04.29.11 Council Staff ReportCCOUNCIL STAFF REPORT
M
Council Work Session: Meet Charter Commission
AL
applicant
FROM: Janet Lewis, City Clerk
DATE: April 29, 2011
TO: Mayor and Council Members
City Manager
C: City Attorney
The primary function of the Charter Commission is to study the Charter and the
operations of city government and determine whether there is a need to amend the
Charter. The commission is required to meet at least once each calendar year. In
general, the Crystal City Charter Commission has the authority pursuant to the
Charter Statute to propose a charter amendment at any time to address perceived
inadequacies in the Charter or the functioning of city government.
The City Charter Commission has one vacancy on this 9-member commission. In
addition, six members' terms will expire May 15, 2011. Of those six members, Robb
Weidemann is not seeking reappointment (see attached roster).
Per the Council's direction from its work session on April 14, 1 have set up time
during the Council Work Session on May 3 for the City Council to meet Jeff Munson,
(the new applicant). His application is attached for your review with private data
omitted.
Per City Code Section 311.01 subd. 2, a criminal history check was completed by
Police Chief Banick. His memo concludes there is no reason to prohibit the
appointment.
The City has informed the public about the vacancy through multiple postings in the
City Newsletter, City website, and Sun -Post.
Pursuant to the Charter Statute, the primary "qualification" for appointment as a
commissioner is that one be a qualified voter of the City; that is, a resident of the city
who is a registered voter pursuant to Minnesota election law. A Commissioner can
hold some other public office or other employment (other than as a judge) and still be
a Commissioner. In Crystal, a City council member may also serve simultaneously
on the Charter Commission.
C:\Users\cserres\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.0utlook\L2BNKHKE\5 3 2011 Council Staff Report Form
Munson.doc
The Charter Statute provides for appointment of commissioners in the case of
vacancies. A vacancy on the Commission is filled by the chief judge of the Hennepin
County District Court.
Council discussion and direction is requested to determine if the applicant's name
should be sent to Chief Judge Swensen of the Hennepin County District Court for
appointment.
C:\Users\cserres\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.0utlook\L2BNKHKE\5 3 2011 Council Staff Report Form
Munson.doc