HomeMy WebLinkAboutVarious Docs CYO/of CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
�VIounds 7:00 PM Thursday, December11, 2003
View Mounds View City Hall Council Chambers
Charter Commission
This meeting has been cancelled due to scheduling
Chair conflicts with at least half of the members, making a
Jonathan J Thomas
763-784-5205 quorum unattainable.
Vice Chair
Michele Sandback
763-783-1770
2"d Vice Chair
Daniel Freimuth
763-780-3371
Secretary
Brian Amundsen
763-786-5699
Bill Doty
763-786-3421
Matthew Eenigenburg
083-7216
Jean Miller
763-786-3959
William Mori
763-784-3645
Barbara Thomas
763-780-6226
William Werner Sr
763-784-3603
•
City o f
Resolution No. 2003-03 (Preliminary Copy)
Mounds Mounds View Charter Commission
Dated Jun 12, 2003
• View .
The Mounds View Charter Commission acting under its By-Laws, hereby recommends the following
Charter Commission amendments to its By-Laws by the addition of the bold and double underlined language and by the
deletion of the language to read as follows.
Chair
Jonathan J Thomas MOUNDS VIEW CHARTER COMMISSION
763-784-5205 BY-LAWS
Vice Chair
Michele Sandback ARTICLE I - THE COMMISSION
763-783-1770
2"d Vice Chair
Daniel Freimuth Section 4. Members. The Commission is composed of 1-511 members.
763-780-3371 Members shall serve during their term and until their successors are appointed and
have qualified, pursuant to Minnesota Statues, Section 410.05, as amended.
Secretary
Brian Amundsen
763-786-5699
Adopted the 12' Day of June 2003.
Bill Doty
763-786-3421
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew Eenigenburg
763-783-7216
Da 1 Sach Le
763-783-5943 • Jonathan J Thomas, Chair Brian Amundsen, Secretary
Mounds View Charter Commission
Dana Mandoza
763-784-8942
Jean Miller
763-786-3959
William Mori
763-784-3645
William Werner Sr
763-784-3603
I
•
•
•
Clay of
Resolution No. 2003-02 (Preliminary Copy)
Mounds Mounds View Charter Commission
Dated June 12, 2003
• View •
Commission Charter C Resolution setting the meeting schedule for Aug. Of 2003 thru Jan. of 2004.
Chair •
Jonathan J Thomas WHEREAS, at it's June 12th, 2003 meeting the Charter Commission moved,
763-784-5205
seconded and passed the motion to meet at 7:00 PM the second Thursday of each
Vice Chair `' month from August of 2003 thru January of 2004.
Michele Sandback
763-783-1770 BE IT RESOLVED, that the following dates are hereby submitted to the City
2id Vice Chair Administrator for posting to comply with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. The
Daniel Freimuth meeting dates are: August 7, September 11, October 9, November 13, and
763-780-3371 December 11 of 2003 and January 9, 2004.
Secretary
Brian Amundsen s Adopted the 12th Day of June 2003.
763-786-5699
Bill Doty
763-786-3421
Respectfully submitted, •
Matthew Eenigenburg
763-783-7216
•
Da`ll Sach Le
763-783-5943 • Jonathan J Thomas, Chair Brian Amundsen, Secretary
Mounds View Charter Commission
Dana Mandoza
763-784-8942
Jean Miller
763-786-3959
William Mori
763-784-3645
William Werner Sr
763-784-3603
•
• 1 CHAPTER 5 (Draft Replacement Option 6/5/2003)
2
3 INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
4
5 Section 5.01. General Voter Authority. The people of Mounds View have the right, in
6 accordance with this Charter, to propose ordinances [initiative] and to require that any
7 ordinance be referred to the voters, except those that appropriate money or levy taxes
8 [referendum]. The voters also have the right to remove elected public officials [recall]. The
9 term voter(s), as used in Chapter 5, shall refer only to qualified and registered voters who
10 reside in the City of Mounds View.
11
12 Section 5.02. Petitions. A petition provided for under this chapter must be sponsored
13 by a committee of five voters of the City whose names and addresses appear on the petition.
