07-25-2013 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Proposed Charter Amendment Learn why your city council is proposing a change to your city charter Visit www.ci.l.ino--lakes.mn.us for additional information PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 32324 TWIN CITIES, MN The city of Lino Lakes is a home rule charter city. A charter is a municipal corporation's organizational plan or framework that is similar to a constitution. It is formulated by a municipality itself and is adopted by popular vote of the citizenry. The Lino Lakes city charter was adopted in 1983. What is the change the city council is proposing? The city council is proposing a change to chapter 8 of the city charter which outlines the process for approval of public improvements. The amendment would expand public involvement when an improvement such as local road reconstruction is proposed, while changing the process for a city-wide referendum if the city is using special assessments plus general fund dollars for the improvement. Most cities fund public improvements with this combination of dollars, but Lino Lakes is the only city in Minnesota that requires a referendum on special assessments. This amendment will allow the city to undertake public improvements generally using the procedures in state law, but continue to provide additional protections for residents above and beyond state law. BALLOT QUESTION Shallp chapter 8 ofcity of Lino Lakes charter be amended as described below? Chapter 8 is amended to provide that the city may undertake public improvements financed in whole or in part with special assessments generally using the procedures in state taw, except that: la) if more than 50% of the property owners abutting the named streets il{he im rloveobjection, ment after the secondhold meeting secondCmore than meeting to take additional testimony; (b1 if the council ordersP stop the improvement by filing objections within 30 days after the city council 50% of the affected owners may Pd valorem taxes, ovement action; and lc) if the cost of any improvement is to be paid in part from red voters equal to et leashe Ptr12 percent is subject to city-wide referendum if a timely petition is filed by reg of the votes cast in the last general municipal election.nstead chapter 8 as amended pplies th oughout theoc city. where state taw special assessment rules apply,