HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 Charter Commission Annual ReportCITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CHARTER COMMISSION
2019 ANNUAL REPORT
MEMBERSHIP:
The following members served in 2019:
Matt Abel Bill Hugo Joe Schluender
Kathy Ahlers KT Jacobs Frost Simula
Ramona Anderson Tom Kaiser Gregory K. Sloat
Tyler Eubank* Carolyn Laine Steve Smith
Rob Fiorendino Patrick McVary Susan Wiseman
*Appointed in 2019
Commissioner Steve Smith was reappointed in 2019.
Mayor Donna Schmitt served as the Council Liaison for 2019.
Currently, there are 15 commissioners.
OFFICERS:
The following members served as officers for the Charter Commission in 2019:
President: Steve Smith
Vice President: Frost Simula
Secretary: Matt Abel
MEETINGS:
The Charter Commission held three meetings in 2019; January 17, July 18, and October 17.
ISSUES DISCUSSED:
The Commission discussed the following issues in 2019:
Proclamations:
The Charter Commission discussed the issue of proclamations in response to the decision of the Mayor to not issue
a proclamation that was requested. Charter Commission Steve Smith clarified that proclamations are not a part of
the charter or state statute. Commission members inquired about the City Council issuing a proclamation. City
Attorney Jim Hoeft provided an overview of what a proclamation is. He stated that Proclamations are issued by the
Mayor as the ceremonial head of the City and are completely under the purview of the Mayor. Hoeft added that if
members of the City Council feel differently, they can make a motion or pass a resolution, but do not have the
authority to issue a proclamation. Hoeft also noted that a proclamation is a ceremonial document that does not
create, convey, modify, or terminate any rights. This was a discussion only and no action was taken.
Modernizing the Charter Amendment Process:
The Charter Commission discussed two policies related to charters proposed by League of Minnesota Cities to use
as a basis for advocating to the state on behalf of municipalities. Mayor Schmitt provided information. The first one
was to allow cities to modify liquor provisions in the charter though an open and transparent process that does not
require an election. It was noted that this is not applicable to the City of Columbia Heights as there are not any liquor
provisions in the charter. The second one was to clarify language regarding voters for charter amendment petitions.
Specifically that petition signatures must be from eligible voters who are active status on the statewide registration
system at the time of the petition verification. Charter Commissioners did not have any comments. This was a
discussion only and no action was taken.
Respectfully Submitted,
___________________________________
Nicole Tingley, City Clerk/Recording Secretary