Charter Revision Commission Meetings

MINUTES Charter Revision Commission Meeting Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 4:00 PM Carnegie Town Hall, 235 West 10th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 1. Call To Order Commission Members Present: Catherine Dekkenga, Anne Hajek, Lawrence Long, Justin Smith, Carl Zylstra Commission Members Absent: None Committee Chair Justin Smith called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. 2. Introduction A. Members Smith noted that he is term limited from the Commission and he congratulated Commission Members Hajek and Zylstra on their reappointments. Smith noted that Eric Erickson, an attorney with Cutler Law Firm, has been appointed to the Commission by Mayor Paul TenHaken. B. Organization and Background Information City Attorney David Pfeifle provided an update on the organization and background information on the Charter Revision Commission. This Commission was established through the adoption of the Charter on September 12, 1994. He acknowledged that the members were selected based on their professionalism, experiences, and an interest in government. 3. Recognition of Service of Commission Member Justin Smith Commission Member Justin Smith was recognized for his eight years of service with a plaque and comments from Pfeifle. Smith responded expressing his gratitude to his past and present Commission members and a thank you to the city employees for their assistance and hard work. Commission members Hajek and Zylstra added their comments by thanking Smith for his hard work, his research capabilities, the guidance he has provided, and his respectful responses to citizens regarding issues brought before the Commission. 4. Election of Chair and Vice Chair  A motion was made by Chairperson Smith and seconded by Commission Member Zylstra to nominate Anne Hajek for the position of Charter Revision Commission Chair. Roll call vote to nominate. 4 Yes: Hajek, Long, Smith, Zylstra; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. A motion was made by Commission Member Hajek and seconded by Commission Member Long to nominate Catherine Dekkenga for the position of Charter Revision Commission Vice Chair. Roll call vote to nominate. 4 Yes: Hajek, Long, Smith, Zylstra; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 5. Approval of Minutes A. January 5, 2022 A motion was made by Commission Member Hajek and seconded by Commission Member Zylstra to approve the minutes of January 5, 2022. Voice vote to approve. 4 Yes: Hajek, Long, Smith, Zylstra; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 6. New Business A. Outline of Commission Meeting Timeline Cari Hanzel, Board Clerk, noted that past meetings have included review of individual Charter Sections at each of the first three meetings. She stated that three Sections could be reviewed in August, three Sections in September, and three Sections in October, leaving November and December for revisiting any proposals and give ample time for submitting a final summary report in January. Hanzel reminded the members that they can hold more than one meeting in a month if they wish to do so. Zylstra expressed some concern in having the public wait to provide input on a particular Section until the meeting where that Section is reviewed. He suggested the Chair and Vice Chair consider having an earlier meeting where public proposals could be scheduled at the appropriate time. Discussion was held regarding the public’s awareness of the scheduled meeting times and agendas. B. Consideration of Process and Format Regarding Charter Amendment Proposals by Commission Members, City Officials, and the Public Zylstra, Hajek, and Smith each spoke in favor of the process used in previous years which provided for detailed submissions by the public of proposed amendments. They indicated that specificity helped in the consideration process, but also noted that all forms of proposals were discussed and voted upon. Smith noted the process in the past stating there was success in receiving written proposals from the citizens, setting up a ‘redlined’ version of changes to the Charter, and being able to determine the impact of the proposed changes more accurately.  C. Discussion of Future Meeting Dates Discussion was held regarding the time of the meetings and perhaps setting a meeting for later in the day/early evening for the benefit of citizens. The Commission agreed on the following future meeting dates: August 16, 2023; September 13, 2023; October 11, 2023; with plans to meet in November, 2023 and December 2023 and early January to approve a summary report to the Council and proposed ballot if necessary. All meetings will be held in Carnegie Town Hall at 4 p.m. D. Discussion of Guidelines for Public Input City Attorney David Pfeifle suggested the Committee determine the guidelines that they will follow regarding public input and the amount of time given to the participants. Discussion was held about the past meetings providing five minutes for Public Input. It was noted that it was helpful in the past to receive information ahead of time from members of the public so their information could be reviewed in advance. The Commission agreed that public input should relate to this body and the responsibilities of the Charter Revision Commission. The Commission cannot address areas outside their scope of responsibility. 7. Public Input Mike Zitterich expressed his appreciation for the Charter Revision Commission meetings and allowing people to provide input on changes to the Charter. He stated that he has some ideas for proposals for future meetings. 8. Adjournment A motion was made by Commission Member Zylstra and seconded by Commission Member Hajek to adjourn the meeting at 4:53 p.m. Voice vote to adjourn. 4 Yes: Hajek, Long, Smith, Zylstra; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. Tamara Jorgensen, Assistant City Clerk Future Charter Revision Commission Meeting(s): August 16, 2023; September 13, 2023; October 11, 2023 TBD: November, 2023; December, 2023; January, 2024 All meetings at Carnegie Town Hall