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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 16, 2008, Charter Commission MinutesCOLUMBIA HEIGHTS CHARTER COMMISSION MINUTES October 16, 2008 7:00 p.m. Gauvitte Room Murzyn Hall Call to Order The meeting was called to order by President Joe Sturdevant at 7:02 p.m. Roll Call Members present: Bob Buboltz, Joe Clason, Katherine Francen, Nancy King, Mike Patiuk, Rachel Schwagel, 7oseph Sturdevant Members absent and excused: Roger Johnson, Carolyn Laine, Lori Ritzko Members absent and unexcused: Barb Gertsema, Katy Korday, Dan Vogtman Council Liaison, Tami Diehm, was present. City Attorney, Jim Hoeft, and Recording Secretary, Carole Blowers, were absent (and excused). Approval of minutes of July 17, 2008 Motion by Commissioner Buboltz, seconded by Commissioner Schwagel, to approve the minutes of July 17, 2008, as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Correspondence Secretary Nancy King reported on correspondence since the July 17th meeting. Member applications were received for Joe Clason and Katherine Francen, who were both appointed to the Charter Commission. Their completed oaths were sent to the Chief Judge and Anoka County. Council letters and Ordinance 1551 were prepared for city council action on August 11 and August 25, 2008, regarding duties of the City Clerk and City Treasurer. On September 22, the city council tabled the second reading on the abolishment of the Police/Fire Civil Service Commission to a future city council meeting. Recognition items were prepared for Joseph Sturdevant, who served two full terms (eight years). Tonight's meeting packet was prepared and mailed to all members. Status of Membership Introduction of new Charter Commissioners Joe Clason and Katherine Francen were welcomed to the Charter Commission. At the current time, there are still two vacancies on the commission. Several members will end their two terms of service ne~t year. Council Liaison, Tami Diehm, recommended to President Sturdevant that he should announce the purpose and responsibilities of the Charter Commission during a Mayor's Report, which occurs on cable TV the day after each council meeting. Reco~nition of Out.°~oin~ Commission Member President Sturdevant acknowledged Joseph Sturdevant (Sr.) for his past eight years (two terms) on the Charter Commission. Mr. Sturdevant was unable to attend the city council meeting for his recognition, so he was invited to attend tonight's meeting to receive his recognition. Mr. Sturdevant had many good ideas and recommendations for the commission to act upon, and he was thanked for his commendable service. Mr. Sturdevant commented that he appreciated all commission members working together, and noted that no one left the commission during times of disagreement. He also encouraged new members to bring up new ideas to either this commission or any other individuals within the City of Columbia Heights. October 16, 2008 Page 1 Columbia Heights Charter Commission Old Business Status of Ordinance 1551, City Clerk vs. City Treasurer Duties The Charter Commission held their first reading of changes that need to be made to the City Charter (to reflect the changes in the duties of the City Clerk and City Treasurer duties) on April 16, 2008, and the second reading at the commission level on July 17, 2008. Sections of the City Charter that need to be changed are as follows: Chapter 6, Section 55, Subordinate Officer; Chapter 7, Section 66, Levy and Collection of Taxes; and Chapter 8, Section 77, Local Improvements How Made. The City Council held their first reading of this ordinance on August 11, and the second reading and adoption on August 25, 2008. The ordinance will become effective in 90 days from date of passage by the City Council. Status of the Abolishment of the Police/Fire Civil Service Commission Council Liaison, Tami Diehm, announced the City Council tabled the second reading of this ordinance to a future council meeting date so time is given for members of the firefighters' union, their representatives, and management can meet on this subject. Continued Review of the City Charter With the City Attorney absent this evening, President Sturdevant recommended no action on this topic for this meeting. Discussion will be continued at the ne~t meeting in January. New Business President Sturdevant inquired if there were any new thoughts or direction for the commission or the community. Commissioner Schwagel commented that as a new resident of the city, she wanted to introduce herself to the community and see if there's anything she could do to make this a better place to live. Commissioner Francen suggested that all City Commissions have a combined meeting where all members come together for introductions of individuals and information is provided on how each commission functions. This recommendation was well received and felt it would be informative for attendees. Council Liaison, Tami Diehm, stated Crestview will be hosting a candidates' forum for the city, county, and the school board, but she did not know the date. President Sturdevant stated the League of Women Voters will present a School Board forum on October 23 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the school. Next Meeting Date The ne~t regular Charter Commission meeting date will be January 15, 2009, at 7 p.m. at Murzyn Hall. Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Buboltz, seconded by Commissioner Patiuk, to adjourn the meeting at 7:42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nancy L. King Secretary to the Charter Commission October 16, 2008 Page 2 Columbia Heights Charter Commission