HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009July16CharterCommMinutesCOLUMBIA HEIGHTS CHARTER COMMISSION
MINUTES
July 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 7:04 p.m.
Roll Call
Members present: Joe Clason, Roger Johnson, Carolyn Laine, Rachel Schwankl, Charles Tyler, Dan
Vogtman
Members absent and excused: Barbara Gertsema, Nancy King, Mike Patiuk, 7oseph Sturdevant
Members absent and unexcused: Katherine Francen Pepple
Council Liaison, Tami Diehm, was not present. Councilmember Kelzenberg attended in her absence.
City Attorney, Jim Hoeft, and Recording Secretary, Carole Blowers, were present.
Approval of minutes of April 16, 2009
Motion by Commissioner Laine, seconded by Commissioner Tyler to approve the minutes of April 16,
2009, as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
Correspondence
The Recording Secretary reviewed the correspondence since April 16, 2009, which included preparation
of the April minutes, sending the charter comparison chart to members, articles regarding membership
sent to the two local newspapers (two times), e-mails to member Barbara Gertsema, and preparation of
tonight's agenda.
Status of Membership
At the current time, the Charter Commission has four vacancies. These vacancies have been advertised
on cable TV, in our last city's newsletter, and in the two local newspapers.
Old Business
CONTIN UED REVIEW OF THE CITY CHARTER
City Attorney Jim Hoeft continued with review of the City Charter where we left off at our last meeting
(Chapter 7, Section 72).
Chapter 7, Section 72, Bonded Debt and Debt Limit
The City may bond for a number of various things as indicated in the City Charter. It is done by
ordinance, and 4/5 affirmative vote of the councilmembers would authorize issuance of bonds. This is
after there are two readings by the council on the issuance of bonds. The ordinance becomes effective 30
days after the second reading.
Statutory cities can bond by resolution, with a 4/5 approval. In the statutes, it also states the various
things that can be bonded for. The state statutes are easier to follow regarding this process. Statutory
bonding is not subject to a referendum.
Refinancing of bonds is done by resolution.
July i6, aoo9
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Columbia Heights Charter Commission
The City Attorney felt that the wording stating the interest percentage should be changed and Sections 72
and 72b should be reformatted into just one section.
The City Attorney will prepare new wording on this section of the city charter for our ne~t meeting in
October. This section of the charter probably needs the most updating.
Chapter 7, Section 73, Form and Repayment of Bonds
The City Manager, with the Finance Director and financial consultants, arrange for debt service (interest)
to the people who buy these bonds.
Chapter 7, Section 74, Emer.°~ency Debt Certificates
The City Attorney stated he has never heard of any city using this. The City Council can pass an
emergency ordinance with just one reading and a 4/5 affirmative vote. State statutes has a provision in
this area as well, and he will make a comparison of the charter language vs. the state statute wording.
At our ne~t meeting, we will review the changes to Chapter 7, Section 72 and 72B, and Chapter 7, Section
74 prepared and presented by the City Attorney.
New Business-None.
Next Meeting Date
The ne~t regular Charter Commission meeting date will be October 15, 2009, at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Tyler, seconded by Commissioner Schwankl, to adjourn the meeting at 7:40
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carole J. Blowers
Recording Secretary to the Charter Commission
July i6, aoo9
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Columbia Heights Charter Commission