;",'I.-
J.u.y ""'.......It u. u....,... LA. """"" L.l..A.......a.J..a.V""J.~ .L &..4..&"" "''-) "".....,\,.I..L.a._.l.. \.L"'.....,"'...... A.a........... "'J "'" ..'V.L.a.......
session scheduled for October 20,2005, at 5:30 p,m. was also cancelled.)
*
Old Business
Discussion on Districts/Wards
This topic is ongoing from the past several commission meetings. President Sturdevant asked if there
Charter Commission
October 20, 2005
n~ ~~ 1
was further information that needed to be discussed regarding this topic from the agenda material
provided to members.
Commissioner Johnson stated that he was in favor of the map that showed Central Avenue and 44th
Avenue as the dividing lines. Using this map, the population by quadrant would be as follows: NW-
4,550; NE-4,115; SW-4,911; and SE-4,994. This map brings the population figures more into line for
each quadrant. He also stated that he was in favor of using either the word "district" or "precinct" rather
than "ward".
The City Attorney stated that input from the city council was desired on this subject, and that is why the
joint meeting scheduled for tonight was asked for.
There was discussion again about the Council Liaison to the Charter Commission, Mayor Peterson, not
being present at the meetings. Some members wanted to know how liaisons were picked. President
Sturdevant stated that the Mayor and Councilmembers decide amongst themselves who wants to be
liaisons to what boards/commissions each year.
Since Councilmember Nawrocki was present at the Charter Commission meeting tonight, President
Sturdevant asked him for his comments on this topic. Nawrocki stated that this is not a new subject; it
was discussed several years ago. He stated that he was in favor of this change years ago. For a candidate,
he could see where this would be desirable. However, he feels with council positions being at large,
councilmembers are more answerable to the whole city, and it does not make the council less responsive.
Citizens can call or write to five people with a concern.
Commissioner Buboltz also brought up the issue of expanding the council. Commissioner Hartel stated
he could see the council expanded by at least two more people. Commissioner Laine stated we could
have four districts and have two members running at large, plus the Mayor at large.
President Sturdevant stated that the Mayor's term should stay at two years, since that position is in
control of the Police Department. He felt councilmember terms should stay at four years. Many felt three
positions could be elected one year and four the next.
Commissioner V ogtman stated there are pros and cons to this issue. If someone does not run in a precinct
or ward. a write-in person could win with iust 5 or 10 votes. He cited that it would be costlv to redistrict
~...., ."
due to changes in population, and population changes will continue to happen for years with the
development/redevelopment going on in the city. We could have an increase of 800 people in one year.
(We realize that a specific percentage in population differences between wards is allowed per state
statutes.) He felt that a lot of human energy and money could be spent on this issue and questioned ifthis
would this be the best use of both. Perhaps working on blighted areas of the city would be more
important. He also wants to vote for the most qualified people who are running for council. In hearing
additional comments from commission members, he felt he would be in favor of adding more people to
the city council. This was after consideration of some councilmembers running at large as well as by
district. He also realized that having wards would be better for candidates that run because it would be
less expensive for them.
Commissioner Hartel stated that we have made several changes to the charter over the years, and we have
even had things on the ballot. All these things take a lot of time, work, and money, but this is what we
are here for-to propose changes as needed or wanted.
Charter Commission
October 20, 2005
Commissioner 10P.ilson felt more people would vote ifthere were districts. He asked Councilmember
Nawrocki ifhe ever lost in his own precinct, to which he stated yes. Johnson also inquired if Nawrocki
ever carried every precinct.
President Sturdevant stated that the number of places to go vote would go down from eight to four. Right
now, there are some instances where two precincts are held in one building. Dividing the city into
wards/districts will not make it any further distance for people to go vote.
CounciImember Nawrocki stated that what really gets people out to vote is the Presidential race. In all
other elections (from state on down to city level), fewer and fewer people turn out to vote. He also stated
that most of the issues that come before the council relate to large areas of the city, not specific areas.
Commissioner Laine stated that if you have money, you can run. If you don't, it makes it more difficult
or impossible.
