05-22-2008 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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See League research memo A Model Charter for Minnesota Cities (100a.5). See League website for further information on the Charter Assistance Service Minn. Stat. § 410.05, subd. 1. Minn. Stat. § 410.05, subd. 1. A city should have only a few elective offices so voters will be able to intelligently cast their ballots. The charter should never ask voters to elect non - policy -making administrative officers. The city should have only a single body elected by voters to legislate and determine policies for the city. This single legislative body, the city council, should be composed of between five and nine members. Council members should hold office for fairly long terms, up to four years, in order to gain experience. State law mandates that most council terms be four years, although a two-year mayoral term is allowed. If possible, the city should centralize responsibility for administration in one person: a chief administrative officer. All advisory boards should report directly to the city council. D. Adopting and amending a home rule charter One of the principle virtues of the home rule charter is that it allows each city to tailor its charter to its own individual needs and desires. Cities are encouraged to contact the League of Minnesota Cities Charter Assistance Program for model and sample charters, research memos, and advice that will assist in drafting, amending or adopting a charter. E. The charter commission There are three ways to appoint a charter commission: • First, the district court, acting through the chief judge of the district in which the city lies, may appoint a charter commission. The court will probably not do this, however, until city residents or local civic organizations express some interest in the matter. • Second, the court must make the appointment if it receives a petition signed by voters who constitute at least 10 percent of the number of voters who voted at the last city election. Smaller cities may find it easier to get the necessary number of signatures. • Third, the council of any city may, by resolution, request the appointment of a charter commission. This action would require the district court to appoint commission members. 1. Appointment of commission members The district court usually makes charter commission appointments. The only statutory qualification for members of charter commissions is that they be qualified voters of the city. Commission members may hold some other public office or employment except for a judicial office. City council members may serve on charter commissions. However, the city's charter may provide that members of the governing body cannot serve on the charter commission. Charter commission members may serve unlimited successive terms.