HomeMy WebLinkAbout19840510 Charter MinutesHASTINGS GHARTER COMMISSION
Regular Meeting May 10, 198+
PRESENT: Chuck Caturia, Chair Merle Knutson
Sharon. Avent B.H. Wirt
Dick Dobrick Carol Wynn
Janice Johnson Jeanne McGree
Wint Hartman
OTHERS PRESENT: Jamie Masters, KDWA; Al Schaffer, Hastings Star-Gazette
1. Meeting was called to order by Chuck Caturia at 7:35 p.m..
2. Ro11 Ca11: Absent, Todd Manske and Don Kramlinger
3. Motion passed to approve minutes of Special Meeting, April 2~,198~-:
MOTION: Wirt
SECOND: Dobrick
~+. REPORT FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR/LEGAL REPRESENTATION
Mentor (Duke) Addix's letter to Gary Brown, City Administrator was
discussed, his retention by the Charter Comrrissian as it`s counsel.
The $70 per hour was questioned and after discussion was felt it was
not unreasonable in view of his experience and qualifications. It was
moved that the Commission retain him to the extent covered in the
May 2, 198+ letter, and vote was unanimous.
MOTION: Sharon Avent
SECOND: B.H.Wirt
5. FORMATION OF QUESTIONS FOR ATTORNEY
1. Will proposal be two separate issues, i.e. number of wards; number of
councilpersons, or only one issue?
2. Will issues be voted upon as a "total presentation" even if it changes
more than one section of the charter?
3. Need confirmation of the time-frame for a special election.
~+. Need interpretation of 51% voting rule.
5. Need opinion on "what happens to present office-holders" in a major change.
6. RE: mayor's powers; voting on ordinances; the number of votes t~i.a,t would
be cast at a council meeting; responsibility for police department, etc..
6. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Chairman Caturia told of a phone call from Diane Latuf on 5-10-8~+ stating that
the time-lines fcr a special election would be earlier than was presented in the
calendar (which was sent out with meeting agenda); the last day recommended for
a special election would be June 13th instead of Ju]tiy 17th as shown on calendar.
Caturia noted that Attorney Addix will not be able to attend the June meeting.
He stated that he would try to contact him soon by phone.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
Dick Dobrick requested our minutes reflect that the May 2, 1g8~+ letter was sent
to each counci]member and the mayor, and at their meeting was read into the minutes.
page 2, Hastings Charter Commission Minutes, May I0, ~.98~+
Janice Johnson suggested asking the previous mayor to attend a Charter Comm-
ission meeting to discuss a mayor's dotes. Members agreed.
$. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: B.H.Wirt
Second: M. Knutson.
Respe~ tu~ll~r submitted:
r ~~.~~..
Jea iY~ cGree, Member
Acg Secretary
~;
Points of discussion which prevailed relating to #5:
Some members felt there was nothing to be gained by rushing a charter change
through in a special election; that possibly a "fatal package" to present to
voters at a special election after the fall election would be best; others
felt that many charter changes could be submitted to the City Council and handled
by them reasonably soon--if we don't NEED a special election.
Some members stated that the question of the number of council persons should go
to the voters. Members discussed the (possible lack of) voter turn-out at a
special election and thought that possibly the issues would be voted upon by a
larger number of persons if it were presented at the fall general election. Some
members stated that with adequate publicity of the issues and proposed changes--
voters would turn out in large numbers for a special election.
Generally, members questioned whether what NEEDS to be cone CAN be done in what
seems at this time to be a limzted time-frame.