05-06-2026 Workshop Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Staff is recommending that the City Council take the following steps during the workshop: 1. Review of process 2. Discuss desired Councilmember attributes 3. Structured candidate discussion 4. Straw poll/secret ballot 5. Selection of finalists 6. Discuss next steps Additionally, the next step would be to hold interviews on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, with the identified finalists. For your information, I have included Subdivisions 2a and 2b of MN Statute 412.02 regarding the process for filling a vacancy in office. The City of Little Canada is a Plan A Statutory City, and as such should follow the statutory process listed below. 412.02 CITY ELECTIONS; OFFICERS, TERMS, VACANCIES, CITY EMPLOYEES. Subd. 2a.Vacancy. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 2b, a vacancy in an office shall be filled by council appointment until an election is held as provided in this subdivision. In case of a tie vote in the council, the mayor shall make the appointment. If the vacancy occurs before the first day to file affidavits of candidacy for the next regular city election and more than two years remain in the unexpired term, a special election shall be held at or before the next regular city election and the appointed person shall serve until the qualification of a successor elected at a special election to fill the unexpired portion of the term. If the vacancy occurs on or after the first day to file affidavits of candidacy for the regular city election or when less than two years remain in the unexpired term, there need not be a special election to fill the vacancy and the appointed person shall serve until the qualification of a successor. The council must specify by ordinance under what circumstances it will hold a special election to fill a vacancy other than a special election held at the same time as the regular city election. All of the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law are applicable to special elections as far as practicable. Subd. 2b. Inability or refusal to serve. A vacancy in the office of mayor or council member may be declared by the council when the officeholder is unable to serve in the office or attend council meetings for a 90-day period because of illness, or because of absence from or refusal to attend council meetings for a 90-day period. If any of the preceding conditions occurs, the council may, after it has by resolution declared a vacancy to exist, fill the vacancy at a regular or special council meeting for the remainder of the unexpired term, or until the person is again able to resume duties and attend council meetings, whichever is earlier. When the person is again able to resume duties and attend council meetings, the council shall by resolution remove the temporary officeholder and restore the original officeholder. Staff Recommendations: Staff recommends that the City Council take the steps outlined above.