HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc6 19 07 4-year mayor term City Council
Date: 6/19/07
REGULAR
Item: 14
Motion
ITEM: Consider Four Year Mayoral Term
SUBMITTED BY: Mayor Johnston
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED: The Minnesota State Legislature has defined the length of term of council members for statutory cities as four years and has left the length of mayor’s term as a policy
decision for the city council. The length of the mayor’s term has been discussed formally and
informally in the past and is currently two years. The legislature has left statutory cities free to set the
length of the mayor’s term as they see fit in the best interests of the city.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The present city council is managing several projects which span more
than the current two year mayor’s term. These and other long term projects will likely continue for the
foreseeable future.
1 Implementing the Memorandum of Understanding
2 Developing and implementing a village plan, and
3 Completing our 2008 Comprehensive Plan.
The successful completion these longer term projects would benefit from continuity of leadership from
the city council.
This policy decision has been discussed in the past – most recently two years ago. At that time it was
suggested that residents call council members with their opinion. Less than one-half of one percent of
voters responded.
In the five most recent mayoral elections, the challenger has been elected only once. Voters appear to
support continuity of leadership while remaining open to change.
Finally a successful campaign for the Mayor’s office can take two to four months – between 10 and
20 percent of the term of office. This is a significant disincentive for people considering serving in this
office. A four-year term could reduce this obstacle to running.
SUGGESTED MOTION FOR CONSIDERATION:
I believe a four year mayoral term is in the best interest of the city of Lake Elmo.
MOTION: Move approval of the four year mayor’s term.
SUGGESTED ORDER OF BUSINESS:
• Introduction/Report Mayor
• Questions from the council Mayor and Council members
• Questions from the public, if any Mayor facilitates (3 minutes maximum)
• Call for a motion to move the item along Mayor
• Discussion Mayor and Council members
• Action City Council