HomeMy WebLinkAbout#19 - Parks Commission By-LawsSTAFF REPORT
DATE: July 2nd, 2019
CONSENT
TO: City Council
FROM: Ben Prchal, City Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Parks Commission By-laws
REVIEWED BY: Kristina Handt – City Administrator
BACKGROUND:
In November of 2018, the Parks Commission voted to amend Chapter 32 of the City Code. This section directly
relates to the way that the Parks Commission will function. Some of the amended language was intentionally removed
because it would be more appropriate in the By-laws than it would in an ordinance. Based on this code change, Staff
has now prepared By-laws for the Parks Commission. The drafted By-laws work to serve as an operational guide for
Commission. The Parks Commission did have an opportunity to review the drafted By-laws at the June 17th meeting,
their comments are incorporated into the Recommendation section of the report.
ISSUE BEFORE THE COMMISSION:
Would the City Council like to approve the proposed By-laws for the Parks Commission?
PROPOSAL:
There are certain aspects of local government operations that are appropriate to have in ordinances and there are
certain points that should be encumbered through By-laws or policies. Staff pulled multiple examples from other
communities, used the meeting guide that the Council follows, and worked off of Chapter 32 to draft the By-laws for
the Parks Commission. After reviewing several examples of By-laws, Staff has concluded that there should be 7
sections in the By-laws for the Commission to work from. By-laws can and should be amended form time to time to
maintain effective meeting flow and to reflect current policies and practices of the City. The following is a listing of
the proposed sections for the By-laws.
Officers and Duties
This section lays out expectations for all of the members and has specific language for the Chair and Vice Chair.
Much of this section is in line with the ordinance and is very similar to other community examples. The Commission
asked for one amendment to the draft and that was to add point D. Under Chair to the By-laws. Staff is supportive of
this addition.
Meetings:
Some of the language in the By-laws is redundant when compared to Chapter 32, it should be known that Chapter 32
holds more weight than the By-laws. The intent of this section is to provide an outline for meetings and some basic
“rules” for operation. The intent was to create an outline that is easily understood by Commission Members and the
Public.
Order of Business:
This section establishes the outline of how a recommendation should be made. The By-laws are meant to keep
meetings orderly and on a formal level. Previously there were meetings when the Commission would make motions
and discuss them without 2nds or make amendments without passing a vote, this made it difficult for Staff to
accurately track. City Staff believes this draft will be understood by any reader. In short the topic and discussion
should go as follows:
1. Motion: A member raises a hand to signal the chairperson that they want to make a motion. The Chair would
then recognize the Commissioner and direct them to make their motion.
2. Second: Another member seconds the motion.
3. Discussion: The members debate/discuss the motion.
4. Vote: The chairperson then asks for affirmative (yes) votes, and then negative (no) votes.
Page 2
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff does not foresee a fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION AND STAFF COMMENTS:
Staff as well as the Parks Commission recommends approval of the drafted By-laws. The Parks Commission reviewed
the By-laws at their June 17th 2019 meeting and voted 5-0 for approval with one amendment. Their amendment was to
Section 3 Officers and Duties, specifically for the Chair. They added language to the By-laws stating “The chair shall
represent the Committee as needed in dealings with outside agencies and organizations on matters pertaining to Park
and Recreation activities.” Staff supports their amendment.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Approving Resolution
• Proposed By-laws.
• Examples for Comparison.
o Bear Lake, Benton County, Mounds, LMNC, and Scandia.
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
WASHINGTON COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-047
RESOLUTION APPROVING BY-LAWS FOR THE PARKS COMMISSION
WHEREAS, The City of Lake Elmo amended Chapter 32 of the City Ordinances
specifically for the operation of the Parks Commission on November 20th of 2018; and
WHEREAS, some language was removed from the original ordinance so it could be
incorporated into a set of By-Laws for the Parks Commission; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has received and reviewed the proposed Parks
Commission By-Laws on July 2nd, 2019;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Lake
Elmo, does approve the By-Laws for the Parks Commission as they have been presented:
ADOPTED, by the Lake Elmo City Council on the 2nd day of July, 2019.
______________________________
Mike Pearson
Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Julie Johnson
City Clerk
City of Lake Elmo
Parks Commission Bylaws
Approved by the City Council, February 21, 20XX
Section 1. Name.
A. The name of this Commission is the Lake Elmo Parks Commission, hereinafter called the “Commission.”
Beyond the by-laws, the Commission is also regulated by Chapter 32 of the City Code.
Section 2. Purpose and Mission.
A. The purpose of the Commission is to advise and provide recommendations to the Lake Elmo City Council
on needs, investments, redevelopment, and community involvement as it pertains to the parks, trails, and
recreation facilities within the City of Lake Elmo. A comprehensive list is further outlined in City Code
Section 32.092.
B. The mission of the Commission will to provide planned, quality public services consistent with the
City’s character in a fiscally responsible manner.
Section 3. Officers and Duties.
A. The Commission shall have a chair and vice-chair. The term of office shall be one year and determined
by election at the first meeting of the year.
Chair
A. The chair shall organize and lead all meetings of the Commission.
B. The chair will lead the development of the Commission work plan, implementation of the long-range
plan and list of annual priorities for approval by the Commission and by the City Council.
C. If required, the Chair shall represent the Commission among other City Commissions and at City Council
meetings.
D. The chair shall represent the Committee as needed in dealings with outside agencies and organizations on
matters pertaining to Park and Recreation activities.
Vice-Chair
A. The vice-chair shall act as an aide to the chair in fulfilling his/her duties as chair.
B. In the absence of the chair, the vice-chair shall assume the duties of the chair.
Liaison
A. The Liaison shall be a member from the hired City Staff whose duties are to prepare reports and present
information about specific items being discussed on the advertised agenda. Responsibilities also include
the provision of recommendations from a Code perspective and to furnish reports containing the
recommendations of the Commission for consideration by the City Council.
B. Minutes of each Commission meeting shall be prepared by the City Clerk or his/her designee and
delivered to each member of the Committee at the subsequent meeting.
Duties.
All Commission Members are responsible to:
A. Fulfill the expectations of Section 32.092 of the Lake Elmo City Code.
B. Attend and participate in regular and special meetings in order to carry out the mission and duties of the
committee;
C. Express oneself, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with tact, diplomacy and good
judgment;
D. Establish and maintain effective public relations when representing the Commission and the City;
E. Keep themselves up to date on the City Code and Policies related to Parks.
F. Have an understanding that they represent all Lake Elmo residents and make recommendations on their
behalf, to the best of their ability.
G. Participate in any subcommittees to which they may be appointed.
H. Commission members are strongly encouraged to perform site visits (if appropriate) to the location of
the agenda item that will be discussed.
I. Each member is required to cast a vote either recommending approval, denial, or abstention.
Section 4. Meetings.