The concern of not every having every area of the city represented is still a common comment.
President Sturdevant asked commission members if they wished to proceed on this issue or not. That is
what must be decided.
Motion by Commissioner Buboltz, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to direct the City Attorney to
prepare proposed language for a charter change to reflect:
. adding two at-large councilmembers
· dividing the city into four quadrants using dividing lines of 44th Avenue and Central Avenues and
· keeping the Mayor's term at large and for two years.
More discussion ensued. Concern was expressed about the growing population in certain sections of the
city. With development in the SW quadrant (the Industrial Park area), an increase in population from
very little to possibly 200 to 400 new homes could make a big difference in that quadrant. Population
totals could also rise anywhere from 380-400 people in the NE quadrant due to the addition of The Lofts.
There are other possible sites that could change quadrant totals slightly. Some commission members felt
that dividing these lines to adjust for these increases in population could become political.
It is realized that there would also be parts of the existing cha..rter that would have to be a.mended or added
to relating to elections, the division of the city into four sections, the addition of two at-large city council
members, and the staggering of those terms.
Commissioner Hartel suggested that an addition to the above motion would be to include that the Charter
Commission will oversee the redistricting boundaries if and when needed. Commissioners Buboltz and
Johnson both agreed to this amendment
It was then questioned about the locations in the city where all Charter Commission members live.
President Sturdevant stated that our commission members are scattered through the city, and they are
appointed by the Chief Judge.
Councilmember Nawrocki asked how this charter change would be implemented, and would it be taken
to the vote of the citizens.
Charter Commission
October 20,2005
Commissioner Laine wondered how would the terms be staggered: would all at-large candidates be voted
upon one year and all regular candidates from wards voted upon at once or what? Would all at-large
candidates be voted on during the years of presidential elections to get more people to vote or what? She
also questioned if we would have to move the boundary to 43rd Avenue to get a better balance in certain
quadrants based on projected increases in population of some areas of the city.
Commissioner Vogtman stated a transition schedule would be needed. To get more input on these types
of things, perhaps the City Council would be willing to meet jointly with the Charter Commission in
January.
Voting no:
Abstain:
Absent:
President Sturdevant called the question and asked for a roll call vote:
Voting yes: Buboltz, Druckrey, Gertsema, Hartel, Johnson, Korday, Kyseth, Laine, Patiuk, Ritzko,
Sturdevant, Sturdevant
None
Vogtman
King and Schmidt
Motion passed.
Commissioner Hartel stated that whh the city council canceling out on tonight's meeting, it showed no
respect to the Charter Commission. We put forth a good faith effort; a meeting was set and approved by
the council; and at the last minute they cancelled out. Commissioner Buboltz stated that even if only
three councilmembers could have met with the Charter Commission, the joint meeting could have been
held. The attendance and comments of Councilmember Nawrocki tonight were appreciated by the
Charter Commission members.
Other Topics of Discussion
Status of Chapter 7. Section 72. of the Citv Charter Pertainine: to Bonded DebtlDebt Limit
The Recording Secretary stated that on August 8,2005, the City Council held its first reading on
Ordinance No. 1492, amending Chapter 7, Section 72 of the City Charter pertaining to bonded debt and
debt limit. On September 12,2005, the City Council held its second reading on the above ordinance.
The change will become effective 90 days from then.
Annual Board/Commission Recoe:nition Dinner
The annual board/commission recognition dinner will be held on Wednesday, December 14,2005, at
Murzyn Hall. Hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6 p.m., and dinner is planned for 6:30 p.m. Invitations
will be sent in the near future.
Inappropriate Behavior at Council Meetine:s/Eisewhere
Commissioner Laine brought up the last city council meeting of October 10th where the Mayor read a
letter about the inappropriate behavior of a councilmember outside of a council meeting. Her concerns
were about the city being sued for a hostile/abusive work environment.
