Charter Commission Members And Mission

SIOUX FALLS, SD - There is one more scheduled meeting of a group considering revisions to the city's Charter this month. Earlier this week, the Charter Revision Commission recommended a change to the city's governing document that would expand the mayor's power if approved by voters.

This is the fifth time a Charter Revision Commission has met in the city of Sioux Falls. The first one made amendments to the city's rulebook in 1996 and the others have updated it every two to four years since then.

Like most citizen groups, the Mayor does appoint the members of this commission. A release from the city shows the mayor appointed the board in October of last year. Those members are:

• Dennis Aanenson
• Richard Gregerson
• De Knudson
• Pauline Poletes
• Robert Thimjon

The group's experience varies from people who have served previously as city councilors, are in the business community and those that have worked with the city's Charter previously.

The Sioux Falls City Council must approve the mayoral appointments. The Revision Commission's job is to propose any changes to the Charter, which must be approved by voters as amendments in April's city election.

The Charter Revision Commission has met twice in front of the public. The first time was December 16, and most recently on January 4, where they made the recommendation to define, and ultimately broaden, the mayor's executive powers.

The final meeting for the public to weigh in on changes is scheduled for January 27 at 3:30 p.m. at Carnegie Town Hall.