01/04/1995 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 4, 1995 preparation of two (2) feasibility studies, the first for Holly Drive/12th Avenue and the second for the extension of sanitary sewer. Mr. Powell explained that the City Council will meet with the Hugo City Council early next month to discuss an area drainage study that was prepared by the Hugo consulting engineer. Mr. Powell said that he will have a copy of the study later this week. He will meet with the City Council prior to the meeting with the Hugo City Council. DISCUSSION OF CHANGING ELECTION FROM ODD TO EVEN YEARS Mrs. Anderson prepared a memorandum to the City Council explaining that the 1994 Legislature mandated that all council members (a mayor is a member of the council) shall have four (4) year terms. In addition, the Legislature strongly recommended that municipalities conduct even -year elections to coincide with the regular general elections. The City of Lino Lakes, City of Coon Rapids, City of Columbia Heights and the City of Circle Pines are the only cities in Anoka County holding odd -year elections. The City of Coon Rapids is in the process of changing to even -year elections and the City of Columbia Heights is also considering the change. The City of Circle Pines has not yet addressed the issue and is waiting for the Centennial School Board to make a decision as to when they would hold their school board elections. (Centennial School District decided to go to even -year elections.) If the City of Lino Lakes decides to adhere to the Legislature's mandates and recommendations, several important steps must be taken and finalized by June 1, 1995. The Charter Commission must meet and recommend an amendment to the City Charter, Section 2.03, Council Composition and Election and 4.01, Regular Municipal Election revising the term for the mayor and changing from odd -year elections to even -year elections. This amendment must be accomplished by ordinance recommended by the Charter Commission and approved by the City Council. Included with the memorandum to the City Council is a copy of the Coon Rapids City Attorney's opinion on the matter and a copy of the 1994 legislation, a transition schedule and a copy of the text outlining the procedure used in preparing the transition chart. Mrs. Anderson noted the Mr. Hawkins has been requested to give his opinion regarding the impact of the legislation. Mr. Hawkins has asked the League of Minnesota Cities to request a State PAGE 7 1 1 1