09-25-2023 CC (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View City Council September 25, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 4 and Establishing a Vice Acting Mayor. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council adopt an Ordinance amending Section 31.001 (B) of the Mounds View City Code regarding the Composition of the Council and Establishing a Vice Acting Mayor. He explained the Charter Commission was also coming forward with a Charter amendment, which would be six months behind this action. Council Member Lindstrom asked if the Council could substitute the Charter Commission language at Second Reading. City Attorney Riggs reported the Council could take this action. However, he made it known the Ordinance was sufficient as it was written. He explained this was a preemptive correction in the event Acting Mayor Meehlhause was not available and the City Council had to take action on a matter. He indicated this was a band aid and the fix was through the Charter. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, reported the Charter Commission put language together quickly to address this matter and the Resolution was delivered to staff on Thursday. He reported this was the correct solution. He asked that the Council table this Ordinance in order to allow the Charter Commission’s matter to come before the Council in October. City Attorney Riggs stated the significant difference in the ordinance was it included language for an Acting Mayor and a Vice Acting Mayor, which was two different positions. He supported the City Council appointing a Vice Acting Mayor at any time, and should not have to be set at the first meeting in January. Council Member Lindstrom thanked Mr. Amundsen for voicing his concerns. He understood this matter was more of a Charter function than an Ordinance matter. However, after hearing from the City Attorney, he did not believe it would be in the City’s best interest to wait six months to have this language in place. Mr. Amundsen stated the City had certain emergency processes in place that give the City Administrator powers if the mayor is not available. City Attorney Riggs reported this was fairly difficult to invoke. He stated if something were to happen to Acting Mayor Meehlhause and he wasn’t able to attend meetings for the next two months, the City would be in trouble. He was of the opinion the Council should move forward with this Ordinance to ensure the City has proper channels in place should an emergency situation occur. He reiterated that the language could be amended in the future should the need arise. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1005; Amending Section 31.001 (B) of the Mounds View City Code Regarding the Composition of the Council and Establishing a Vice Acting Mayor. Council Member Lindstrom stated he understood the need for this Ordinance, noting he would be offering his support. However, he would like to see the City bring the two languages in alignment. Acting Mayor Meehlhause and Council Member Gunn supported this recommendation.