The City Attorney stated problems with a hostile/abusive work environment are handled by state and
federal laws, not at the Charter Commission level. He stated that behavior at some of our council
meetings may be disrespectful, but it is not abusive or hostile. Other cities have councils that display a lot
Charter Commission
October 20, 2005
existing bonds shall be authorized by four fifths vote of the council by resolution.
Following its passage, the ordinance shall be published at least once by publication in a
legal newspaper having general circulation in the city. The registered voters of the city
shall have thirty days from the date of publication to initiate a referendum on the ordinance
authorizing the issuance. Subsequent to the passage of the authorizing ordinance, its
publication, and the thirty-day period, the bond sale shall occur within sixty days. During
said sixty day period, the City Manager shall have the authority to establish a special
meeting upon at least seventy-two (72) hours advance notice to each member of the
council. At that special meeting, the City Manager is authorized to receive the actual bides)
or sale of the bonds to be negotiated. The actual award or sale of the bonds shall be
approved by a resolution passed by a four-fifths vote of the council.
Commissioner Vogtrnan stated he didn't think the charter should make it too easy for the Council on the issue
of bonding, and the council should use due diligence. Bond rates can fluctuate (go higher or lower), but he
didn't feel they would fluctuate that quickly. He suggested changing the waiting period to 10-15 days instead
of changing the whole process or method.
Some felt we should do something on this issue before the next bonding event may arise, so that the city could
take advantage of possible savings. Commissioner Korday views the stock market as more volatile than the
bond market. She wondered what other cities have in their charters regarding this issue, and feels more research
needs to be done.
The Recording Secretary will contact the Research Department at the League of Minnesota Cities to learn how
other cities handle this subject, and to obtain any further information they may have regarding this issue.
Mayor Peterson felt we should ask our financial advisors (Mark Ruff from EWers and Associates) to clarify if it
has been an issue the way the city charter currently reads. After further discussion, it was the consensus of
members present to invite our city's financial consultant to come to our next Charter Commission meeting to
discuss this issue further.
Motion was made by Commissioner Vogtman, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to table the second reading
on this proposed charter change until we have more information. Motion passed 6-5-4 absent.
NEW BUSINESS
Up~oIl1ing 2005 Community Prayer Breakfast
Mayor Gary Peterson invited all commission members to attend the 2005 Community Prayer Breakfast which
will be held on May 11,2005, at 7 a.m. at Murzyn Hall. The guest speaker is Andrew Wyatt, and musical
selections will be provided by Youth Encounter. Tickets are $20 and are available at City Hall, Bobby &
Steve's Autoworld, and from the Mayor.
I
t Discussion on Topic of Wards /Districts in the City
"
'" In January, the Recording Secretary was asked to contact the League of Minnesota Cities for any research they
had on this issue, including pros and cons and size of cities that do have wards/districts. All commission
members received this packet of information prior to tonight's meeting for their review.
Different ideas, such as having some representation at large and some from districts, were discussed. There are
definite advantages and disadvantages to having the city divided into wards or districts. Some major
advantages were cited, such as campaigns could be more focused and less costly, therefore possibly raising
Page 3
April 21, 2005
interest levels for candidates who have limited funds. Being responsible for calls/complaints about a certain
area of the city could also be considered an advantage for some to run. It was stated that some citizens feel they
are left out if they don't have a councilmember representing them from their area.
The Mayor stated at a recent council meeting a resident suggested we increase the number of people on the city
council and since we are talking about wards/districts, it would probably be a good idea to discuss this idea as
welL Some felt since we are a growing community and first ring suburb, considering more councilmembers
could be a good idea.
Another suggestion was to increase the Mayor's term from two years to four years.
Vice President Patiuk stated he had some questions for the City Attorney regarding this issue, i.e., if there has to
be a specific number of people in each ward, what would determine the boundaries, and questions about the
process itself so we do not invite litigation. The City Attorney could provide more information to the
commission on these questions at our next meeting.
The Mayor stated he would like to see more young people run for council and more people get involved from
our different cultures to reflect our city's diversity.
If the city was equally divided in four districts size-wise, the question was asked what would the population be
in each quadrant. There would have to be a fairly equal number of voting residents in each quadrant. The
Recording Secretary will contact the Public Works Department to see if their GIS system could provide this
information for our next meeting.