A. Regular meetings shall be held on the third Monday of each calendar month at 6:30 p.m. Any regular
meeting falling upon a holiday shall be rescheduled and posted appropriately to conform to the State Open
Meeting laws. Meetings shall be held at the Lake Elmo City Hall, unless notice of the alternate location
is given to the members and the public at least 3 days in advance of the meeting. All Commissions
meetings are open to the public.
B. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Commission may be called at any time by the chair or the vice-
chair, in the chair's absence with 3 days advance notice to the public and to all Commission members.
C. Meetings shall proceed and be conducted following Roberts Rules of Order.
D. If a resident chooses to speak during a meeting the Chair shall allow them 6 minutes to state their stance
to the Commission. During that time the Chair shall also request the individual to state their name and
address. When speaking, transferring minutes from one speaker to another to increase another’s allotted
time to speak is not permitted.
Quorum.
A. Four (4) members shall constitute a quorum.
i. When Members are not at a public meeting they must avoid discussing or responding to City
Business when there are more than two members involved with the conversation. Doing so could
easily constitute a violation of the State’s open meeting laws. Members must abide by all aspects
of the open meeting law including serial meetings and electronic communications.
Section 5. Order of Business.
Order Established.
Each regular meeting of the Commission will convene at the appointed time and place. Commission business
shall be conducted in the following order:
A. Call to Order
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Public Comment for non-agenda items
D. Approve Agenda
E. Approve Minutes
F. Action Items
i. Public Comment, by approval of the Chair (specific to the action item).
G. Items for upcoming meetings
H. Adjournment
Section 6. Notes to Order of Business.
Agenda.
A. If a Commission member wishes to add an item to the agenda they must contact City Staff the
Tuesday of the week before the meeting to make the request.
Reports. The following is the order that agenda items should be presented and discussed.
A. Introduction of item.
B. Report by Staff or other presenter.
C. Questions from Commission to presenter.
D. Address questions/comments to applicant/presenter.
E. At the discretion of the presiding Officer, a public comment period may be held. Each member of
the public shall state his or her comments within a time period of 6 minutes. The Commission shall
not interrupt or interact until public comments are completed.
F. After steps D. and E. the Commission shall enter into a discussion which may include follow up
questions to Staff or the Presenter.
G. Following discussion the Commission may make a motion, followed by a second. Additional
discussion may occur before a vote is taken. The results of the vote are announced by the Chair.
Public Comment. At the discretion of the presiding officer, there may be a public comment period.
A. A limited forum maybe be provided for members of the public to speak with the Commission on
each agenda. Public comments during the public comment period are subject to the following
limitations:
a. Speakers must be recognized by the presiding officer before speaking and are limited to 6
minutes for comment. Speaking time shall not be passed from one person to another with the
intent of increasing speaking time;
b. When multiple speakers appear to speak on the same topic, comments should not be repetitive.
The presiding officer may request speakers to appoint a spokesperson;
c. The Chair should request speakers to sign up prior to speaking and provide their name, address,
and a brief summary of the subject matter which they wish to address. The sign-up sheet will be
available at the start of the Commission meeting;
B. Commissioners shall not interrupt or interact with the public during the public comment period.
This forum is not intended to serve as a back and forth discussion. Furthermore, the Commission
will only discuss items that are on the agenda.
C. If a topic is brought up during the public comment period which was not on the agenda, the
Commission may direct Staff to add it to a future meeting agenda.
Section 7. Amendments. Amendments may be made to the By-laws for the Commission so long as the request
is established on an agenda for a regular meeting. These bylaws and amendments thereto are subject
to approval by the City Council.
Village of Bear Lake
Planning Commission Bylaws
The following rules of procedure are hereby adopted by the Village of Bear Lake
Planning Commission to facilitate the performance of its duties as outlined in the
Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Public Act 33 of 2008, MCL 125.3801, et seq., and the
Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, Public Act 110 of 2006, MCL 125.3101, et seq.
SECTION 1: Officers
A. Selection and Tenure—At the first regular meeting each January, the
planning commission shall select from its membership a chairperson and
secretary, and vice-chairperson. All officers shall serve a term of one year, or until
their successors are selected and assume office, except as noted in C, below. All
officers shall be eligible for re-election for successive terms for the same office.
B. Chairperson—The chairperson shall preside at all meetings, appoint
committees and perform such other duties as may be ordered by the planning
commission.
C. Vice-Chairperson—The vice-chairperson shall act in the capacity of the
chairperson in his/her absence. In the event the office of chairperson becomes
vacant, the vice chairperson shall succeed to this office for the unexpired term,
and the planning commission shall select a successor to the office of vice
chairperson for the unexpired term.
D. Secretary—The secretary shall execute documents in the name of the
planning commission and shall perform such other duties as the planning
commission may determine.
1. Minutes—The secretary shall be responsible for maintaining a permanent
record of the minutes of each meeting and shall have them recorded in
suitable permanent records maintained by the Village clerk. The minutes
shall contain a brief synopsis of the meeting, including a complete
restatement of all motions and record of votes, conditions or
recommendations made on any action and record of attendance.
2. Correspondence—The secretary shall be responsible for issuing formal
written correspondence with other groups or persons, as directed by the
planning commission. All communications, petitions, reports or other
written materials received by the secretary shall be brought to the
attention of the planning commission.
3. Attendance—The secretary shall be responsible for maintaining an
attendance record for each planning commission member and report those
records annually to the planning commission for inclusion in the annual
report to the Village Council.
4. Notices—The secretary shall oversee the issuance of such notices as may
be required by the planning commission, including Open Meetings Act
notices, as well as notice required for specific planning or zoning actions
under the Michigan Planning Enabling Act or the Michigan Zoning
Enabling Act.
5. Other-If the Planning Commission so chooses, the Village of Bear Lake
Clerk may assume duties of minutes and notices.
SECTION 2: Meetings
The business the planning commission may perform shall be conducted at a public
meeting held in compliance with the Open Meetings Act. The planning commission may
establish reasonable rules and regulations in order to minimize the possibility of
disrupting the meeting.
A. Regular Meetings—The planning commission shall hold not less
than four regular meetings each year and by resolution shall determine the time
and place of such meetings. Other meetings may be held as necessary. When a
regular meeting falls on a legal holiday or upon a day resulting in a conflict, the
planning commission shall, if possible, select a suitable alternate meeting date in
the same month as the originally scheduled meeting.
Notice of regular planning commission meetings shall be posted at
the principal Village office within 10 days after the planning commission’s first
meeting in each calendar year in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.
B. Special Meetings—Special meetings may be called by the
chairperson or upon written request to the secretary by at least two members of
the planning commission
Notice of special meetings shall be given to the members of the
planning commission at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Such notice shall state
the purpose, time and location of the special meeting and shall be posted in
accordance with the Open Meetings Act.
