2018.02.13 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 13, 2018 Page 4 of 7 Thomas Hoffinan, Edward Jones Investment, i ntroduccd himself to the Council and stated he would be working out of Bob Barmore's office. He discussed the comprehensive financial planning work he would be doing for the members of the community. Mayor Johnson we]conied Mr. Hoffman to New Brighton and wished him great success. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried Public Hearin None. Council Business 1. Adopt and Sign a Letter from the City Council to the Public Regarding Even Year Elections. Motion by Councilmember Allen, seconded by Councilmember Burg to adopt a letter from the City Council to the Public regarding Even Year Elections. City Manager Lotter requested the Council adopt and sign a letter from the City Council to the Public reg,u-cling even year elections. He noted this letter was being brought forward to educate and create an opportunity for community engagement with the public. He discussed the Council's priorities noting community engagernent was area of interest. He described the ways the Council was working to improve communicatior>_s between the City and its residents. He reported even numbered year elections was about community engageme n t at its very core. He then read the letter to the public in full for the record. Councilmember Burg stated she has advocated for this for the past 14 years and she was pleased to see the Council moving forward to reduce I-CIdL ILimcy and duplicity. She explained even numbered year elections would create higher voter turnout, which was the basis for our democracy. Councilmemher Dunsworth indicated she was not a part of the Council's previous discussions, but noted she supported the change to even numbered year elections. She asked if staff knew how much this change would save the City. City Manager Lotter commented the City would save approximately $30,000 by eliminating; odd year elections. Councilmember Allen stated he was not on the Council when this decision was made but agreed it made a great deal of sense to hold municipal elections in even numbered years. He commented that voter tumout was a critical issue, along with the cost savings to the City. It was his hope the change would energize the community and would create more community involvement in the City. Councilmember Jacobsen thanked City Manager Lotter and his staff for putting together a well written letter. He understood the argument for odd year elections was to have the local elections stand out more. However, after visiting Iraq he bel ieved that every vote matters and for this reason, he supported elections moving to even numbered years to encourage higher voter participation. Mayor Johnson agreed that voter participation was key. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays -Motion Carried 2. Presentation Regarding Purchase of City Commissions and Consideration of Resolution Removing a Commissioner from the Planning Commission. Motion by CouncHmember Burg, seconded by Councilmember Dunsworth to adopt a Resolution removing Ben Jones from the Planning Commission. City Manager Lotter stated the Council directed staff to bring forward a Resolution that would remove Planning Commissioner Ben Jones from his seat. The reason for this action was due to the fact Mr. Jones submitted a letter to the editor criticizing the City Council for moving to even numbered year elections. He 11111)1ir IIe:rrinQ Council Business 1. Adopt and Sign a Letter from the Council to the Public Regarding Even Year Elections. 2. Presentation Rc4utling Purchase ofCiry Commissions and Consideration of Resolution Removing a Commissioner from the Planning Commission.