06-28-2010 CHCMCHARTER COMMISSION
MINUTES
June 28, 2010, 5:30 p.m.
Members Present: Chair Deb Roepke, Virgil Voigt, Mark Lewandowski, Lyle
Mullins, Roger Stearns, Walt Clay, Diane Gordon, and Mary Inglis
Members Absent: Judy Simons, Marlin Torgerson, Steve Bauer, and Mark Cormier
Others Present: Steve Cook, Mayor; Jim Haugen, Council Member; and Marc
Sebora, City Attorney
Chair Roepke called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes from June 14, 2010
Motion by Walt Clay, second by Virgil Voigt to approve minutes from June 14,
2010 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Discussion of City Council Designated Seats
Mayor Cook explained that in 2002, a group he was on petitioned for designated
seats. The reasoning given was that in a head -to -head election, the winner will have
more than 50% of the vote. A higher percentage of votes for the winning
candidate(s) should mean the majority of votes indicates the best candidate. Mayor
Cook expressed that he feels that a candidate should get to select whom he /she
would like to run against in a head -to -head race. Roger Stearns shared that he feels
the designated seat system is political game playing.
Discussion was held regarding the number of votes on the Charter Amendments in
2002. Approximately 55% voted in favor of the Charter Amendment.
Mayor Cook noted other large cities that use a designated seat system.
Jim Haugen expressed that he feels designated seats can open the door for political
games and placing politics. Mayor Cook shared that he felt a candidate should have
the right to choose whom he /she runs against.
Diane Gordon expressed that designated seats seem like they could potentially cause
political underhandedness.
Mayor Cook asked that the votes are not discounted from the 2002 election because
of good voter turnout and education.
Virgil Voigt expressed that the old system could have allowed for the incumbent to
be completely ousted, where the designated seat system may not allow for that.
Mary Inglis reminded the Commission to not only focus on the current election, but
rather to consider the entire situation.
Walt Clay noted that this is an issue to be cognizant of and monitored, but that it
need not necessarily be changed today.
Mayor Cook and Jim Haugen excused themselves at 6:15 p.m.
3. Discussion of Charter Commission Member Term Limits
Marc Sebora reviewed the term limits for the Charter Commission members. Diane
Gordon will be moving from Hutchinson in September and her seat will need to be
filled. Walt Clay's, Virgil Voigt's, and Judy Simon's terms will expire in August
2010 and each have served two full terms. Lyle Mullins, Roger Stearns, and Steve
Bauer are eligible for reappointment.
4. Miscellaneous
No miscellaneous business was presented.
5. Adj ourn
Motion by Walt Clay, second by Virgil Voigt to adjourn at 6:20p.m.