C. Notice—Notice required for specific planning, zoning or other
land use actions will be given in accordance with the Michigan Planning Enabling
Act, the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, Land Division Act, or other applicable
statute.
D. Public Hearings—All public hearings held by the planning
commission must be held as part of a regular or special meeting of the planning
commission.
E. Agenda—The chairperson shall be responsible for preparing a
tentative agenda for planning commission meetings. The agenda may be modified
by action of the commission. Except where modified, the order of business for
Commission meetings shall be as follows:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call and Determination of a Quorum
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Approval of Minutes
6. Public Hearings
7. Old Business
8. New Business
9. Public Comments (non-agenda items)
10. Correspondence (non-agenda items)
11. Reports to the Commission
12. Commissioner Comments
13. Adjournment
F. Quorum—Three members of a five-member planning commission
shall constitute a quorum for transacting business and taking official action for all
matters. No official action of the commission may be taken without a quorum
present.
G. Voting—An affirmative vote of the majority of the members of the
planning commission is required to approve any part of the master plan or
amendments to the plan or to amend these bylaws. Unless otherwise required by
statute, other actions or motions placed before the planning commission may be
adopted by a majority vote of the members present and voting, as long as a
quorum is present. Voting shall be by voice vote; a roll call vote shall be required
if requested by any commission member or directed by the chairperson. Except in
the case of conflict of interest, all planning commission members, including the
chairperson and ex officio member, shall vote on all matters.
H. Public Records—All meetings, minutes, records, documents,
correspondence and other materials of the planning commission shall be open to
public inspection in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, except as
may otherwise be provided by law.
SECTION 3: Duties of the Planning Commission
The planning commission shall perform the following duties:
A. Prepare, review and update a master plan as a guide for
development within the Village’s planning jurisdiction.
B. Take such action on petitions, staff proposals and Village Council
requests for amendments to the zoning ordinance as required.
C. Take such action on petitions, staff proposals and Village Council
requests for amendments to the master land use plan as required.
D. Prepare an annual written report to the Village Council of the
planning commission’s operations and the status of planning activities, including
recommendations regarding actions by the Village Council related to planning
and development. The Chairman shall present written report at the beginning of
each calendar year.
E. Take such actions as authorized or required by the Michigan
Planning Enabling Act.
F. Take such actions as authorized or required by the Michigan
Zoning Enabling Act.
G. Review subdivision proposals and recommend appropriate actions
to the Village Council.
H. Perform other duties and responsibilities or respond as requested
by any Village Council or commission.
SECTION 4: Absences, Removals, Resignations and Vacancies
A. To be excused, members of the planning commission shall notify
the planning commission chairperson or other planning commission member
when they intend to be absent from a meeting. Failure to make this notification
prior to the meeting shall result in an unexcused absence.
B. Members may be removed by the Village Council for misfeasance,
malfeasance or nonfeasance in office upon written charges and after a public
hearing.
C. A member may resign from the planning commission by sending a
letter of resignation (via postal service or electronic mail) to the Village Council.
D. Vacancies shall be filled by the Village Mayor, with the approval
of the Village Council. Successors shall serve out the unexpired term of the
member being replaced.
SECTION 5: Conflict of Interest
Before casting a vote on a matter on which a planning commission member may
reasonably be considered to have a conflict of interest, the member shall disclose the
potential conflict of interest to the planning commission. Failure of a member to disclose
a potential conflict of interest as required by these bylaws constitutes malfeasance in
office.
Conflict of Interest is defined by Village ordinance.
SECTION 6: Amendments
These bylaws may be amended at any meeting by a vote of the majority of the
membership of the planning commission.
Adopted by the Village of Bear Lake Planning Commission at a regular meeting on
XXX.
Page 1
Revised May 15, 2018
BY-LAWS OF
THE BENTON COUNTY PARKS COMMISSION
Article I: Name of the Commission
The name of the organization shall be the Benton County Park s
Commission.
Article II: Vision, Mission and Purpose
Section 1. Vision:
The vision of the Parks Commission is to create, sustain and preserve
excellent parks, trails and open spaces to enhance the lives of current and
future generations of Benton County residents.
Section 2. Mission:
The mission of the Parks Commission is to contribute vision, leadership and
recommendations to the Benton County Board of Commissioners for the
best use and development of Benton County parks, trails and open spaces.
Section 3. Purpose:
The purpose for which this commission is organized shall be to work as a
team to:
1. Study and determine the park, recreation and open space needs of the
County and serve as an advisory body providing recommendations to the
County Commissioners on matters pertaining to the planning,
programming, evaluating and funding of park and recreation facilities
and programs in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 398.31 to 398.36.
2. Recommend priorities to the County Commissioners, with reference to
the Benton County Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the acquisition,
development, operation and maintenance of recreation areas, natural
areas, facilities and programs.
Article III: Authorization
The authorization for the establishment of this commission is set forth under
Minnesota Statutes, Section 398.36. Duties are delegated to the Parks
Commission by the Benton Count y Board of Commissioners by Ordinance
#355 as amended, and power pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 398.31
to 398.36.
Article IV: Membership
Section 1. Commission Structure:
The County Parks Commission shall consist of five (5) members: appointed
by the County Board representing each Commissioner District. When no
Page 2
Revised May 15, 2018
qualified members are willing to serve from each Commissioner District,
appointments may be made without regard to District residency. However,
all Park Commission members shall be County residents at the time of
appointment and for the duration of their term of office.
Article V: Term of Office
Section 1: Term and Term Limits:
The term of Park Commission members shall be for three (3) years, except
initial terms shall be staggered so that no more than two members’ terms
expire in a given year. All regular terms shall expire December 31st.
Current members must reapply for appointment, if interested. All members
shall not serve more than three (3) consecutive three (3) year terms. Upon
completion of the terms, a member may be eligible for reappointment after
one (1) year of non-membership.
To ensure that the terms are staggered, the charter members will have the
following initial terms:
Commissioner District 1 and 2: 1-year term
Commissioner District 3: 2-year term
Commissioner District 4 and 5: 3-year term
Section 2: Early Dismissal:
Any member of the Parks Commission who misses three consecutive
meetings per year, or acts in a manner inappropriate to the duties of the
Parks Commission is subject to removal at the pleasure of the County Board
of Commissioners.
Article VI: Vacancy
Any vacancy in the regular membership prior to term expiration shall be
filled by the County Board of Commissioners and such appointee shall serve
for the unexpired term so filled. Said appointee may serve additional terms
pursuant to Article IV, Section 2 and Article V, Section 1.
Article VII: Officers
Section 1. Elections:
Officers shall be elected at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the new
year. The Parks Commission shall elect from its membership a chair and
vice-chair who shall serve for a term of one year and shall be eligible for re-
election.
