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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCharter November 14, 1990 fA ,;~ '. CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD NW.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (612) 755-5100 ANDOVER HOME RULE CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 1990 - MINUTES A Meeting of the Andover Home Rule Charter Commission was called to order by Chairperson Jerry Windschltl on November 13, 1990, 7:40 p.m., at the Andover City Hal I, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Present: Lyle Bradley, Mike Knight, Gretchen Sabel, Charles Veiman Absent: d'Arcy Bosell, Bob Peach APPROVAL OF MINUTES None of the Commissioners had received the Minutes of the 1ast meeting. No Minutes were approved. DISCUSSION ON PRIMARY ELECTION FOR CITY OFFICES Chairperson Wlndschitl pointed out that with the larger number of .J candidates running for City Council. there may be some advantage of having a primary election to reduce the number of candidates that would be on the general election ballot. With so many candidates, the residents don't have a chance to know who they all are. Because the City offices are nonpartisan, to avoid political parties from becoming inv01ved. It could be established so a primary election would be triggered when the fifth or sixth candidate files for Councl1member or when the fourth of fifth candidate files for the office of Mayor. Chairperson Windschitl understood the City Council has the authority to establish a primary election; it does not have to be done through this Commission. In discussing the proposaJ. there was general agreement that a primary election wouJd be beneficial as long as It remains nonpartisan. The Counc il could make the determination as to the number of candidates fi11ng that would trigger a primary election. MOTION by Bradley, Seconded by Veiman. that we definitely encourage the City Council to explore the ramifications of nonpartisan primary. Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION ON WARD AND AT-LARGE COUNCIL REPRESENTATION Chairperson Windschitl stated the Issue of a ward system was brought up during the election. He didn't know if that Is what the majority of the residents are wanting, but he felt It should be discussed. He felt that If a ward and at-large Council was established. the City Andover Home Rule Charter Commission Meeting November 14, 1990 - Minutes Page 2 (Discussion on Ward and At-Large Council Representation, Continued) would have to go to a seven-person council. The boundaries of the wards would be determined geographically by population and would have to comply with redistricting. The seven-person council could consist of the mayor, one or two at-Jarge councilpersons, and four or five wards. Mr. Knight has reservations about a ward system, feeling it promotes "back scratching", politicking, and favoritism. He felt presently the whole Counci 1 repesents the entire City, and he has not seen any favoritism toward one area or another. Mr. Veiman was strongly In favor of a ward system. He fe1t four of the present Council were insensitive to the needs of the urban area and that they have not been ab1e to get any heJp with their problems, partlcuJar1y with the radium in the water. He felt a ward system based on popu1ation will mean their urban area would get more representation. Councilmember Knight disagreed with Mr. Veiman's charge, feeling the present Council Is very concerned about the radium issue and that the matter Is being addressed. He has never seen any polarization on the Issue of rural versus urban on the Council. Ms. Sabel was not aware the item has become an Issue. Because of the significant difference In life styles In Andover, she would be concerned about where the 1ines wou1d be drawn to be sure all areas are represented. Chairperson Windschitl felt the other side of that concern is that it may be at some point that the rural area wi 1 J want to see a ward system so they have some representation because the urban area could control an eJection. Mr. Bradley was adamantly opposed to a ward system. He has seen what happens in such a system In other communities, pitting one person or segment against another. In a community iike Andover, he fel t more would be Jost than gained by going to a ward system. At some point when the City is saturated a ward system will be necessary, but Mr. Bradley didn't think that now is that time. Chairperson Wlndschltl suggested the Item be tabled to the next meeting to hear the opinions of the two Commissioners who are absent this evening. It was his understanding that the Counc i J has the ability to Implement a ward system by ordinance or to ask for special 1egislatlon to do so. No further action was taken. OTHER ISSUES The Commission briefly outlined severaJ issues facing the City at this time. One that Mr. Velman felt was of great concern to those In the urban area Is the radium in the City's water supply. The letter sent to the residents from the City in their water bills references the problem quite strongly. The discussion noted the City has signed an agreement with the State to correct the problem by a specific date. Andover Home Rule Charter Commission Meeting November 14, 1990 - Minutes Page :3 (Other Issues, Continued) One of the factors Is cost; another is the possibility the State Health Department will change the minimum level requirements as they learn more about It. Another Issue is the progress of the proposed Site Q landfll I. Mr. Bradley stated progress has been stagnated by the environmental review. The county Is not providing the documentation needed for It. There was also a brief discussion on the Metropo1itan Council's proposed rural guidelines which would require rural development of 1/10 or 4/40 acres. Mr. Bradley noted the public meeting on the matter on November 15 at the Activity Center. Mr. Bradley stated he is working with the Fresh Water Foundation, and in January they will be putting on ground water programs around the State and working on water program curriculums In the schools. He asked whether a seminar like this would be beneficial In the local community. They wou1d bring in experts that have dealt with that specific area. The Commission generally felt It Is worthwhile and something the people are interested in. MOTION by Velman, Seconded by Bradley, to adJourn. Mot! on carr I ed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. ~:::: ~~L Marcella A. Peach Recording Secretary