Minutes - 2006/07/10 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council July 10, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 23 Administrator Ulrich stated that the Charter Commission is recommending that this item be brought up as a ballot referendum. He stated this amendment deals with taxation limits on the annual tax levy and certain fee increases. He stated the amendment also provides a process for voter referendum approval if the City needs to go beyond the set limits. Administrator Ulrich stated it clarifies, updates, and corrects language found in the section. He stated City Attorney Riggs has requested time to review for state statutes and the recommendation of Staff is to postpone action until July 25th to allow for further review. Councilmember Stigney asked about the current resolution's third "whereas" and said he does not support Section 703. He stated he does not support the resolution and the Council should discuss and vote on it. Mayor Marty asked that Subdivision 2, Item C, about the four members of the Council, be changed to indicate a majority is needed. He stated that the Council does the budget every year, and asked what happens in anon-election year. Mayor Marty asked if there was any recourse without any special election. Mr. Amundsen, who is a member of the Charter Commission, stated that is correct. Mayor Marty asked that the language of "next regular municipal election" be changed. Mr. Amundsen stated that there is language addressing elections in the Charter. • Mayor Marty suggested that language should be added about a special election in off years. Councilmember Thomas asked about timing and where the Charter will be if it is not acted upon until July 24th. Mr. Amundsen stated that the Council is not approving the language, but approving the forwarding of the Charter to the County once language is approved. He stated that Council approval on July 24th to move the Charter along would work. He stated he spoke with Administrator Ulrich about the issues the attorneys have and learned they want to check a few points of the statute related to procedures that outlined acceptance. He stated the discussion is if it will go on the ballot. Councilmember Thomas stated her concern is regarding the timing that could be handled by the Charter Commission, but the difficulty the Council has is that if the language is not approved on July 24th, there will not be another Charter Commission meeting. She stated there is a time- crunch and the Council will have to meet between now and the next City Council meeting. Mr. Amundsen stated that the City's task is to move language to the County, not to approve specific language. Mayor Marty asked if City Attorney Riggs could make a recommendation based on a cursory evaluation of the Charter Commission recommendations on July 11. Administrator Ulrich stated City Attorney Riggs has had the Charter for a while and might have something available for the July 11th meeting. He mentioned September 15th as the last date to submit ballot questions and suggested the Council move back from that date.