Section 2. Duties of Chair:
The chair shall preside at all meetings of the Parks Commission and shall
have the duties normally conferred by parliamentary usage of such officers.
The Chair shall work with County staff to establish the meeting agenda
Page 3
Revised May 15, 2018
Section 3. Duties of Vice-Chair:
The vice-chair shall act for the chair in their absence.
Article VIII: Compensation
Commission members shall receive per diem and mileage reimbursement for
attending meetings. Per diem and mileage reimbursement shall be based
upon current rates and policies as established by the County Board.
Article IX: Amending the Bylaws
The Park Commission bylaws may be amended upon a recommendation
from the Park Commission to the County Board. Bylaw amendments shall
be effective upon County Board approval or at another date as set forth in
County Board action.
Article X: Meetings
1. Meetings will be held as needed when called by the Park Commission
Chair in consultation with County staff, but no less than twice per year.
2. The Commission may establish and appoint committees. These
committees shall meet at the direction of the Commission and shall
report back to the Commission.
3. All meetings shall be open to the general public and shall follow Roberts
Rules of Order, Simplified and Applied, unless otherwise specified
and/or applicable.
Article XI. Quorum:
1. A quorum consisting of a majority of duly appointed members shall be
present at any meeting in which official action is taken.
Mounds View Charter Commission By-laws November 10, 2016 Page 1
MOUNDS VIEW CHARTER COMMISSION
BYLAWS
Adopted: November 10, 2016
ARTICLE I - THE COMMISSION
Section 1. Name of Commission. The name of the Commission is the “Charter Commission of
Mounds View, Minnesota.”
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of the Charter Commission is to serve as custodians of the
Mounds View City Charter in accordance with state laws, these bylaws and rules of the Charter
Commission.
Section 3. Office of Commission. The offices of the Commission are at Mounds View City Hall
for purposes of official Commission business.
Section 4. Members. The Commission is composed of up to and including nine (9) members.
Members shall serve during their term and until their successors are appointed and have qualified,
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 410.05, as amended.
Section 5. Records. Each member shall receive a copy of the City Charter and the Commission
Bylaws. The current City Charter shall be kept on file at the City offices and made available for
public review.
And
Section 6. Review of Bylaws. The Bylaws shall be reviewed at least once every two years.
ARTICLE II - OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers. The officers of the Commission are the Chair, Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair
and Secretary.
Section 2. Chair. The Chair shall call the regular meetings of the Commission, prepare the
agenda, preside at all meetings, oversee the implementation of the decisions of the Commission,
forward any documents to the city for action or archive, and act as the primary liaison with City
staff. The Chair retains all the rights and responsibilities held as a member of the Commission
including the right to vote. By the December meeting each year, the Chair shall submit to the
Commission for its approval, an annual report summarizing the activities and accomplishments of
the Commission for the calendar year. The annual report to the Commission may contain the
Chair’s recommendation for Commission activities for the ensuing year.
Section 3. Vice-Chair. The Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair during the Chair’s
temporary absence, and shall perform such duties during any vacancy of that office until the
Commission elects a new Chair.
Section 4. Second Vice-Chair. The Second Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Vice-Chair
during the Vice-Chair’s temporary absence, and shall perform such duties during any vacancy of that
office until the Commission elects a new Vice-Chair.
Mounds View Charter Commission By-laws November 10, 2016 Page 2
Section 5. Secretary. The Secretary shall prepare the records, record the minutes and votes at each
meeting stating what was done, not what was said, and submit them to the Chair before the next
regularly scheduled meeting. On or before December 31st of each year, the Secretary shall submit to
the Chief Judge of the District Court the Chair’s approved annual report outlining the Commission’s
activities and accomplishments. The Secretary shall forward a copy of the report to the City
Administrator. The Commission may designate by majority voice vote an Assistant Secretary from
the Charter Commission membership whose duties shall be to assist the Secretary, and to perform
the duties of Secretary in the event of the absence or vacation of office by the Secretary until such
time as the Commission elects a new Secretary.
Section 6. Additional Duties. The officers of the Commission shall perform such other duties and
functions as may from time to time be required by the Commission or its bylaws or rules.
Section 7. Compensation; Expenses. The members of the Commission shall receive no
compensation, but the Commission may employ an attorney and other personnel to assist in
amending or revising the City Charter, and the reasonable compensation and the cost of printing
such charter, or any amendment or revision thereof, when so directed by the Commission shall be
paid by the City. The amount of reasonable and necessary Commission expenses shall be so paid by
the City in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Section 410.06, as amended.
Section 8. Elections. The Chair, Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair and Secretary shall be elected
from among the members of the Commission within 90 days after November 1st of even-numbered
years, and shall hold office for two years or until their successors are elected and qualified. The
Chair shall conduct the election. Officers shall be declared elected and qualified by a simple
majority vote of those present and voting. Nomination for the position of Chair requires one year of
service on the commission to be eligible. No officer shall be eligible to hold more than six
consecutive terms in the same office. In filling vacancies for unexpired terms, an officer who has
served more than half of a term is considered to have served a full term in that office. Newly elected
officers shall take office at the close of the meeting in which the election is held.
Section 9. Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of Chair, Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair or
Secretary shall be filled by a special election by the Commission at its next meeting with the elected
successor serving the unexpired term of office.
Section 10. Appointments. It is the responsibility of each individual member that is eligible for re-
appointment to submit to the Judicial District Court Chief Judge the appropriate paper work for re-
appointment consideration. A qualified and acting member shall be defined as a person who has
been appointed by the Judicial District Court Chief Judge and has confirmed their acceptance of that
appointment by signing and returning a notarized oath of acceptance.
Mounds View Charter Commission By-laws November 10, 2016 Page 3
ARTICLE III – MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings. The Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year.
The Commission shall also meet upon presentation of a petition with signatures numbering at least
ten percent of the total City of Mounds View ballots cast for President in the most recent Presidential
election, or upon resolution approved by a majority of the City Council, requesting the Commission
to convene, the commission shall meet to consider the proposals set forth in such petition or
resolution. All meetings shall be held in the Mounds View City Hall unless meeting notices state
otherwise. All meetings shall comply with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law (Minnesota Statutes,
Section 471.705, as amended). The meetings will be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules
of Order Newly Revised.
Section 2. Special Meetings. The Chair or any two members of the Commission may call a
special meeting to transact any business stated in the meeting notice in accordance with state law.
Notice of the special meeting shall state the time, date, place and business to be conducted at the
special meeting. Notices may be delivered by email or any method of contact that provides an
acknowledgement of receipt of the notice. Any member that does not acknowledge receipt must
have the notice delivered in person or mailed to the member’s designated mailing address at least
three days prior to the special meeting. The business to be considered at special meetings shall be
limited to that stated in the meeting notice unless all members of the Commission are present and
vote unanimously to conduct additional business.
Section 3. Quorum. In accordance with Minnesota Statutes Section 410.05, as amended, a quorum
shall be defined as follows: If there are nine (9) qualified and acting members, then five (5) members
shall constitute a quorum. If there are less than nine (9) qualified and acting members, then four (4)
members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting the commission’s business and
exercising its powers and for all other purposes. If the commission lacks a quorum, a smaller number
of members may set a time to reconvene the commission, continue to meet as a subcommittee if
desired, and report their discussions to the commission.
Section 4. Order of Business.
The Commission shall use the following order of business at its meetings:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call.
3. Approval of Minutes.
4. Citizens Comments from the floor.
5. Reports of the Chair.
6. Reports from members or committees.
7. Unfinished Business.
8. New Business.
9. Adjournment.
Order of Business may be changed at a meeting by a majority vote of the commission members
present.
Section 5. Committees.
The Commission may establish and appoint committees. Each committee must designate a Chair.
Mounds View Charter Commission By-laws November 10, 2016 Page 4
Section 6. Discharge of Members. Any member who has failed to attend four consecutive
meetings, regular or special, without being excused by the Commission, may be discharged
according to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 410.05, Subdivision 2, as amended.
ARTICLE IV - AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS
Section 1. Bylaws Amendment Procedure. The Commission Bylaws may be amended by a
resolution, made in writing, and adopted by a majority vote of qualified and acting members at a
properly noticed meeting of the Commission.
Section 2. Charter Amendment Procedures.
The Charter may be amended as provided in Minnesota Statute 410.12, as amended, and
summarized here by any one of the four following methods:
Method 1. The Charter Commission may by a majority vote of its members approve a
resolution recommending an amendment to the Charter by Ordinance under Minnesota Statute
410.12 subd 7. Such an Ordinance must be published in the official newspaper two weeks prior
to a public hearing on the matter and then requires an affirmative vote of all members of the City
Council.
Method 2. The Charter Commission may by a majority vote of its members approve a
resolution recommending an amendment to the Charter by requesting it be placed before the
voters under Minnesota Statute 410.12 subd 1 - 4. If there is a general election scheduled to
occur within six months, the City Council shall have such an amendment prepared and placed on
the ballot at the general election. Proposed charter amendments must be submitted at least 12
weeks before the general election. If no general election is scheduled to occur within six months,
the City Council shall prepare the amendment and call a special election within 90 days after the
delivery of such amendment to the City Administrator.
Method 3. A number of voters equal to or greater than five percent of the total City of Mounds
View ballots cast at the last State general election may, by petition, require the Charter
Commission to review and request an amendment to the Charter which may then be submitted
by the Charter Commission under the same guidelines set forth under method 1 or 2 above.
Method 4. The City Council may propose an amendment by ordinance without the initial
request of the Charter Commission under Minnesota Statute 410.12 subd 5. Such an Ordinance
shall be submitted to the Charter Commission for review and the Charter Commission can by
request be granted an additional 90 days for review. After reviewing such proposed amendment,
the Charter Commission shall approve or reject the proposed amendment or suggest a substitute
amendment. The Council may submit to the people the amendment originally proposed by it or
the substitute proposed by the Charter Commission.
Adopted: November 10, 2016
LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES
Constitution and Bylaws
As amended, June 2014
ARTICLE I
Name
Section 1. This organization shall be known as the
League of Minnesota Cities and shall be referred to in this
document as the League.
ARTICLE II
Purpose
Section 1. General. The purpose of the League is to
sustain and advance the interests of its members by:
A. Advocacy - Promoting and facilitating the develop-
ment and expression of policies and positions con-
cerning the structure and powers of local govern-
ment, and represent those municipal interests before
administrative, legislative, and judicial bodies at the
local, state, and national levels.
B. Training - Developing and providing—either alone
or in concert with other governments, organizations
or groups—conferences, seminars, workshops, and
other training opportunities to help municipal offi-
cials better fulfill their responsibilities.
C. Services - Developing and providing services and
products for which individual members may not have
adequate resources.
D. Information - Encouraging the improvement of all
phases of municipal government by collecting,
developing, and providing information and advice
on topics and issues affecting local governments,
and by stimulating and fostering pertinent re-
search projects.
E. Facilitation - Fostering harmonious and cooperative
relationships with local, state, and national organiza-
tions and agencies, as well as government entities at
all levels, to explore common problems and develop
mutually acceptable solutions.
ARTICLE III
Membership
Section 1. Membership. Any Minnesota city and any
township having the powers of a statutory city under Minne-
sota Statutes Section 368.01 or other Minnesota general or
special law may, by proper action of its governing body and
the payment of current member dues, become a member of
the League.
Section 2. Termination of Membership. Member-
ship in the League is terminated or suspended whenever a
member withdraws by giving written notice to the League or
when a member fails to pay dues, fees or assessments estab-
lished and required by the League Board of Directors. Any
member that has failed to pay dues within 180 days of the
beginning of the League’s fiscal year shall cease to be a
member until such time as all dues, fees or assessments are
paid.
Section 3. Delegates. Any officer or employee of a
member may upon payment of applicable fees and charges,
participate in League programs and services and shall be eli-
gible to be a delegate at any official League meeting.
Section 4. Non-member Entities. In order to help
cover costs of League programs and services, reduce the
dues and fees charged to members, and generally help the
League accomplish it purposes, the League Board of Direc-
tors may, subject to such reasonable terms and conditions as
it may determine, authorize or revoke authorization for enti-
ties or organizations not otherwise eligible to be members,
to participate in some or all of the League’s programs and
services. However, in no event shall any such entity or or-
ganization be entitled to vote on any League matter.
ARTICLE IV
Dues and Fees
Section 1. Establishment. The League Board of Direc-
tors shall set the annual dues for each member. The Board
of Directors may increase the previous year’s dues upon an
affirmative vote of at least twelve members of the Board of
Directors. Before acting on a proposed dues increase, writ-
ten notice of the proposed increase shall be given to the
members at least 60 days before the meeting at which the
proposed increase will be considered.
Section 2. Basis of Dues. The dues for each member
shall be based primarily on the population as established by
the latest decennial Census, by an estimate made by the Met-
ropolitan Council, or an estimate by the state demographer,
whichever has the latest stated date.
League of Minnesota Cities
145 University Avenue West • St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 • (651) 281-1200 • (800) 925-1122 • TDD: (651) 281-1290 • www.lmc.org
Section 3. Special Assessments. A special assessment
may be levied upon the members for League purposes upon
recommendation of the Board of Directors and upon approval
by a two -thirds vote of the members voting at an official
member business meeting held in the manner indicated in Ar-
ticle VII.
ARTICLE V
Board of Directors
Section 1. Composition and Terms. A Board of Di-
rectors composed as follows shall govern the affairs of the
League:
A. Three Officers, consisting of a President, a First Vice-
President, and a Second Vice-President, elected for
one-year terms;
B. Twelve Directors, elected for three-year terms (the
terms shall be staggered so that at least four seats ex-
pire each year);
C. Three ex-officio Directors, one designated by the Asso-
ciation of Metropolitan Municipalities, an organization
serving metro-area cities; one designated by the Coali-
tion of Greater Minnesota Cities, an organization serv-
ing greater Minnesota cities; and one designated by the
Minnesota Association of Small Cities, an organization
serving small cities. Such individuals shall serve one-
year terms, beginning and ending at the League’s an-
nual business meeting, and shall be the President or an
officer of the organization. None of these individuals
shall serve more than three one-year terms. In the event
any one of these individuals ceases to be the President
or an officer of the designating organization, the des-
ignating organization shall designate the President or
another officer to fill the remainder of the term. Filling
a partial term shall be considered one of the three one-
year terms that an individual may serve.
D. The immediate Past-President of the League, pro-
vided that person continues to hold a Minnesota mu-
nicipal office, ex-officio. In the event the immediate
Past-President of the League can or will not serve,
the Board may leave the position vacant or fill the
vacancy with a Past-President who still holds a Min-
nesota municipal office; and
E. The president or a vice-president of the National
League of Cities, if a Minnesota city official, ex-of-
ficio.
The Board of Directors shall include an individual rec-
ommended by the City of Minneapolis and an individ-
ual recommended by the City of St. Paul. If a vacancy
occurs in a seat held by a Minneapolis or St. Paul rep-
resentative, then the Board shall fill the vacancy with
another recommended person; or if the requirement
cannot be met without the resignation of a current
Board member, then the seat shall be left vacant until
the next annual member meeting. Except for ex-officio
seats, no city may have more than one representative
on the Board. If after having been elected or appointed
to the Board, a member is appointed or elected to a po-
sition in a city that already has a representative on the
Board, then the affected members may serve until the
next Annual Business Meeting. If at the time of the next
Annual Business Meeting the term of an affected Direc-
tor is not expired or if one or more of the affected mem-
bers is an Officer other than President, then one of the
affected members shall resign his or her seat effective no
later than the day preceding the next Annual Business
Meeting and a vacancy shall be declared by the Board. If
the affected members cannot agree on who is to resign,
then at least 30 days prior to the Annual Business Meeting
, the Board of Directors shall declare a vacancy, to be-
come effective that day preceding the next Annual Busi-
ness meeting, as to one of the seats based in order of the
following considerations: 1) An Officer shall retain his or
her seat over a Director; 2) An elected city official will
retain his or her seat on the Board over an appointed offi-
cial; 3) If the affected members are both elected officials,
or are both appointed officials, then the more senior mem-
ber (in terms of years of service on the Board) will be al-
lowed to retain his or her seat, or if there is not a more
senior member, the Board shall declare a vacancy as to
one of the seats based on the criteria in the most recently
adopted “Board and Officer Nominating Process and Se-
lection Criteria.” If the affected members cannot reach
agreement on who is to resign and there is less than 30
days until the next Annual Business Meeting, then the
Board shall act as soon as reasonably practical prior to the
Annual Business Meeting to declare a vacancy. The
members of the Board of Directors shall hold office for
their designated terms, and until their elected or ap-
pointed successor has signified their acceptance. The
new members of the Board of Directors shall take office
immediately after the close of the annual business meet-
ing. Officers and directors serving three-year terms shall
go through the Board election process.
Section 2. Eligibility to Serve. To be eligible to be
elected and to serve, or continue to serve, on the Board of
Directors, a person shall be an elected official or employee
of a member.
Section 3. Election of Board of Directors. Each year
the President shall appoint a committee that shall evaluate
prospective candidates for officer positions and the twelve
members of the Board of Directors who serve three-year
terms and make a recommendation to the members at the
annual business meeting. All Board members except ex-of-
ficio members shall be elected at the annual business meet-
ing.
Section 4. Vacancies. Vacancies on the Board of Direc-
tors shall be governed by the following provisions:
A. A vacancy shall occur in a position on the Board of Di-
rectors upon the happening of any of the following
events:
1. The person ceases to be an elected official or em-
ployee of any member.
2. The person resigns their position by written notice
Page 2 League of Minnesota Cities Constitution and Bylaws
to the President or the Executive Director, or oth-
erwise becomes permanently unavailable to serve
on the Board.
3. The person engages in behavior or commits an
offense which is inconsistent with the role of a
Board member, is deemed unbecoming of a
Board member or that reflects poorly on the
League as determined by two-thirds of all the re-
maining members of the Board.
4. The Board declares a vacancy due to prolonged
absence as provided in Section 5.
B. Officers. A vacancy in the office of President shall
be filled by the succession of the First Vice-Presi-
dent. A vacancy in the office of First Vice-President
shall be filled by succession of the Second Vice-
President. A vacancy in the office of Second-Vice
President shall be filled by appointment by the
Board of Directors from the members of the Board
of Directors.
C. Directors. Any vacancy in the office of a Director
shall be filled for the remainder of the term by the
Board of Directors, subject to approval by the
members at the next annual business meeting.
D. Vacancies of six months or less. Notwithstanding
the above, if a vacancy occurs less than six
months before the date of the annual business
meeting, the Board of Directors may choose to
leave the position vacant and have it filled by the
members at the annual business meeting.
Section 5. Attendance Requirements. If a member of
the Board of Directors is absent for three consecutive meet-
ings or is absent for any four regular meetings during any
consecutive 12-month period commencing July 1, the
Board of Directors may declare that person’s seat vacant
and the vacancy shall be filled as provided in section 4.
Section 6. Meetings. The Board of Directors shall
meet at such times as may be determined by the Board,
the President, or by any three members, but shall assem-
ble to meet at least four times annually. Notice of the
Board meeting shall be provided in the manner estab-
lished by Board resolution. At any meeting the Board of
Directors may adopt further rules governing its proceed-
ings. Otherwise, parliamentary procedure shall be ac-
cording to the latest revision of Robert’s Rules of Order.
Meetings shall be in person with the exception that
non-assembled meetings by telephone conference or
other electronic means shall be authorized if the Presi-
dent and Executive Director agree in advance that a non-
assembled meeting is desirable. The Board may estab-
lish policies to govern Board members’ attendance to as-
sembled, in-person meetings by telephone or other elec-
tronic means.
Section 7. Quorum. A quorum of the Board of Direc-
tors is ten members and action by the Board of Directors
shall require the favorable vote of a majority of those pre-
sent, but not less than six members.
Section 8. Powers. The Board of Directors shall be re-
sponsible for the general management of the affairs of the
League, subject to the provisions of the Constitution. It may
do all things reasonable and necessary to further the purposes
of the League, including but not limited to:
A. Appoint the Executive Director and fix the rate of
pay and benefits for the position.