14 A petition consists of one or more pages with each separately circulated page containing at
15 its head the information specified in sections 5.05, 5.07 or 5.08 which apply, respectively, to
16 initiative, referendum and recall. The committee may obtain a sample petition from the city
17 Clerk-Administrator. Each signer of a petition must be a voter of the City and must sign and
18 print their name and give their street address. Each separate page of the petition must have
19 appended to it a certificate by the circulator, verified by oath. The certificate shall affirm that
20 each signature was made in the circulator's presence and that the circulator believes them to
21 be the genuine signature of the voter whose name it purports to be and that each signer was
22 presented with the full petition. All petition circulators must be voters of the City. Any voter
23 whose name appears on a petition may withdraw their name by filing a statement in writing
• 24 with the Clerk-Administrator before the Clerk-Administrator advises the Council of the
25 sufficiency of the petition.
26
27 Section 5.03. Determination of Petition Sufficiency. The committee must file the
28 completed petition in the office of the Clerk-Administrator. For a petition to be sufficient, the
29 required number of signatures shall be a percentage of the number of ballots cast for
30 President in the most recent Presidential election. Petitions for Initiative and Referendum
31 require at least fifteen percent, and petitions for Recall, at least twenty-five percent.
32 Immediately upon receipt of the petition,the Clerk-Administrator shall determine its sufficiency
33 and report to the Council within ten working days. The Council shall declare the sufficiency
34 of the petition by resolution.
35
36 Section 5.04. Disposition of Insufficient or Irregular Petition. If the Council determines
37 that the sufficiency of a petition cannot be declared, it shall be determined to be insufficient
38 or irregular. The Clerk-Administrator shall deliver a copy of the petition,together with a written
39 statement of its defects, to the sponsoring committee. The committee shall have thirty
40 calender days in which to file additional signature papers and/or to correct the petition in all
41 other particulars, except that, in the case of a petition for recall,the committee may not change
42 the statement of the grounds on which the recall is sought. Within ten working days of receipt
43 of the corrected petition, the Clerk-Administrator must report to the Council on the sufficiency
44 of the corrections. If the Council finds that the petition is still insufficient or irregular, this shall
45 be considered the Final Finding and the Clerk-Administrator shall file the petition as noted and
46 notify the sponsoring committee that no further action will be taken. The final finding that the
47 petition is insufficient or irregular shall not prejudice the filing of a new petition for the same
48 purpose, nor shall it prevent the Council from referring the subject matter of the petition to the
• 49 voters at the next regular or special election.
•
50 Section 5.05. Initiative. Any ordinance may be proposed by a petition. The exact text
51 of the proposed ordinance must be state at the head of each page of the petition. The Council
52 must act upon the proposed ordinance within 60 calendar days after final determination of the
53 petition' s sufficiency. The Council may amend the proposed ordinance. A majority of the
54 sponsoring committee of the petition may disapprove the amended form by filing a statement
55 with the Clerk-Administrator within ten working days of Council adoption of the petitioned
56 ordinance. Upon the filing of a statement of disapproval, the proposed ordinance, as stated
57 on the original petition, must be placed on the ballot at the next election occurring in the City.
58 The Council shall call a special election if there is no regularly scheduled election within 120
59 calendar days of the determination of sufficiency. If a majority of those voting on the
60 ordinance vote in its favor, it shall become effective thirty days after adoption unless the
61 ordinance specifies a later effective date. If the sponsoring committee does not file
62 disapproval, the ordinance is not required to be submitted to the voters for enactment.
63
64 Section 5.06. Initiative to Amend the Charter. Nothing in this chapter shall be
65 construed as in any way affecting the right of the voters to propose amendments to this
66 charter.
67
68 Section 5.07. Referendum. Prior to the date when an ordinance takes effect, it may
69 be subjected to a referendum by a petition which shall state at the head of each page the
70 exact text of the measure to be considered by the voters. If the petition is found to be
71 sufficient under the provisions of Section 5.03 of this chapter, said ordinance shall thereby be
72 prevented from enactment, and the subject matter of the petition shall be placed on the ballot
• 73 at the next election occurring in the City. If no election is to occur within 120 calendar days
74 after determination of sufficiency of the petition, the Council shall call a special election. If a
75 majority of the voters voting thereon favors the ordinance contained in the petition, it shall
76 remain in effect. If a majority vote against the ordinance contained in the petition, it shall be
77 considered repealed upon certification of the election results.
78
79 Section 5.08. Recall. The voters of the City may request a recall vote of any elected
ao official of the City by petition. The petition shall state at the head of each page, or attached
81 thereto, the name of the official whose removal is sought, the grounds for recall constituting
82 malfeasance or misfeasance, in not more than 250 words, and the intention of the sponsoring
83 committee to bring about the official's recall. The petition shall be filed in the
84 Clerk-Administrator's office prior to circulation. If the petition is determined sufficient under
85 the provisions of Section 5.03 of this chapter, the Clerk-Administrator shall submit it to the
86 Council as required. The Clerk-Administrator shall also officially notify the official sought to
87 be recalled of the sufficiency of the petition and of the pending action within five working days.