Charter Commission members were also encouraged to discuss this issue with their neighbors and friends to get
more informal input on this subject before our next meeting.
NEXT MEETING DATE
The next Charter Commission meeting will be July 21, 2005, at Murzyn Hall at 7 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Hartel, seconded by Commissioner Korday to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Carole J. Blowers
Recording Secretary
Page 4
April 21, 2005
. I Discussion on Topic of \Vards/Districts in the em
'J/- President Sturdevant brought up the idea of having more geographically distributed council representatives
(\ throughout the city by having wards/districts. Commissioner Buboltz stated that we have very different
neighborhoods in the city now. There are a lot of pros fu'1d cons to this issue. The Recording Secretary was
asked to contact the League of Minnesota Cities for any research they have on this issue, including pros and
cons and size of cities that do have wards/districts.
Discussion on Politicians Buying Property in the City
Commissioner Korday had questions for the City Attorney about the recent transactions that took place between
current politicians and buying property in the city. She wanted to know ifthere were any stop guards in place
now to avoid this happening again, or if ones could be put in place. The City Attorney explained that he was
asked about this situation, and he advised that they could not vote or take part in any discussions on this issue
on a council level. At the EDA level, then the politicians involved decided to abstain from voting or holding
discussions at that level. When asked if there are any laws to prevent this from occurring, the City Attorney
also advised that there are stop guards in place now (in the state statutes).
Commissioner King left the meeting at 8: 12 p.m.
Commissioners discussed having trust in their city officials; others felt the public trust was broken because their
fudiciary duty to the general public was broken.
NEXT MEETING DATE
The next Charter Commission meeting will be April 21, 2005, at Murzyn Hall at 7 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Schmidt, seconded by Commissioner Buboltz to adjourn the meeting at 8: 18 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
~.
Carole .L Blowers
Recording Secretary
Page 4
January 20,2005
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of: 5/18/06
AGENDA SECTION: WORK SESSION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER
PUBLIC WORKS /", }
BY: K. Hansen / K. Windschitl
DATE: 5/9/06
ITEM: ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENTS TO
PRESTEMON PARK ATHLETIC FIELD LIGHTING
Background:
Staffhas discussed the seasonal usage of athletic fields with the Park and Recreation Commission over the
last couple of years. Currently, only two fields in the entire city have sufficient lighting that allows play at
and following sunset. This limits programming for youth softball, adult softball and youth baseball. At the
November 281\ 2005 regular meeting the City Council authorized the preparation of a feasibility report for
athletic field lighting at Prestemon Park. At the February 131\ 2006 regular City Council meeting the Council
accepted the report and authorized a Public Hearing before the Park and Recreation on March 291\ 2006.
With advent of redevelopment of the City's Industrial Area into residential, additional demand will be placed
on the City park systems. The redevelopment of Huset Park has also been proposed with a master plan
presented (but not adopted) to the City Council. In the event Huset Park is redeveloped, it would take out the
City's only two lighted athletic fields for at least a year during reconstruction. Staff has evaluated other city
ball fields and recommends that Prestemon Park be evaluated as a candidate for lighting due to its current
size, newer backstop and player's benches and good overall field condition. It is currently used for adult
softball, youth softball and youth baseball, but use is limited to daylight hour which further restricts play in
the spring and fall. Based upon this, the Park and Recreation Commission made a unanimous motion to
recommend to the City Council the addition of athletic lighting at Prestemon Park at their September 2005
regular meeting.
The feasibility report evaluated the viability, impacts, schedule and funding sources to install athletic field
lighting at Prestemon Park. The total cost estimate is $85,000 with $72,000 estimated for the lighting system
and $13,000 to bling required power to the site and electrical undergrounding. The design will consist of six
(6) 60-foot monopoles with a total of22 1,500-watt luminaires. An illumination summary was attached to the
feasibility report that shows the design intensity on the athletic field and 100 feet from the monopoles. The
luminaire design reduces light spillage by over 95% - which provides an intensity average of 0.126 foot-
candies near adjacent property lines (equivalent to a full moon on a clear night in the City). Field lighting
provides an average of35.5 and 22.6 foot-candles at the infield and outfield, respectively. This is consistent
with industry recommendations for softball use.
