HomeMy WebLinkAbout19910110 Charter MinutesNIIN[.TI'F,S
CHARTER COMMISSION
C1TY OF HASTINGS, NIINNESDTA
JANUARY 10, 1991
Present: Judy Gilbert Edith Kaiser Tom Novak
Denice Kehn Agnes Kobierowski Pat Mathison
Virginia Brown Robert Stoneberg
Absent: Earl Beltz
Guests: Dave Osberg, City Administrator, & Barb Thompson
Presiding. Chairperson Edith Kaiser
Call To Order The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m., by Chairperson Edith Kaiser and she
& Quorum: declared a quorum to be present.
Approval of Minutes of October 11, 1990 meeting approved.
Minutes: Motion; Bob Stoneberg
Second: Judy Gilbert
Motion passed.
Item I The first order of business was the election of officers to the positions of
Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Chairperson Kaiser opened nominations for
Officers: the position of Chairperson. Commissioner Novak nominated Edith Kaiser. Being no
other nominations, a motion was made by Mr. Novak and seconded by Denise Kehn
to close nominations. Motion was made by Mr. Novak and seconded by Denise Kehn
far election of Edith Kaiser to the position of Chairperson. The motion passed.
Nominations were then opened for the position of Vice-Chairperson. The motion was
made by Commissioner Novak and seconded by Commissioner Gilbert for the
appointment of Commissioner Stoneberg Lo the position of Vice-Chairperson. No
other nominations were received and nominations were closed. All commissioners
present voted far Commissioner Stoneberg.
Item II City Attorney Shawn Moynihan addressed the Commission introducing Barb
Discussion of Thompson. Mr. Moynihan stated that the law prohibits any ward changes in any
Possible Ward year ending with a "1", or before the Legislature has been redistricted in a year
Changes: ending with "2". It must be redistricted within 45 days after the Legislature has been
redistricted or May 10, 1.992, whichever is first. He went on to say that any changes to
be made, should be made no later than May 10, 1992 and as early as the Legislature
redistricts. Ms. Thompson passed out maps showing ward boundaries. Ms Thompson
stated that the 4th Ward has the least registered voters with Ward 1 having 22% more
registered voters than Ward 4, Ward 2 & 3 have 3% and 5% more than Ward 4, and
as of today's date the number of registered voters, (Ms. Thompson stated that normally
the census figure would be used}, is 8,860. If 9,000 was used as average, and if the city
were to go to 5 wards that would be 1800 voters per ward. If we went to 2 - 4 Wards,
2 Precincts, it would bring down the number of voters to 1,125. She stated that there
would be things to consider i.e., funds for more voting machines, etc. Machines were
priced at $5,000 each. Discussion was held on polling locations. Mr. Osberg brought
to the Commission's attention that the City of Hastings currently has had requests for
annexation of what is referred to as the Wallin property-with approximately 500,
primarily, single family units. Also, the area near and around the TuttIc farm, and the
area known as Pleasant Valley may be areas of growth. Development is likely to take
place in these areas.
City of Hastings Charter Commission Meeting
January 1Q, 1.991
Page Two
Item II Discussion was held on the procedure to be used for the preliminary drafting of the
Discussion of new districts/wards. Chairperson Edith Kaiser suggested that Mr. Dick Dobrick be
Passible Ward invited to attend the next meeting of the Charter Commission to give his views as
Changes:(Cont'd) to the procedure of redistricting. Mr. Osberg will contact him.
Item III Chairperson Kaiser asked Mr. Moynihan to comment on the proposed changes and
Discussion of additions/deletions to Chapters 1 & 2. Mr. Moynihan suggested that he and Mr.
Proposed Changes Osberg report back to the Commission at the next meeting concerning the general
and Additions housekeeping items that were discussed at previous meetings. After discussion and
Chapters I & II approval by the Commission, it would then be presented to the City Council to be
acted upon.
The motion was made by Commissioner Stoneberg and seconded by Judy Gilbert to
have Mr. Moynihan and Mr. Osberg review the changes and additions/deletions to the
Hastings City Charter, discussed at previous meetings and report back to the
Commission at the next meeting with their suggestions.
The motion was unanimously adopted.
Motion was made by Commissioner Novak and seconded by Judy Gilbert to change
the term "Ward Secretary" to "Chairperson" in the By-laws.
The motion passed.
Itcm N
Unf~ Wished
Business: None
Item V
Ncw Business: None
Item N
Adjournment: Motion: Denise Kehn
Second: Pat Mathison
Motion carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8.35 p.m.
Next Meeting: Thursday, April 11, 1991, 7:3Q p.m.
Respectfully submitl