HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009April16CharterCommMinutesCOLUMBIA HEIGHTS CHARTER COMMISSION
MINUTES
April 16, 2009
7:00 p.m.
City Hall
Conference Room 1
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President Dan Vogtman at 7:02 p.m.
Roll Call
Members present: Barbara Gertsema, Roger Johnson, Nancy King (7:05 p.m.), Carolyn Laine (7:05
p.m.), Mike Patiuk (7:47 p.m.), Katherine Francen Pepple, Rachel Schwagel,
Joseph Sturdevant, Charles Tyler, Dan Vogtman
Members absent and excused: None
Members absent and unexcused: Joe Clason
Council Liaison, Tami Diehm, was present.
City Attorney, Jim Hoeft, and Recording Secretary, Carole Blowers, were present.
Approval of minutes of January 15, 2009
Motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of January 15, 2009, as presented. Motion passed
unanimously.
Correspondence
The Recording Secretary reviewed all the correspondence since January 15, 2009, which included much
correspondence between the Chief Judge, new member Charles Tyler, and two members who completed
terms on the commission (Bob Buboltz and Lori Ritzko).
Status of Membership
Charles Tyler was introduced as our newest member. At the current time, the Charter Commission has
four vacancies. These vacancies have been advertised on cable TV and will be announced in the next
city's newsletter. The Recording Secretary was instructed to send notices to the local papers regarding
our vacancies.
At this time, all members of the commission briefly introduced themselves.
Old Business
CONTIN UED REVIEW OF THE CITY CHARTER
City Attorney Jim Hoeft continued with review of the City Charter where we left off several months ago
(Chapter 7-Taxation and Finance-- of the City Charter).
Chapter 7, Section 58, Council to Control Finances
With a statutory city, there is no right of referendum.
Chapter 7, Section 59, Fiscal Year
This section of the charter states the fiscal year ends on the 31st day of December.
Chapter 7, Section 60, Taxation
Minnesota state statutes govern the taxation laws.
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Columbia Heights Charter Commission
Chapter 7, Section 61, Board of Equalization
The City Attorney briefly talked about the tax on property which is based on the value (whether it's
residential, business, recreational, etc.). Property owners can go to the Board of Equalization and appeal
the amount, and if not satisfied there, can appeal to the County Board.
Chapter 7, Section 62, Preparation of the Budget
The City Manager prepares and presents the annual city budget, with assistance from the division heads
and the Finance Department.
Chapter 7, Section 63, Passa~e of the Budget
Per the City Charter, the City Council must hold one public hearing on the budget prior to it being passed
by resolution by October lOth. The date is set by state statutes.
Chapter 7, Section 64, Enforcement of the Budget
The City Manager enforces the budget.
Chapter 7, Section 65, Modifications in the Budget
In this section, budget modifications are discussed. Fund transfers do occur from time to time, and are
approved by a 4/5 vote of the council.
Chapter 7, Section 66, Levy and Collection of Taxes
The City Treasurer must submit the taxes to the County Auditor.
Chapter 7, Section 67, Tax Settlement with County Treasurer
The City Treasurer has the responsibility of making sure all county treasury monies belonging to the city
are turned over to the city according to law.
Chapter 7, Section 68, Payment of Bills, How Made
The council must approve payment of bills from the proper funds, per the City Charter.
Chapter 7, Section 69, Funds to be Ke~t
The city may also levy amounts for debt service, public utilities, general operating costs, and special
assessments, to name a few.
Chapter 7, Section 70, Receipts to ~o to City Treasurer
Receipts must go to the City Treasurer. The City Attorney recommended that the last sentence in this
section be removed: "Any person in the employ of the city guilty of a violation of this provision shall be
liable to be reduced in rank and salary or to be dismissed from office or position, as the council may
determine after a hearing." He explained that this would be a City Manager/Human Resources decision.
Chapter 7, Section 71, Accounts and Reports
In this section, Accounts and Reports, the City Manager is the Chief Accounting Officer of the city.
Generally accepted accounting principles in all accounting obligations must be followed.
At our ne~t meeting, we will begin with Chapter 7, Section 72, Bonded Debt and Debt Limit. The
Recording Secretary will make sure everyone receives a copy of the comparison chart (chartered city vs.
statutory city) which the City Attorney was referencing in his discussions tonight.
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Columbia Heights Charter Commission
New Business
Chan~e of Meetin~ Location
Charter Commission members were provided with correspondence received and sent to Keith Windschitl,
Recreation Director, regarding the situation of continuing to hold our commission meetings at Murzyn
Hall. In summary, we were advised that Thursday evening events at Murzyn Hall would have to end at
7:30 p.m. President Vogtman decided to move our meetings to City Hall, as there are rooms available for
us to use without having to change our regular meeting date and/or time. Our meetings will either be held
in Conference Room 1 or the Council Chambers at City Hall, depending on which one is available.
2009 Prayer Breakfast
Commission members were provided with invitations to the 2009 Prayer Breakfast which will be held on
Tuesday, May 12, 2009, beginning at 7 a.m. at Murzyn Hall. President Vogtman asked for further
information regarding this event, which the Recording Secretary, Carole Blowers, provided. This is the
lOth annual community prayer breakfast this year, and attendance is expected to be about 200 people.
Next Meeting Date
The ne~t regular Charter Commission meeting date will be July 16, 2009, at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Sturdevant, seconded by Commissioner Schwagel, to adjourn the meeting at
7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carole J. Blowers
Recording Secretary to the Charter Commission
April 16, 2009
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Columbia Heights Charter Commission