HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-19-2017MINUTES OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CHARTER COMMISSION
JANUARY 19, 2017
7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL- CONFERENCE ROOM 1
Call to Order
President Steve Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Oath of Office — Rob Fiorendino
Roll Call /Status of Membership
Members present: Roger Johnson, Steve Smith, Tim Utz, Matt Abel, Lee Bak, Frost Simula, Susan Wiseman,
Eric Penniston, Gregory Sloat, Ramona Anderson and Rob Fiorendino
Members absent (excused) James Guy, Carolyn Laine and Mike Patiuk
Members absent (unexcused) Jeffrey Diehm
Also in attendance: City Attorney Jim Hoeft, Council Liaison Connie Buesgens and City Clerk /Recording
Secretary Katie Bruno
President Smith added the following two items to the agenda; The Election of Officers and Review of the
Annual Report.
Approval of Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Bak to approve the agenda as amended.
Motion passed unanimously.
Election of Officers
Commissioner Abel nominated Steve Smith for President, Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Utz indicated he would like to see someone different assume the role of Vice President.
Commissioner Bak nominated Matt Abel for Vice - President. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Penniston volunteered to serve as Secretary. Motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Simula, seconded by Commissioner Penniston to approve the minutes from the
October 20, 2016 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Review of the Annual Report
The Annual Report was distributed for review.
Old Business -None
New Business
A. Review of Charter Chapter 2, Section 9, Vacancies on the Council.
President Smith distributed a timeline summarizing the appointment process. Smith indicated the process is
lengthy, and wondered if the commission would like to consider any changes. City Attorney Hoeft indicated
this section of the Charter was revised in the past. Hoeft indicated the time period appears to be prolonged;
noting that Council in the past wanted to be sure there was ample time for people to submit applications.
Hoeft indicated State Statute would require a Special Election, even a more lengthy process.
Commissioner Fiorendino questioned if any of the Charter requirements are addressed in State Law. Hoeft
indicated the Charter is specific to the City of Columbia Heights.
Commissioner Bak questioned if the appointment process has been used in the past. Hoeft indicated there
was a time when a member needed to have a break in service. Hoeft indicated the only issue at that time was
in regard to the interview process, relating to the open meeting requirement.
Commissioner Penniston questioned the following language from Section 9 of the Charter:
The council shall interview each of the applicants within 30 days fi °om 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 firom the pool of applicants within 15 days, whether done so at a regular
council meeting or a special meeting.
Councilmember Buesgens indicated the Council intends to interview as quickly as possible in order to have a
full council seated as soon as possible. City Attorney Hoeft indicated the council can decide on the appointee
at any point following the interviews; however the appointment will not become effective until the said 30 day
period. Hoeft indicated there is some leeway built into the timeframe, noting additional time may be
necessary at various times. Hoeft suggested observing the process this time, and if necessary; revisit at a
future meeting.
Commissioner Utz questioned of there is an option for a Special Election in the current Charter. President
Smith indicated there is not.
Commissioner Anderson questioned if the role of the Charter Commission is to protect the Charter? President
Smith indicated the Charter Commission is responsible to see that City processes follows the Charter
requirements. Commissioner Bak indicated the commission also needs to ensure we are not in conflict with
state laws.
Commissioner Anderson questioned the need for a Charter. Hoeft indicated that in addition to the
appointment process ability, the Charter allows for the power of referendum, initiative and recall. Additionally
the Charter addresses the Police Department reporting to the Mayor, although collective bargaining
agreements address many of the personnel issues. Hoeft indicated there was discussion in the past of
removing that, and having the Police Department report to the City Manager, the voters voted against the
change.
Next Meeting Date: April 20, 2017 at 7:00 P.M., City Hall Conference Room 1
Adjournment
Motion by Bak, seconded by Anderson to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:42 pm.
Respectively Submitted,
Katie Bruno,
City Clerk /Recording Secretary