88 The Council shall at its next meeting, by resolution, provide for the holding of special recall
89 election within ninety days after such meeting, except if any other election is to occur within
90 the ninety day period after such meeting, the Council may in its discretion provide for the
91 holding of the recall vote at that time. The Clerk-Administrator shall include with the published
92 notice of the election the statement of the grounds for the recall and,also in not more than 500
93 words, the answer of the official concerned in justification of their course of action. If a
94 vacancy occurs due to recall election, Section 4.05 herein shall apply to fill said vacancy.
95
•
•
1 CHAPTER 5 (Draft markup 6/5/2003)
2
3 INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
4
5 Section 5.01. Powers Reserved by the People. The people of Mounds View
6 reserve to themselves the powers in accordance with the provisions of this Charter to
7 initiate and adopt ordinances and resolutions, to require measures passed by the Council
8 to be referred to the electorate voters for approval or disapproval, and to recall elected
9 public officials. These powers shall be called the initiative,the referendum, and the recall,
10 respectively. The term voter(s), as used in Chapter 5, shall refer to only qualified and
11 registered voters of the City of Mounds View.
12
13 Section 5.02. General Provisions for Petitions. A petition provided for under this
14 chapter shall be sponsored by a committee of five voters of the City whose
is names and addresses shall appear on the petition. A petition may consist of one or more
16 papers, but each separately circulated paper shall contain at its head,or attached thereto,
17 the information specified in sections 5.05, 5.07 or 5.08 which apply, respectively, to
18 initiative, referendum and recall. Each signer shall be a registered voter of the City and
19 shall sign their name and give their street address. Each separate page of the petition
20 shall have appended to it a certificate by the circulator, verified by oath, that each
21 signature appended thereto was made in their presence and that the circulator believes
22 them to be the genuine signature of the person voter whose name it purports to be. The
23 person circulator making the certificate shall be aresident voter of the City-and-registered
24 to-vote. Any person voter whose name appears on a petition may withdraw their name by
25 a statement in writingiled with the Clerk-Administrator before said Clerk-Administrator
• 26 advises the Council of the sufficiency of the petition. •
27
28 Section 5.03. Determination of Sufficiency. The committee shall file the completed
29 petition in the office of the Clerk-Administrator. The required number of signers shall be
30 at least fifteen percent for initiative and referendum, and for recall, at least twenty-five
31 percent of the total number of electors voters who cast their votes for president at the last
32 presidential election. Immediately upon receipt of the petition, the Clerk-Administrator
33 shall examine the petition as to its sufficiency and report to the Council within ten days.
34 Upon receiving the report, the Council shall determine by resolution the sufficiency of the
35 petition.
36
37 Section 5.04. Disposition of Insufficient or Irregular Petition. If the Council
38 determines that the petition is insufficient or irregular, the Clerk-Administrator shall deliver
39 a copy of the petition, together with a written statement of its defects, to the sponsoring
40 committee. The committee shall have thirty days in which to file additional signature
41 papers and/or to correct the petition in all other particulars, except that, in the case of a
42 petition for recall, the committee may not change the statement of the grounds on which
43 the recall is sought. Within five days of receipt of the corrected petition, the
44 Clerk-Administrator shall again report to the Council. If the Council finds that the petition
45 is still insufficient or irregular, the Clerk-Administrator shall file the petition and notify the
46 sponsoring committee. The final finding that the petition is insufficient or irregular shall not
47 prejudice the filing of a new petition for the same purpose, nor shall it prevent the Council
48 from referring the subject matter of the petition to the voters at the next regular or special
49 election.
50 •
51 Section 5.05. Initiative. Any ordinance may be proposed by a petition which shall
52 state at the head of each page or attached thereto the exact text of the proposed
• 53 ordinance. If the Council passes the proposed ordinance with amendments,and a majority
54 of the sponsoring committee do not disapprove the amended form by a statement filed with
• 55 the Clerk-Administrator within ten days of its passage by the Council, the ordinance need
56 not be submitted to the voters. If the Council fails to enact the ordinance in a form
57 acceptable to the majority of the sponsoring committee within sixty days after the final
58 determination of sufficiency of the petition, the ordinance as originally proposed shall be
59 placed on the ballot at the next election occurring in the City. If no election is to occur
60 within 120 days after the filing of the petition, the Council shall call a special election on
61 the ordinance to be held within such period. If a majority of those voting on the ordinance
62 vote in its favor, it shall become effective thirty days after adoption unless the ordinance
63 specifies a later effective date. (Amended, Ord. 650, 8-16-2000)
64
65 Section 5.06. Initiative to Amend the Charter. Nothing in this chapter shall be
66 construed as in any way affecting the right of the electors voters to propose amendments
67 to this charter.
