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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 6E STAFF ORIGINATOR: Michael Grochala MEETING DATE: March 10, 2014 TOPIC: Consider 1st Reading of Ordinance No. 03-14 Amending Chapter 8 of the Lino Lakes City Charter, Regarding Public Improvements and Special Assessments VOTE REQUIRED: 3/5 INTRODUCTION The City Council is considering the amendment of Chapter 8 of the City Charter as it relates to Public Improvements and Special Assessments. State law specifies the procedure for amendment of the charter by council recommendation. Council consideration and approval of the first reading of Ordinance No. 03-14is the first step in the process which includes review by the Charter Commission and ultimately consideration by the voters in the November election. Staff has drafted two (2) alternatives for consideration by the City Council. BACKGROUND The City Council has been discussing a proposed amendment to the City Charter regarding the public improvement process for several years. The 2012 amendment proposal failed by less than 1% of the required vote. In response to council discussion two amendment alternatives have been prepared for consideration: Amendment Option 1 Amendment Option 1 is generally consistent with the amendment placed before voters in 2012. The following changes have been incorporated: 1. Clarifies language regarding benefiting properties to address concerns over area assessments. 2. Changes the percentage of signatures needed to require an election from 12% to 5%. 3. Changes the period of time for residents to submit a petition for an election from 30 days to 45 days. 4. Retains language from current charter regarding Assessment for Services. 5. Retains language from current charter regarding Charter exempt areas. The following is a brief summary of the major elements of Amendment Option 1: