Laserfiche WebLink
WS — Item #4a <br />WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT <br />Work Session Item No. 4a <br />Date: April 6, 2015 <br />To: City Council <br />From: Jeff Karlson <br />Re: Charter Commission's Request to Use City Attorney <br />Background <br />The City received notice that the Charter Commission passed a motion to invite City <br />Attorney Joe Langel to its next meeting on April 9, 2015, to obtain his opinion on what <br />needs to be done for a ward amendment to be placed on a ballot. <br />Last June the Charter Commission proposed an amendment to the City Charter to <br />establish a ward system in Lino Lakes. Mr. Langel was asked to review the amendment. <br />He responded with a written opinion that the proposed Charter amendment violated state <br />law and public policy and recommended that the City Council decline to submit the <br />amendments to the voters. <br />Joe's letter provided specific detail as to why the amendment was in conflict with state <br />law. It is unclear in the letter from Commission Chair Connie Sutherland if the Charter <br />Commission simply wants a further explanation from Joe Langel as to why the <br />amendment was rejected or if they intend to seek advice from Joe as to how the <br />amendment should be drafted. Also, there is no mention about who is paying for the city <br />attorney's time. <br />Requested Council Direction <br />The Council should consider whether paying the city attorney to attend the Charter <br />Commission meeting is appropriate when the City already incurred costs for the opinion <br />last July. <br />Attachments <br />Joe Langel's Written Opinion Regarding the Ward Amendment <br />Charter Commission's Request to Use City Attorney <br />