03/13/2006 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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WS -3 WORK SESSION MEMORANDUM To: City Council From: Julie Bartell, City Clerk Date: March 6, 2006 Re: Charter Amendment Petition Process and Timeline Background The City Council received a petition to not allow City Council Members (including the Mayor) to also be members of the Lino Lakes Charter Commission at its September 26, 2005 meeting. Council member Carlson had questioned whether the petition had followed the requirements for petitions set forth in the charter. The Council revisited the matter at a work session on January 18, 2006 and reviewed the City Attorney's opinion that the provisions in the charter are not applicable, the petitioners are not attempting to institute an amendment under M.S. 410 as the petition does not meet the requirements of that statute, and that the petition is an "advisory" petition for ballot consideration by the City Council. The Council directed staff to prepare a timeline indicating the process and schedule such an amendment could follow in order to be presented on the November 7, 2006 ballot. That schedule is attached for review. Council member Carlson also requested more specific information on why the petition was found to be insufficient; a response from the City Attorney is also attached. Requested Council Direction Staff is seeking Council direction on the petition. If the Council wishes to proceed with the process, it would be appropriate to place the matter on the agenda for an upcoming City Council meeting for referral to the Charter Commission. As indicated in the timeline, there is a determinate amount of time allowed for Charter Commission review (with an allowance for an extension) and a deadline of September 1 for the entire process. Attachments Timeline for consideration of Charter amendment; Correspondence with City Attorney