08-26-2002 CHCMCharter Commission
Monday, August 26, 2002
Members Present: Chair Chuck Carlson, Steve Auger, Linda Remucal, Virgil Voight,
Roger Petersen, Walt Clay, Ron McGraw and Mike Cannon
Members Absent: Jean Peterson, Phil Graves, Carl Bretzke and Don Glas
Others Present: Mayor Marlin Torgerson and Melissa Starke, Recorder
Chair Chuck Carlson called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.
Chuck Carlson explained that Judge Spicer has not been in contact with city offices
regarding new appointments to the Charter Commission, therefore no organizational
meeting will be taking place today.
Mayor Torgerson requested that a representative from the Charter Commission explain to
the public the changes proposed by the Charter Commission to the City Charter and to
also explain why the amendments presented by the Petition Committee were voted down
by the Charter Commission. The reasons projected by the Charter Commission as to the
denial of the amendments were that one amendment was proposed after the Charter
Commission had already revised the Charter and the second amendment was voted on in
2000 by the voters and the voters denied changing the percentage from 20% to 10% to
pass a petition.
General discussion was held regarding the current referendum, recall and initiative
process. Additional discussion was held regarding the pros and cons of changing the
percentage from 20% to 10% to pass a petition. The consensus of the Charter
Commission was that they wanted to leave the Charter as voted on in 2000.
Mayor Torgerson reiterated that he would like a Charter Connnission representative present at a City
Council meeting to cover the revisions inade to the City Charter and the reasons why. He would also like
the representative to explain the reasons why they denied the amendments that were presented.
Chair Chuck Carlson noted to the group that the local newspaper reported incorrectly on
the changes to the Utilities chapter, which would be one reason to present at a Council
meeting and explain the changes.
Discussion was held regarding the Charter Commission's stand on the proposed Charter
and the amendments presented by the petition committee. The consensus of the Charter
Commission was to not present at a Council meeting due to the fact that they had already
previously stated their position at a public hearing and felt that presenting now would not
necessarily enhance anything that the public is already aware of.
Motion by Walt Clay, second by Mike Cannon, to write an editorial to the citizens of
Hutchinson to vote yes for the proposed Charter and against the proposed amendments
and to publish the letter shortly before the general election in November. Motion carried
unanimously. Walt Clay suggested having Chuck Carlson draft the letter and circulate it
to all Commission members for their approval. All members' names will be printed at
the bottom of the letter.
General discussion was held regarding the open seats on the Charter Commission and the
names submitted to Judge Spicer, whom will make the appointments.
Motion by Walt Clay, second by Roger Petersen to adjourn. Motion carried
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.