Project funding would be provided through the 100% Contributed Projects - Recreation Fund 881. Adequate
funds for the estimated costs are available.
ATHLETIC FIELD LIGHTING AT PRESTEMON PARK
COUNCIL ACTION:
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of: 5/18/06
AGENDA SECTION: WORK SESSION ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER
PUBLIC WORKS
ITEM: ORDERmGTHEIMPROVEMENTSTO BY: K. Hansen / K. Windschitl BY:
PRESTEMON PARK ATHLETIC FIELD LIGHTING DATE: 5/9/06 DATE:
Page 2
Analysis/Conclusions:
The following summarizes the presentation and discussion at the March 29th Park and Recreation Public
Hearing. There were approximately 25 people that attended the Public Hearing. Staff presented the need for
additional ball field space for current and new programs for both youth and adults. The Recreation Director
indicated the importance of having the ability to grow our programs to meet the current and future needs of
our growing community. The Recreation Department must provide recreational opportunities that will
attract and retain residents. It was noted that Prestemon ball field is one of the best fields in the City, but has
limited use due to darkness especially in the spring and fall of the year. The improvements made at
Prestemon ball field have made it very safe for participants.
A representative from Musco Lighting gave a brief presentation regarding ball field lighting. There have
been new advancements made to improve lighting equipment. New ball field lighting technology
concentrates directly on the field area rather than spilling into the neighborhoods. A video was shown to
demonstrate these examples of modem progress made in the lighting industry.
Residents of Columbia Heights expressed both support and concern for the project. By lighting Prestemon
field residents indicated it would make the park a safer place due to both additional light and more activity in
the evening. It was stated that Prestemon ball field is underutilized and in order to create additional
programming lights would be needed at this field. Lights at Prestemon would be a good enhancement for the
community, keep children busy and give the Recreation Department the ability to keep building the athletic
program. This additional ball field with lights would create the opportunity for Columbia Heights to hold
more home games for our youth athletic programs, which are currently being held in other cities. Residents
indicated the benefits outweigh the concerns and that we need to do something for the kids in our
community.
Neighborhood residents brought up several concerns regarding the project. Homeowners across the street
from Prestemon Park indicated that No Parking zones are not being adhered to during league nights. It was
brought up that participants are urinating on the trees in the park. There were concerns of alcohol
consumption and behavior of players staying late into the evening. Garbage and litter were stated as ongoing
problems.
ATHLETIC FIELD LIGHTING AT PRESTEMON PARK
COUNCIL ACTION:
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of: 5/18/06
AGENDA SECTION: WORK SESSION ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER
PUBLIC WORKS
ITEM: ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENTS TO BY: K. Hansen / K. Windschitl BY:
PRESTEMON PARKA THLETIC FIELD LIGHTING DATE: 5/9/06 DATE:
Page 3
The Recreation Director looked into these concerns brought up during the Public Hearing. The Police
Department compiled the last three years of police calls to the Prestemon Park area. There were a total of
nine calls; two of the nine resulted in arrests and three of the calls were unfounded as reported. None of
these calls were related to any softball league play or tournaments. A solution for public urination in the
park is to move the portable restrooms closer to the ball field and more convenient to players. The
Recreation Director indicated that we could refrain from giving out beer pennits for the remainder of the year
on a trial basis in hope that this rectifies behavior issues. In regards to garbage and litter the Parks
Department will be cleaning and emptying garbage on a more frequent basis. The Recreation Director
informed residents that he wants to work with the neighborhood and if there are issues concerning recreation
programs, he would like to be made aware of them. If the issues need to be addressed by the police
department they are encouraged to call 911 and an officer will respond.
