04-17-2008 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cori M. Duffy, Chair Lino Lakes Charter Commission 6256 Hollow Lane Lino Lakes, MN 55014 RE: Proposed City Charter Amendment Dear Cori: DELIVERED VIA MESSENGER March 25, 2008 As you know, on July 9, 2007 the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 8 of the City Charter (referred to as the "2007 Council Amendment"). The Council submitted that ordinance to the Charter Commission for review pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 410.12, subd. 5. Under the same statutory provision, the Charter Commission subsequently submitted a substitute charter amendment (referred to as the "Charter Commission Amendment") for Council consideration. The Council carefully reviewed the Charter Commission Amendment, and compared it with the existing City Charter, the 2007 Council Amendment, another amendment presented by an individual citizen, as well as Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429. After this deliberation, the Council determined that the Charter Commission Amendment does not adequately address the City's current needs with respect to the City Charter, and the 2007 Council Amendment could be improved. Accordingly, the Council has determined to submit neither the 2007 Council Amendment nor the Charter Commission Amendment to the voters. Instead, on March 24, 2008 the Council approved the first reading of a new ordinance amending Chapter 8 of the City Charter, a copy of which is enclosed (the "2008 Council Amendment"). The 2008 Council Amendment is intended to supersede the 2007 Council Amendment, and the Council hereby submits the new amendment for review and comment by the Charter Commission in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 410.12, subd. 5. The only difference between the 2007 Council Amendment and the enclosed 2008 Council Amendment is that the latter repeals Section 8.07 of the existing City Charter. Section 8.07 currently establishes separate rules for the financing of improvements in three specified geographical areas of the City. The Council has determined that, in light of other proposed changes in Chapter 8 of the City Charter, the special provisions are no longer appropriate or necessary. Moreover, elimination of the special provisions will reduce the interest cost on City bonds issued to finance improvements located in whole or in part within the special areas (by permitting bonds for such improvements to be issued on a tax-exempt basis, as in the case of most City hnnds) The lower cost of City bonds will reduce the financial impact on property owners assessed for these improvements, and on taxpayers as a whole. 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55014-1182 Phone: 651-982-2400 • Fax: 651-982-2499