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06-14-2010 CHCMCHARTER COMMISSION MINUTES June 14, 2010, 5:30 p.m. Members Present: Chair Deb Roepke, Walt Clay, Lyle Mullins, Judy Simons, Mary Inglis, Steve Bauer, Marlin Torgerson, Mark Lewandowski and Virgil Voigt. Members Absent: Roger Stearns, Diane Gordon and Mark Cormier Others Present: Marc Sebora, City Attorney and Melissa Starke, Recorder Chair Roepke called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 1. Discussion of Extending Mayor's Term to Four Years Deb Roepke noted that the City Council has requested that the Charter Commission consider extending the mayor's term from two years to four years. Marlin Torgerson, former mayor, provided his comments on two -year terms for the mayor's seat. Mr. Torgerson expressed that he feels a two -year term is more than adequate. Ms. Roepke noted that 162 participants took part in a Hutchinson Leader poll: 7.4% were in favor of mayor's term, 10.5% were in favor of expanding Council; 18% were in favor of both ideas; 53% were opposed to both ideas; 10.5% did not have an opinion. Walt Clay noted that he recalled a time when a mayor was in seat whom the residents did not want in office. He felt that if the mayor's term would have been four years, real trouble would have been had. Mr. Clay was opposed to a four -year term. Mayor Cook, through Marc Sebora, wrote comments to the Charter Commission. Mayor Cook researched other cities whom all had longer terms than two years other than Bemidji. Mayor Cook feels that a four -year term makes sense because the mayor's seat is just like the other Council seats (which have a term of four years). He expressed that he did not think any change should take place until 2012 or 2014. Mark Lewandowski noted that the feedback he has received is to leave the Mayor's term as is. He noted there is no additional cost to having the mayor serve a two -year term. Judy Simons expressed that a two -year term seems adequate. There is no added expense, the candidate seeking the mayor's seat should know the job before taking office, and if there are issues with the mayor's performance, he /she does not fill that seat for as long a term. Mary Inglis noted that there is a learning curve for any position, no matter the length of term. Marc Sebora spoke about the ways a City Charter can be amended. These ways include voting at an election or a recommendation from the Charter Commission to the City Council to make an ordinance change. Motion by Voigt, second by Clay, to leave the City Charter as written and not change the mayor's term limit. Motion carried unanimously. 2. Discussion of Expanding City Council to Seven Members Marc Sebora noted that the Council Members are paid monthly, as well as a per diem amount. Mayor Cook commented via written communication that he does not feel the number of Council Members is a critical issue at this time, but other cities do have more than five Council Members. However, other cities have ward representation, which the City of Hutchinson does not. Marc Sebora spoke about the City Council seat designation. The mayor's communication also noted that with the number of boards and commissions the City has, perhaps with more Council Members, the work load could be spread more evenly. He also noted that other cities our size have between 6 -9 members. Marlin Torgerson spoke that he feels all City Council Members serve for the betterment of the entire community. He did not feel that there is an issue about representation. Mr. Torgerson expressed that he does not feel the work load needs to be thinned out for the Council Members. Mr. Torgerson noted that he completed research as well, and he felt it was really a toss up on the number of Council Members amongst comparable cities. Mark Lewandowski expressed that increasing the membership of the Council will be an added expense, and more members may mean lengthier meetings. The boards /commissions meetings could be at the discretion of the Council Members whom serve on them as to whether or not they will attend. Walt Clay expressed concern with the increased expense of additional Council Members. Judy Simons noted that Hutchinson's population has increased approximately 10,000 in the time she has lived here. Ms. Simons noted that the only time she noticed a burden was when Kay Peterson was out for an extended period of time due to an illness. Ms. Simons expressed that perhaps the Charter could be amended to address this type of issue. Marc Sebora noted that Section 2.09 does address it somewhat. General discussion was held regarding proposed language to address the issue if someone is unable to perform their duties on the Council for an extended period of time. Virgil Voigt and Walt Clay expressed that the language in Section 2.09 is adequate and the elected officials in current office should enforce the City Charter as written. Motion by Simons, second by Lewandowski, to leave the Charter as written and not expand the membership. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Items From the Floor Marlin Torgerson commented on the seat designation process. Mr. Torgerson believes that an at -large system with the top vote getters winning office is appropriate. Judy Simons asked about the reasoning for seat designation. She does not feel it makes the most sense. General discussion was held on the former system of top vote - getters versus the current system of designated seats. Walt Clay suggested that Marc Sebora research whether or not other cities have their Council seats designated such as Hutchinson, without ward representation. Mr. Clay also suggested that two Council Members attend the next Charter Commission meeting to discuss seat designation. Clay suggested inviting Steve Cook and Jim Haugen to the next Charter Commission meeting to discuss seat designation. June 28th at 5:30 p.m. will be the next meeting date. It was determined that the research previously requested from Marc Sebora, City Attorney, would not be necessary. 4. Adj ourn Motion by Torgerson, second by Simons to adjourn at 6:55 p.m.