HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-15-2015 Charter Commission Packet
City of Columbia Heights
590 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 TDD (763) 706-3692
Visit our website at: www.columbiaheightsmn.gov
MEETING OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CHARTER COMMISISON
THURSDAY OCTOBER 15, 2015
7:00 PM - CITY HALL
CONFERENCE ROOM 1
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call / Status of Membership
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes from July 16, 2015 meeting.
5. Correspondence
6. Old Business
A. Discussion regarding Chapter 10, sections 93-101; City Charter; Mike Bradley, Cable Attorney
B. Discussion regarding minute taking at meetings
7. New Business
A. Next Meeting scheduled for January 21, 2016
8. Adjournment
The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or
employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with
disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons are
available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Clerk at 763-706-3611 to
make arrangements. (TDD/763-706-3692 for deaf or hearing impaired only.)
* A QUORUM OF THE COUNCIL MAY BE PRESENT
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CHARTER COMMISSION
JULY 16, 2015
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.
Smith suggested adding “Discussion regarding Recording Secretary” under Old Business.
Roll Call/Status of Membership
Members present: Matt Abel, Ramona Anderson, Lee Bak, James Guy, Roger Johnson,
Mike Patiuk, Eric Penniston, Greg Sloat, Steve Smith, Tim Utz
Members absent (excused): Charles Tyler, Wes Wiggins
Members absent (unexcused): Jeff Diehm, Rob Fiorendino, Carolyn Laine
Also in attendance: Council Liaison Bruce Nawrocki, Kelli Bourgeois; HR Director/Assistant to
the City Manager, Katie Bruno; City Clerk, serving as Recording Secretary
Approval of Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Abel, seconded by Commissioner Sloat to approve the agenda with
the addition to Old Business as suggested by president Smith. Motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Abel, seconded by Commissioner Penniston to approve the minutes
from the April 16, 2015 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Correspondence
Nothing to report.
Old Business
A. Discussion regarding Recording Secretary.
President Smith reported that there has been discussion considering the Secretary of the
Commission complete the minutes. Smith suggested the discussion take place at a future
meeting, where more members are in attendance.
New Business
A. Discussion of City Charter, Starting with Franchise, Chapter 10, Sections 93-101.
These minutes have not yet been
approved by the Commission
Kelli Bourgeois reported she has spoken to both the City Attorney and the City’s Cable Attorney
regarding reviewing the franchise section of the City Charter. Bourgeois suggested the
commission consider hiring the City’s Cable Attorney to complete the review, as this is his area
of expertise.
President Smith agreed, saying he too has spoken with the City Attorney, and agrees that
having both the Cable Attorney and the City Attorney review franchise section of the charter
would be beneficial. President Smith clarified the commission would discuss any changes to
Chapter 10 at their October meeting. Any changes would be approved at the January 2016
meeting, and then submitted to the City Council.
Commissioner Anderson asked for clarification of the intent of the possible changes, whether
they are to be more in line with the state. President Smith stated anticipated changes are likely
to be minor, and the city will be careful to continue to exercise their rights as a charter city.
Commission Penniston suggested contacting other communities similar to Columbia Heights
regarding their practices with franchises.
B. Next meeting date October 15, 2015.
President Smith reported the commission will continue to review the Charter, chapter by
chapter, noting chapter 10 will be reviewed at the October meeting.
Next Meeting Date
Next meeting scheduled for October 15, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, Conference Room 1.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Bak, seconded by Commissioner Anderson to adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
__________________________________
Katie Bruno, City Clerk