Ramsey County names Home Rule Charter Committee chair and approves stipend policy

The Ramsey County Commission appointed Adam Lippon as chairman of a Home Rule Charter Committee and agreed the committee may receive per‑meeting stipends and mileage.

A commissioner explained that state code requires the commission to appoint a chairman for the Home Rule Charter Committee. Adam Lippon indicated willingness to serve; commissioners moved and seconded the appointment. The commission also discussed compensation and initially proposed a stipend of $50 per meeting plus mileage. Commissioners debated raising the stipend to account for travel by several members; the transcript records an amendment and a subsequent vote but does not clearly record a final numeric stipend amount. Commissioners also discussed reimbursing committee expenses if requested, such as office space, clerical help, supplies or legal assistance.

Why this matters: A Home Rule Charter Committee, if it proceeds to draft and recommend charter changes, could propose significant structural changes to county governance; appointing a chair and setting compensation are the first administrative steps to begin that process.

Procedure and public access: Commissioners said committee meetings must be public and scheduled in advance; they asked the newly appointed chair to set meeting times that accommodate harvest and local schedules, noting early mornings or early evenings may work best.

Next steps: The chair will schedule meetings; the committee may request modest county support for meeting logistics and clerical help. Staff said any expense reimbursements requested by the committee can be considered and reimbursed by the county if appropriate.

Ending: Adam Lippon was appointed chair and will coordinate committee scheduling and any future resource requests with county staff.