B. Authorize other League staff positions.
C. Adopt a budget for League operations for each fiscal
year.
D. Determine the various committees to be appointed.
E. Purchase, own, mortgage, lease or convey such real
estate and other property in the name of the League,
in the name of a non-profit corporation governed by
the members of the League Board of Directors, or in
the name of any member when authorized by that
member, as may be necessary for the purposes of the
League. This grant of authority shall include power to
purchase or sell on a contract for deed or conditional
sales contract or otherwise.
F. Authorize officers, agents or employees to enter into
any contract or execute and deliver any instruments
or obligations in the name of and on behalf of the
League.
G. Create corporations, establish affiliate municipal or-
ganizations, or enter into appropriate partnerships
with public or private entities.
H. Unless proscribed by the terms of this Constitution, the
Board of Directors may delegate the management of
League affairs to the League Executive Director or the
Board Executive Commit- tee, consisting of the offic-
ers and the immediate Past- President, provided the
League Board of Directors retains ultimate responsibil-
ity for management of League affairs.
Section 9. Duties of President. The President shall be
chair of the Board of Directors. The President shall preside at
the annual business meeting and all other meetings of the
League, but may designate others to preside instead. Except
as otherwise provided by this Constitution, the President
shall appoint all committees established by the Board of Di-
rectors or by the Constitution and shall appoint representa-
tives of the League to such non-League bodies as may be ap-
propriate.
In the absence of the President, the First Vice-President
shall act as President. In the absence of both the President
and First Vice President, the Second Vice-President shall act
as President. In the absence of all Officers, the Board of Di-
rectors shall choose a chair from among its members.
Section 10. Executive Director. The Executive Director
shall be the chief administrative officer of the League, subject
to the general supervision of the Board of Directors. The Exec-
utive Director shall be appointed by the Board of Directors for
an indefinite period and may be removed at will by the Board
of Directors. The Executive Director shall have the authority to
appoint, discipline, and remove League employees; to establish
terms and conditions of their employment; and to define their
League of Minnesota Cities Constitution and Bylaws Page 3
duties and responsibilities. Appointment, discipline, and re-
moval of the General Counsel shall be subject to approval by
the Board of Directors.
The Executive Director shall submit to the Board of Di-
rectors and to the membership an annual report of League
affairs, services, and finances which shall be communicated
to members in a manner deemed appropriate by the Board of
Directors. The Executive Director shall be responsible for all
League records, accounts, and property. The Executive Di-
rector shall cause an official record of all meetings of the
League to be made. The Executive Director and employees
designated by the Executive Director shall post a fidelity
bond at League expense.
ARTICLE VI
Finances
Section 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the League
shall be from September 1 through August 31 of the fol-
lowing year.
Section 2. Duties of Secretary-Treasurer. The Execu-
tive Director shall act as the Treasurer and handle all League
funds. The Executive Director shall prepare an annual
budget of revenues and expenditures for consideration by
the Board of Directors and shall limit expenditures to the to-
tal budget approved by the Board of Directors and any fis-
cal policies adopted by the Board.
Section 3. Audit. The Executive Director shall have
an audit of the accounts and finances of the League con-
ducted at the end of each fiscal year. The audit shall be
conducted by a certified public accountant selected by the
Board of Directors. The results of each annual audit shall
be provided to the Board of Directors for its review and
acceptance.
Section 4. Finance Committee. The President shall
appoint a finance committee, subject to approval of the
Board of Directors. The First Vice-President shall serve as
chair of the committee.
The finance committee shall review League finances
and services, study the League’s dues structure, recom-
mend to the Board of Directors a budget for each fiscal
year, receive and review the annual audit results, confer
with the auditor and perform such other financial func-
tions as the Board of Directors may direct.
ARTICLE VII
Member Meetings
Section 1. Annual Conference. The League shall
hold an Annual Conference on the dates and at a place
fixed by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Annual Business Meeting. An annual mem-
ber business meeting shall be held during the Annual Confer-
ence at a time to be determined by the Board of Directors and
which shall be communicated to the members. The President
shall appoint a nominating committee, and such other com-
mittees as the Board of Directors may authorize, at or before
the beginning of the Annual Conference to make reports at
the business meeting.
Section 3. Special Business Meetings. The Board of Di-
rectors may schedule and hold other member business meet-
ings in conjunction with other statewide League conferences
upon at least 30 days prior written notice to each member.
Section 4. Quorum and Voting Requirements. At any
member business meeting, delegates from at least 20 mem-
bers shall be considered a quorum. Only members shall be en-
titled to vote at meetings, and each member is entitled to one
vote on all matters (which shall be the predetermined majority
expression of the delegates from that member). Each member
shall determine which one of its delegates may cast a vote on its
behalf, except that the mayor of a member city, if present, shall
be the member city’s voting delegate in the absence of a decision
of the member city to the contrary.
Section 5. Other Meetings. The Board of Directors may
hold other member meetings for educational, legislative or
other purposes, which may be statewide or regional, and may
be for special classes of officers or employees or for munici-
pal officers generally.
Section 6. Parliamentary Rules. At any business meet-
ing the members may adopt further rules governing its pro-
ceedings. Otherwise, parliamentary procedure shall be ac-
cording to the latest revision of the Robert’s Rules of Order.
ARTICLE VIII
Legislative Policy Development Process
Section 1. Board of Directors Roles. The Board of Di-
rectors shall establish policies and priorities to guide the
League’s legislative advocacy efforts.
Section 2. Policy Development Process. To assist in the
development of legislative policies and priorities, the Board of
Directors shall establish a policy development process de-
signed to encourage and maximize member input. The process
may include but is not limited to strategies such as:
A. Creation of specific legislative policy committees or
task forces.
B. Solicitation of member input through surveys or
questionnaires.
C. Statewide and/or regional membership meetings.
Section 3. Member Notification. At least once annually,
the Board of Directors shall submit a report of the proposed
legislative policies and priorities to the members.
ARTICLE IX
Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 1. Amendments. This Constitution may be
amended after the first day of the Annual Conference by
a two -thirds vote of all members voting, provided that the
proposed amendments have been prepared in writing on
or before the first day of the meeting and distributed to
the delegates. An amendment in writing, offered from the
floor without prior notice to the delegates, shall be per-
missible if it is an amendment to a proposed amendment,
is on the same subject as the amendment it is proposed to
amend, is germane to the amendment it is proposed to
amend, and is approved by a two-thirds vote of the dele-
gates in attendance and voting.
Page 4 League of Minnesota Cities Constitution and Bylaws
Section 2. Dissolution. If, at any regular or special
meeting, three-fourths of the members of the League vote
in favor of dissolution of the League of Minnesota Cities,
the League shall be dissolved within 90 days of the date
approving such action.
