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RELEVANT LINKS: <br />B. Differences between motions, resolutions, and <br />ordinances <br />1. Motions <br />A motion is a matter of the rules of order. <br />Motions generally are made orally and may introduce ordinances and <br />resolutions, amend them, and take any other action. <br />2. Resolutions <br />Linaahl v. rndep. seh. Dist. <br />A resolution is essentially a formal, written expression of an approved <br />No. 306,270 Minn. 164, <br />133 N.W. 2d 23 (Minn. <br />motion. Councils should use resolutions for any action of a temporary, <br />1965). <br />routine, or administrative nature. For example, resolutions should be used <br />to approve contracts and may be helpful to record findings of fact regarding <br />planning and zoning decisions. Courts may view motions that are approved <br />and recorded to be the equivalent of resolutions. A resolution must be used <br />when required by law, for example, a resolution must be used when <br />approving a contract under an exception to the conflict of interest <br />prohibition. <br />If the council has any doubt whether a motion or a resolution is necessary <br />Minn. Stat. § 471.89. <br />to take a particular action, it is generally best to proceed as if the action <br />requires a resolution. <br />Standard Resolution <br />In its traditional form, a resolution begins with a "whereas" clause or <br />Template, LMC Model <br />Resolution. <br />clauses explaining the reason for the action, followed by the substance of <br />the resolution beginning with "Therefore, be it resolved" or some similar <br />phrase distinguishing the action from "The council ordains" enacting clause <br />of an ordinance. In more recent practice, the preamble is omitted and the <br />material setting out the reason for the action is given as a separately <br />numbered section or sections of the body of the resolution. <br />3. Ordinances <br />See, Hanson v. City of <br />If the council has any doubt whether a resolution or an ordinance is <br />Granite Falls, 529 N.W.2d <br />485 (Minn. Ct. App.1995). <br />necessary to take a particular action, it is generally best to proceed as if the <br />action requires an ordinance. <br />Any council enactment that regulates people or property and provides a <br />penalty if violated should be adopted in the form of an ordinance. As a <br />result, the council must pass, in ordinance form, all police regulations for <br />public health, morals, economic well-being, welfare, and safety. Ordinance <br />regulations should be of general application within the city, and of a <br />permanent and continuing nature. <br />League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022 <br />Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 1 Page 37 <br />