Info on Charter Commission

To the Editor:

The charter of the City of Fairmont is like the U.S. Constitution and the constitution of the State of Minnesota, in that it is a living document. It is the City’s constitution. It can be changed or amended to reflect changes in culture or time.

The City Council of Fairmont requested that the Charter Commission, after not having met for over 30 years, review the entire charter and suggest changes. The Commission consists of 15 members appointed by the District Court. These members have been meeting on a regular basis and a significant majority has suggested 10 amendments be placed on the ballot.

These changes include going to five wards instead of four and dropping the at-large representative. It was felt by most of the members that Fairmont has a diverse population and that this would more accurately represent that diversity. Five wards does not necessarily mean added expense. Fairmont’s population has decreased by almost 2,000 individuals and due to this fact, we may not need three precincts per ward, where two may suffice. I have seen numbers that show our population to be under 10,000. These were not official numbers.

Our system of government has been and will continue to be a weak mayor system, and not a strong mayor system. The Commission recommendation only defines it, it does not change it one iota.

The City Clerk is in come cities, an elected position. The City Clerk has a defined position in City government. It performs the administrative work of the City Council, prepares agendas, collects fees, keeps track of the ordinances, conducts elections, etc. Because it does perform these functions on behalf of the Council, it should be approved by the Council.

In reports and readings that I have seen, the City Administrator should have at least a bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy or political science plus experience in governmental affairs. Inserting these requirements in the charter does not effect the present positions. It applies only to future administrators.

Two of the amendments ask only that Fairmont comply with state statute. Please read the amendments carefully, ask questions and vote responsibly.

I am a member of the Charter Commission and am glad to have members on that committee who have divergent opinions, it sparks debates and makes for better decisions.

Dale W. Martens

Fairmont