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RELEVANT LINKS: If a citizen is interested in knowing the city's current law on a particular matter, where does the search begin? In the book covering the minutes for the last 65 years? In the clerk's files? In the basement of city hall? Depending on the current state of affairs in the particular city, the answer to any or all of these questions could be "yes." In assessing the need for codification, a city should begin by asking the following questions: What condition are the ordinances in? Are they organized in one place? Are they properly indexed? Are they cross- referenced? Are they up to date? Are they internally consistent? Are they in compliance with state and federal laws? Are they complete? A codification of city ordinances allows city officials to respond affirmatively to all of these questions. A proper codification project encompasses all of the following: • Identification of conflicting ordinances, and repeal or re -drafting of inconsistent or unclear ordinance provisions. • Removal of archaic and unconstitutional ordinances. • Development of a system that facilitates access to the city's laws and provides for continuous updating. • Development of comprehensive indexing and cross-referencing. • Review of the entire body of city ordinances for omissions. • Organization of city ordinances into an easy -to -use reference book known as the city code. Actual codes vary from the very simple to the very complex, depending partly on the size, age, and functions of the city. The simplest codes are compilations of all the ordinances currently in effect in the city, including the original title, number, enacting clauses, and concluding clause and signatures for each ordinance. Other codes re -number the ordinances to fit a subject -matter classification. Some other codes include new material adopted for the first time; in fact, in many instances, the whole code is adopted as new ordinance material even though much comes from existing ordinances in the same or slightly altered form. A well -drafted city code helps a city operate efficiently and effectively. Ordinances are grouped together by subject, not by the chronological order in which they were passed. This eliminates the need to sort through stacks of loose ordinances to find a regulation on a particular subject. Cities have a number of options for completing a codification of ordinances. Occasionally, the city attorney or city clerk will do the codification, but in many cases competing demands on their time make it difficult for them to undertake the project. League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 8/30/2022 Meetings, Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances Chapter 7 1 Page 51