Immediately after a vote favoring dissolution, the
Board of Directors shall proceed to settle any financial ob-
ligations pending against the League and to dispose of all
property held by the League. Any funds remaining after all
claims have been settled and all property disposed of shall
be returned to each participating member in proportion to
the annual dues fee paid by the member.
Section 3. Affiliates.
Subd. 1 The Board of Directors may, on application
and by resolution, recognize as affiliates of
the League, organizations whose member-
ship consists predominantly of Minnesota
cities, city officials, or city employees. The
general purpose of such affiliations shall be
to encourage consistent legislative policies
and to foster cooperation and collaboration.
The Board of Directors may require for af-
filiate recognition such conditions as to ac-
tivities, membership, and finances as it
deems appropriate.
Subd. 2. The League may enter into agreements with
recognized affiliates to provide goods or ser-
vices as agreed to by the League and the affil-
iate. The League may provide these services at
a fee to the affiliate. The League may also en-
ter into agreements with affiliates to jointly
and cooperatively provide information and
services to each organization’s respective
membership.
Subd 3. As an affiliate created by the League, the As-
sociation of Metropolitan Municipalities shall
provide information and services to cities
within the seven county metropolitan area as
specified in MS 473.121, subd. 2. Princi-
pally, the Association will provide infor-
mation and services that are related to, or af-
fected by the policies, systems and programs
provided by or are within the jurisdiction of
the Metropolitan Council. Should the Associ-
ation of Metropolitan Municipalities or a suc-
cessor affiliate dissolve the responsibility for
providing the information and services will
revert to the League.
League of Minnesota Cities Constitution and Bylaws Page 5
City of Scandia
Parks & Recreation Committee Bylaws
Approved by the City Council, February 21, 2017
Section 1. Name. The name of this Committee is the Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee,
hereinafter called the SPRC.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of the SPRC is to advise the Scandia City Council on all
matters relating to a park and recreation program in the city, as described in Attachment A,
Duties and Functions of the Scandia Park and Recreation Committee, approved by the City
Council on February 20, 2007 and as may be amended by the Council from time to time.
Section 3. Membership. The SPRC is made up of Scandia residents appointed by the City
Council according to the requirements of Section 8 of Ordinance No. 125.
Section 4. Officers and Duties. The SPRC shall have a chair and vice-chair. The term of office
shall be one year. Election of officers will be held at the first meeting of March of each year.
Appointment of the chair and vice chair is subject to approval by the City Council. The duties of
the officers and members are as follows:
A. Chair
1. The chair shall organize, convene and chair all meetings of the SPRC.
2. The chair will set and prepare the agendas for meetings.
3. The chair will lead the development of a committee work plan, implementation of the
long-range plan and list of annual priorities for approval by the Committee and by the
City Council.
4. With the consent of the members and subject to approval by the City Council, the
chair may create subcommittees and appoint SPRC members to those subcommittees.
5. The chair shall act as liaison between the City Council and the SPRC, reporting to the
Council on activities as needed (quarterly, bimonthly etc.).
6. The chair shall coordinate the need for staff support of the SPRC with the City
Administrator.
7. The chair shall represent the Committee as needed in dealings with outside agencies
and organizations on matters pertaining to Park and Recreation activities.
B. Vice-Chair
1. The vice-chair shall act as an aide to the chair in fulfilling his/her duties as chair.
2. In the absence of the chair, the vice-chair shall assume the duties of the chair.
C. General Membership Responsibilities. All SPRC Members are responsible to:
1. Attend and participate in regular and special meetings in order to carry out the
mission and duties of the committee;
2. Express oneself, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with tact, diplomacy
and good judgment;
3. Establish and maintain effective public relations when representing the Committee;
4. Have an understanding that they represent all Scandia residents and make
recommendations on their behalf, to the best of their ability; and
5. Participate in any subcommittees to which they may be appointed.
6. If a member fails to attend meetings, fails to fulfill their responsibilities, or violates
these bylaws, the SPRC may recommend that the City Council replace the member.
Section 5. Meetings.
A. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings will be held on the first Monday of each calendar
month at 7:00 p.m. Any regular meeting falling upon a holiday shall be held on the first
Thursday of the month at the same time and place, unless otherwise determined by a
majority vote of the SPRC. Meetings shall be held at the Scandia Community Center,
14727 209th Street North, unless notice of the alternate location is given to the members
and the public at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
B. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Committee may be called at any time by the
chair or the vice-chair, in the chair's absence with 72 hours advance notice to the public
and to members.
C. Quorum/ Voting. A majority of the number of officially appointed members shall
constitute a quorum. A majority of the entire membership shall decide all issues.
Conduct of meetings shall be based on Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 10th
Edition.
D. Public meetings. Except as otherwise provided in the open meeting law, all SPRC
meetings, including special or sub-committee meetings, shall be open to the public.
Public notice of meetings shall be given by posting committee agendas at the Community
Center at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
E. Minutes of meetings. Minutes of each SPRC meeting shall be prepared by the City
Clerk or his/her designee and delivered to each member of the SPRC within 14 days of
each meeting. At the next regular meeting following such delivery, Chair shall call for
any additions or corrections. If there is no objection to a proposed addition or correction,
it may be made without a vote of the SPRC. If there is an objection, the SPRC shall vote
upon the addition or corrections. If there are no additions or corrections, the minutes
shall stand approved.
Section 6. Order of Business.
A. Order established. Each regular meeting of the SPRC shall convene at the time and place
appointed. SPRC business shall be conducted in the following order:
1. Call to Order
2. Public Forum
3. Approve Agenda
4. Approve Minutes
5. Reports
6. Old Business
7. New Business
8. Items for next agenda
9. Adjournment.
B. Varying order. The order of business may be varied by the presiding officer.
C. Agenda. The clerk shall prepare an agenda of business for each regular SPRC meeting and
file a copy in the office of the clerk not later than seven calendar days before the meeting.
The agenda shall be prepared in accordance with the order of business and copies shall be
delivered to each SPRC member and posted at the community center as far in advance of the
meeting as time for preparation will permit. No item of business shall be considered unless it
appears on the agenda for the meeting or is approved for addition to the agenda by a majority
vote of the SPRC members present.
D. Agenda materials. The clerk shall see that at least one copy of printed materials relating to
agenda items is available to the public in the meeting room while the SPRC considers their
subject matter. The agenda items shall not be considered unless this provision is complied
with. This section does not apply to materials that are classified as other than public under the
Minnesota Government Data Practices Act or materials from closed meetings.
Section 7. Amendments. These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the SPRC by
a majority vote of the membership, provided that notice of the amendment has been given to all
members in writing one regular meeting prior to the meeting at which the amendment will be
voted. These bylaws and amendments thereto are subject to approval by the City Council.