At the Park & Recreation Meeting on April 26, 2006, the Commission unanimously passed a motion to
recommend to the City Council that lights be installed at Prestemon Park with the understanding that there is
no alcohol for one year, that the portable restroom will be moved closer to the field, that youth programs will
be scheduled at the park and that funding will come out of the Recreation Fund 881.
City staff also recommends ordering the improvement for the addition of athletic field lighting at Prestemon
Park.
Recommended Motion: Move to order the improvements for the addition of athletic field lighting at
Prestemon Park, with funding coming out of the Recreation Fund 881.
KH:jb/ds
COUNCIL ACTION:
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
APRIL 20, 2006
TO:
MAYOR PETERSON
COUNCILMEMBER WILLIAMS
COUNCILMEMBER NAWROCKI
COUNCILMEMBER ERICSON
COUNCILMEMBER KELZENBERG
WALTFEHST,CITYMANAGER 1/11
GOAL SETTING SESSION
FROM:
RE:
Superintendent Kaldor and I sat down with Consultant Bruce Miles this week to talk of ways
to formalize our commitment of working toward the common goal of serving our citizens.
Attached is a copy of the proposal that Superintendent Nancy Kaldor received regarding a "Goal
Setting Session" with the City Council, School Board and both City and School District
Administrations.
As stated in the proposal, the purpose of this 2 ~ hour effort would be to guide and assist the
District and the City through the planning and problem-solving necessary to build on current
successes, refine vision for collective work together, rough out priorities and assign work to key
school and city leaders.
Please review the proposal. I think it would be worth our time and effort to continue to improve
relations with the School District.
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
Nancy Kaldor <KaldorN@colheights.k12.mn.us>
"'walt. fehst@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us'" <walt. fehst@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us>
4/19/2006 10:28:25 AM
FW: Proposal & bid
Walt, here is the proposal from Bruce. Let me know what you think....Nancy
-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Miles [mailto:bruce@bigrivergroup.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2006 10:40 AM
To: kaldorn@colheights.k12.mn.us
Subject: Proposal & bid
Hi, Nancy. Thanks for the time yesterday & the opportunity.
Draft proposal & bid attached. After reviewing the work that needs
to be completed in the session, I stretched it out to to 2 & 1/2
hours. If that is too long, we can trim it back.
Please forward, & let me know how it looks.
********************************************
"42.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot."
(Sign @ Tom's Burned Down Cafe. LaPointe, WI)
*****************************
Bruce H. Miles, Ed.D.
Big River Consulting Group, LLC
"Chainsaw Planning", Research, & Training
PO Box 5120
St. Cloud, MN 56302-5120
bruce@bigrivergroup.com
(800) 500-7017 (Toll-free)
(320) 202-1212 (Local)
(320) 260-2612 (Cell)
(320) 202-1010 (Fax)
Bi River Consultin Grou , LLC
P.O. Box 5120. St. Cloud, MN . 56302-5120
(800) 500-7017. Fax: (320) 202-1010
E-Mail: Bruce@bigrivergroup.com
Columbia Heights Schools & City of Columbia Heights
April 2006 · Proposal & Bid for Joint Planning Session
Purpose
The purpose of this proposal text is to describe a process designed to
guide and assist the District & the City through the planning and problem-
solving necessary to build on current successes, refine vision for collective
work together, rough out priorities & assign work out to key school & city
leaders.
Proposal Design & Plan
This proposal has been developed to provide a systematic method for
the District & City to consider and refine their relationship, discuss vision &
mission, .and develop possible priorities for continued shared efforts.
The planning system proposed has been used extensively with service,
educational and governmental organizations, as well as businesses
manufacturers, and medical practices.
Development & Delivery of Planning Session
Preplanning
· e-mail surveys to all School Board members & district
administrators
· e-mail surveys to all City Council members & city administrators
· Draft agenda developed & presented to representative( s) from the
City & the District for edits and/or approval prior to session.
