05-22-2008 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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See League research memos Charter and Election Data for Minnesota Cities (390c.1); A Model Charter for Minnesota Cities (100a.5); Handbook Chapter 1; and the National Civic League's Model City Charter, Eighth Edition (2003). See League website for further information on the Charter Assistance Service Minn. Stat. § 410.10, subd. 1. CHAPTER 4 The League of Minnesota Cities Charter Assistance Program can be of assistance in furnishing the commission with pertinent charter materials. The charter commission may also fmd it helpful to have a member of the League's staff attend an early meeting of the commission to talk about forms of government, drafting procedures, and major policy problems. The League will also provide general advice. For a nominal fee, League Charter Assistance Program counsel will examine and comment on an existing charter, charter draft or amendment. Almost all proposed charters have been sent to the League for this kind of review and comment. The commission and its committees should secure informed and interested opinions from citizens and city officials about the existing form of government and the proposed changes. The charter commission should consider criticism or positive experiences with the existing government when drafting the charter. The commission should bring tentative proposals to the attention of the public and city officials before making final decisions. Often, the mayor, council members, and city officials may have special insights into the merits or practicality of particular proposals. When a majority of commission members approves a charter draft, the commission should make and authenticate at least three identical, clear copies. All the members who approved the draft should sign each of the copies. One copy should go to the clerk of the city, who will deliver it to the city council. The charter commission should keep the second copy in its files. A third copy might be useful for newspaper publication. 5. The charter election After receiving the signed draft charter, the clerk notifies the city council of its receipt and reminds the council to submit the charter to an election by the voters. If the council fails to do this, the court may order it. The council has several options regarding the time of the election. If no general city election is to occur within six months after the clerk receives the draft, the council must call a special charter election within 90 days of receipt of the draft charter. If a general city election will occur within six months, the council may either postpone the election on the charter until that general election, or it may call for a special election prior to the general election. 4-10 HANDBOOK FOR MINNESOTA CITIES