HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 Charter Commission Annual ReportCITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CHARTER COMMISSION
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
MEMBERSHIP:
The following members served in 2018:
Matt Abel
Kathy Ahlers*
Ramona Anderson
Rob Fiorendino
James Guy (resigned)
*Appointed in 2018
Bill Hugo*
KT Jacobs*
Roger Johnson (resigned)
Tom Kaiser
Carolyn Laine
Patrick McVary*
Mike Patiuk (resigned)
Eric Penniston (resigned)
Joe Schluender*
Frost Simula
Councilmember Connie Buesgens served as the Council Liaison for 2018.
Gregory Sloat
Steve Smith
Susan Wiseman
Currently there are 14 commissioners. Four applications were submitted to Judge Douglas Meslow on December
31, 2018 for consideration.
OFFICERS:
The following members served as officers for the Charter Commission in 2018:
President: Steve Smith
Vice President: Matt Abel
Secretary: Eric Penniston
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The Charter Commission held five meetings in 2018. Four regularly scheduled meetings on January 19, April 20,
July 20, and October 26, and one Special meeting on June 28, 2018.
ISSUES DISCUSSED:
The Commission discussed the following issues in 2018:
Review of Chapter 2- Section 7; Elective offices
The commission first considered language that would change the Mayor's term from two years to four years in July
of 2017. The council considered the ordinance at their February 12th meeting, the item failed. The Charter
commission voted (7 -2) to place the item on the November ballot. The question failed; there was no change made
to the Charter.
Review of Chapter 2- Sections 10 (The Mayor) and 53 (Powers and Duties of the City Manager)
The commission first considered language that would change the management of the Police Department from the
Mayor to the City Manager in July of 2017. There were additional revisions to the language in 2017 and 2018.
At the April 19, 2018 meeting the second reading was approved and sent to the City Council for consideration. The
council considered the ordinance at their June 11th meeting, the item failed. The Charter commission held a special
meeting on June 28th where they voted (8 -4) to place the item on the November ballot. The question failed; there
was no change made to the Charter
Council Appointment Process
Commissioner Simula requested this item be revisited. President Smith reported that he reached out to other
communities; and learned the appointment process is similar in most cities. Smith suggested that if the upcoming
election warrants another appointment, to watch the process carefully, taking note of areas of concern.
Discussion of Rank Choice Voting
Commissioner Ahlers initially brought the request to the commission to look into rank choice voting. President
Smith reported that he has reached out to the Anoka County Elections Manager and City Clerks from Richfield and
Duluth. Smith reported that Anoka County informed him that there are multiple issues with rank choice voting,
including costs, changing of election schedule and staffing. Neither of the two cities utilizes rank choice voting for
various reasons.
Respectfully Submitted,
Katie Bruno, City Clerk /Recording Secretary