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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 21, 2004, Charter MinutCOLUMBIA HEIGHTS CHARTER COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 21, 2004 7:00 P.M. MURZYN HALL CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by President Hartel at 7:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Members present: Barb Gertsema, Mike Hartel, James Johnson, Nancy King, Kathleen Korday, Scott Kyseth, Joe Sturdevant, Joseph Sturdevant Members absent and excused: Nicole Dmckrey, Michael Patiuk, Clara Schmidt, Daniel Vogtman Members absent and unexcused: Bob Buboltz Commissioner Banyard had missed four consecutive meetings (unexcused), and was removed from the commission by the Chief Judge, per Minnesota State Statutes. Also present: Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Carole Blowers, Recording Secretary Council Liaison Bobby Williams was not present at the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Hartel, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to approve the minutes as presented for Julyl 15, 2004. Motion passed unanimously. CORRESPONDENCE The Recording Secretary advised conmfission members that since our last meeting in July, she had forwarded a letter to John Banyard with a copy to the Chief Judge regarding his unexcused absences. The Chief Judge did order the removal of Mr. Banyard per Minnesota Statutes 410.05. Charles Christopherson was recognized at a city council meeting for his eight years of service. Joe Sturdevant (Sr.) was also reappointed to another four year term. Current membership totals thirteen. New membership roster were passed out to the commissioners present at tonight's meeting. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of Chapter 2, Section 15, Official Bonds 'l'ne Unarter Commission held its first reading on proposed changes to this section of the charter in July which is as follows: Page I October 21, 2004 Section 15. OFFICIAL BONDS. By resolution, the council shall establish bonding and insurance requirements for all city employees as security for the faithful performance of their respective duties and the safekeeping of the public funds. Mr. Hoeft explained the Finance Director, Bill Elrite, recommended this change to having the council establish bonding and insurance requirements by resolution rather than by ordinance. Mr. Hoeft also explained the procedure on proposed changes to the city charter. There are two readings at the commission level, and two readings at the city council level. The city council has the option of passing the proposed revisions unanimously or returning them to the commission for possible modifications. The Charter Commission can make modifications to the amendments or place the item on the ballot for the voters to decide. The City Attorney explained that the St. Paul Companies was our local insurance cartier for years, but we currently use the League of Minnesota Cities which has saved the city substantial amounts of money, especially because of end of year rebates. He also explained that in the 1980's, the city was self-insured. Commissioner Korday asked what the city's experience rating is. The City Attorney referred her to Bill Elrite and/or Linda Magee. Mr. Hoeft explained the proposed wording would satisfy the requirement for a fidelity bond and also satisfy state statutes. Mr. Hoeft explained that the state statutes basically state we have to have fidelity bonds for certain employees. After further discussion and clarifications, a motion was made by Commissioner Hartel, seconded by Commissioner King to approve the second reading on the proposed change to Section 15 as stated above and to forward on to the city council for their unanimously approval or denial. Motion passed unanimously. Discussion of Chapter 3, Section 19, Procedure on Ordinances and Chapter 3, Section 22, Si~ing and Publication of Ordinance and Resolutions The City Attorney stated the reason these sections recently came up was when the refinancing of the existing bonds for Parkview Villa was being discussed. Our Financial Consultant, Mark Ruff, from Ehlers and Associates commented on the long period of time (30 days) for an ordinance to take effect. In this particular instance, the city could lose out on some great interest rates for the refinancing of the existing bonds because of the 30 day wait period. So, there has been discussion not to shorten the length of time an ordinance takes affect for all ordinances, but only if it is pertaining to "refinancing" of current bonds which would greatly streamline this process. The City Attorney stated that Mark Ruff could probably attend our next Charter Commission meeting if that is desired. It would have to be approved by the City Manager. Mr. Ruff could certainly prepare a memo explaining the situation and the reason for a charter language change. It was questioned whether there would be a new section added to the city charter or would we add to an existing one? The City Attorney stated he did not know at this time how it would be handled. President Hartel asked if this was urgent, should we hold a special meeting rather than wait until our next regular meeting in January. The City Attorney explained that the issue regarding Parkview Villa has been passed by the council and at this time, we are just waiting out the 30 days. So there is no real urgency to make a change right now. Commissioner Korday asked about Parkview Villa and whether the city sold it or not, as she has heard rumors to that affect. It was explained that the management of Parkview Villa changed only. Page 2 October 21, 2004 Commissioner Sturdevant wanted clarification it is only being asked to discuss a change the charter in reference to refinancing bonds, not new bonds, and not for other ordinances. The City Attorney confirmed this is tree. It was decided that the City Attorney will contact Mark Ruff to put some comments down in writing and the City Attorney will put together some new language for our next meeting in January. NEW BUSINESS There will be a joint boards/commission dinner at Murzyn Hall on Wednesday evening, December 8, 2004, beginning at 6 p.m. with a social hour, and dinner at 6:30 p.m. NEXT MEETING DATE The next Charter Commission meeting will be January 20, 2005, at Murzyn Hall at 7 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Hartel, seconded by Commissioner Korday to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Motion passed m~animously. Respectfully submitted, ~-~ole J. Blow~ Recording Secretary Page 3 October 21, 2004