Planning Session
The two & one-half hour planning session will be refined, but is
expected to be convened with the following approximate format:
1) Briefly review organizational history (City & District)
2) Identify successes, issues & future
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4) Identify possible priorities for future collaborations
5) Identify next steps & assign responsibilities
6) Evaluate the session
- I
Total list of work to be completed within the session:
1) Consensus re: past successes and history to date
2) Vision for an improved future
3) List of possible priorities for future collaborations
4) List of next steps wi assigned responsibilities
5) Evaluations of the session
Post-Session Work
· We prepare all final products from the session.
About the Proposer
Dr. Bruce H. Miles is the CEO & owner of the Big River Consulting
Group, LLC. From 1988 to 1994, he was the Director of Rum River North
& South Day Treatment Programs for the Children's Mental Health
Collaboratives within Isanti & Mille Lacs Counties. From 1994 to 1999,
Bruce was an Assistant Professor at St. Cloud State University & taught
coursework in the areas of leadership, planning, finance and administration.
He is a national-level presenter, trainer and facilitator in the content areas of
strategic planning, organizational conflict, & working with difficult
employees.
Bruce has worked as a consultant for the past twenty one years and
provides planning & training to more than 4,000 participants each year.
Bruce specializes in the areas of:
· Strategic planning
· Data collection & analysis
· Leadershin traininQ:
.l .....
· Resistant employees
· Workplace climate issues
· Organizational effectiveness
· Data-based decision-making
· Personnel issues & decisions
· Difficult people
· Organizational conflict
Recent clients & organizations include:
· School districts, colleges and universities
· Regional city governments
· Educational Service Cooperatives
· Interagency family service and mental health collaboratives
· Businesses
· Medical practices and organizations
- 2 -
Date 4/17/06
Client Columbia Heights: City & Schools
Project Development &. Facilitation: Three Sessions
Tax ID #!US: 41-1913522 . MN: 3830234
Project Notes
Time @ Time @ Travel Expenses
My Site CH
($500/hr:$600/hr:($75/hr) (Actual)
Task
Develop & e-mail survey 0.25
Assemble results 0.33
Develop session mat' Is 0.75
Travel to CH
Facilitate session 2.50
Return travel
Prepare session results 0.75
Column Totals 2.08 2.50
Column Costs $1,040 $1,500
Project Total $2,690
To particpants
Summary format
Agenda, mat' Is, evals
1.00 From St. Cloud
Date & ti me tba
1.00 To St. Cloud
2.00 0.00
$150 $0
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Work Session of: May 18, 2006
AGENDA SECTION:
NO:
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:
Administration
CITY MANAGER'S
APPROVAL
ITEM: Paperless Agenda
Councilmember Packets
BY: Patty Muscovitz
DATE: May 10,2006
~lR
NO:
Background:
Mayor Peterson has asked that paperless agenda Councilmember packets be considered. This
would require that laptop computers be made available to Councilmembers and that packet
information be delivered on a CD or a key.
Prior to the year 2000, 25 sets of packets were copied for each meeting. With the ability to scan
the documents into Laserfiche and staff to retrieve the portions of the packet that they choose
through this means, the number of packets was reduced to 13 sets (Mayor, 4 Councilmembers,
City Manager, Assistant to the City Manager, City Attorney, Library, Public copy for meeting
room, Council Secretary, Focus and Northeaster newspapers - with the original copy used as the
permanent file).
42,432 pages were copied in 2005 for City Council meetings and work sessions. The total
copier & paper costs for these copies were $1,080.44.
We would still be required to copy two or three full packets: for the permanent file, for the
meeting room public copy and possibly for the Library.
At this point, the amount of stafftime saved, if any, is not known. It has been discussed to
require that all infonnation be submitted in an electronic format. Generating one combined
document and downloading the information may require formatting or file type changes to
allow for search or memo capabilities.
As this was not a budgeted item, consideration must be given to where funding would corne
from.
Note: the City Manager and Finance Director will be present at the work session to discuss in
more detail the ramifications of this and take direction. Direction requested would include how
many Councilmembers are interested in doing this, and what the depth of use should be - i.e.
Council agenda packets, minutes, or other City items. Following this a more formal plan could
be prepared.
COUNCIL ACTION: