06-08-1999 Charter Commission Regular Meeting - 1 -
Minutes of the Hopkins Charter Commission
April 27, 1999
The Hopkins Charter Commission met on April 27. Present were Commission members: Robert
Anderson, Richard Brubacher, Chuck Kritzler, Paul Lund, Henry Pokorny, James Shirley, Harry
Smith, and Warren Woodrich. Assistant City Manager Jim Genellie was also present.
The meeting was brought to order at 7:03 p.m.
Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting.
The Commission approved the minutes of May 26, 1998.
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair.
Commissioner Pokorny moved and Commissioner Kritzler seconded a motion that Harry Smith
be reelected Chair. There were no other nominations. The Commission voted unanimously to
elect Harry Smith Chair.
Commissioner Woodrich moved and Commissioner Shirley seconded a motion that Chuck
Kritzler be elected Vice-Chair. The Commission voted unanimously to elect Chuck Kritzler as
Vice- Chair.
Reports.
Jim Genellie reported that the City Council had recommended that the Charter Commission
consider revising the Charter to allow for an appointed Board of Equalization.
The Commission discussed this change. Several Commission members felt that a change was
premature since the Council has just adopted a panel of advisors to assist with the Board of
Equalization. Several Commission members also felt that the Council should remain involved
with the property valuation process.
Commissioner Woodrich moved and Commissioner Pokorny seconded a motion to table this
item. A poll of the vote was as follows: Commissioner Anderson, Aye; Commissioner
Brubacher, Aye; Commissioner Kritzler, Aye; Commissioner Lund, Aye; Commissioner
Pokorny, Aye; Commissioner Shirley, Nay; Commissioner Woodrich, Aye; and Commissioner
Smith, Aye. The motion carried.
Mr. Genellie next presented a report from Lori Yager, Finance Director. Ms. Yager requested
that the Commission consider revising Sections 7.14 and 7.15 of the Charter. These sections
concern City debt. Ms. Yager suggested that the current language was confusing and proposed
that the sections merely refer to state law as regards to debt limitations.
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The Commission discussed this issue. Several questions were raised:
1. What are the differences between the debt limits in state law and those in the City Charter?
2. Does the current Charter language put the City at a competitive disadvantage in issuing
bonds?
3. What are the issues regarding issuing bonds for a longer period than the 20 years allowed for
in the City Charter?
The Commission requested that Lori Yager provide information for the Commission at its next
meeting.
New Business
The Commission set its next meeting for Tuesday, May 18, 1999.
Adjournment.
Commissioner Shirley moved and Commissioner Lund seconded the motion to adjourn. The
meeting adjourned by unanimous consent.