68
69 Section 5.07. Referendum. Prior to the date when an ordinance takes effect, it may
70 be subjected to referendum by a petition which shall state at the head of each page, or
71 attached thereto, the exact text of the measure to be considered by the electorate voters.
72 If the petition is found to be sufficient under the provisions of Section 5.03 of this chapter,
73 the said ordinance shall thereby be prevented from going into operation, and the subject
74 matter of the petition shall be placed on the ballot at the next election occurring in the City.
75 If no election is to occur within 120 days after the filing of the petition, the Council shall call
76 a special election to be held within such period, providing the petition has been found to
77 be sufficient. If a majority of the voters voting thereon favors the ordinance contained in
78 the petition, it shall remain in effect. If a majority of the electors voters voting thereon
79votes against the ordinance contained in the petition, it shall be considered repealed upon
80 certification of the election results. (Amended, Ord. 651, 8-16-2000)
81
82 Section 5.08. Recall. Consideration by the electorate voters of the recall of any
83 elected officer of the City may be initiated by petition. The petition shall state at the head
84 of each page, or attached thereto, a certificate stating the name of the officer whose
85 removal is sought, the grounds for recall, which shall be malfeasance, misfeasance or
86 nonfeasance in office, in not more than 250 words, and the intention of the sponsoring
87 committee to bring about the officer's recall. Such petition shall be filed • in the
88 Clerk-Administrator's office prior to circulation. If the petition or amended petition is found
89 sufficient under the provisions of Section 5.03 of this chapter,the Clerk-Administrator shall
90 transmit it to the Council without delay, and shall also officially notify the person official
91 sought to be recalled of the sufficiency of the petition and of the pending action. The
92 Council shall at its next meeting, by resolution, provide for the holding of special recall
93 election within ninety days after such meeting, except if any other election is to occur
94 within ninety day period after such meeting, the Council may in its discretion provide for
95 the holding of the recall vote at that time. The Clerk-Administrator shall include with the
96 published notice of the election the statement of the grounds for the recall and, also in not
97 more than 500 words, the answer of the officer concerned in justification of their course of
98 office action. If a vacancy occurs due to recall election, Section 4.05 herein shall apply
99 to fill said vacancy.
100
•
City of
5 Mounds View Charter Commission
Mounds May 8, 2003
4 View y
Mounds View City Council
er Commission , Attention: City Clerk-Administrator
Mounds View City Hall
:hair
Jonathan J Thomas
'63-784-5205 : Honorable Mayor and Mounds View City Council:
/ice Chair At the Nov 14, 2002, meeting of the Mounds View Charter Commission, a member of the
vlichele Sandback " Commission that is also a member of the Police Civil Service Commission presented an issue
'63483-1770
• relating to the interpretation of the Mounds View Charter, Section 2.02. The Charter
,,d Commission has determined at its Jan 9, 2003, meeting that there is sufficient cause to render
Vice Chair its opinion toyou on the matter of the validityof the Police Civil Service Commission
)aniel Freimuth p
'63-780-3371 ..i; providing an administrative function for the city under the current wording of the Charter.
secretary We would like to note that although the Commission provides its opinion on such matters,
3rian Amundsen 4. the City Council and its legal counsel have the responsibility to interpret the Charter on
63-786-5699
behalf of the City. This was affirmed by Mr. Duke Addicks, an attorney for the League of
vlary Amirahmadi t Minnesota Cities, in his presentation before this Commission on June 14, 2001.
763-786-3477
It is the Charter Commission's opinion that Section 2.02 does appear to be in conflict with the
3ill Doty
763-786-3421 existence of any appointed commission that would serve in an administrative role. It was
'' also noted that the Police Civil Service Commission was formed and has served continuously
K
Jahnke since prior to the Charter and that in over twenty years it has not been challenged.
00-4900
Daniel Sach Le • The Charter Commission reviewed this issue on Thursday, May 8, 2003, and requests that the
763-783-5943 City Council provide direction to the Charter Commission for our future consideration to
pursue one of the following options or other options the City Council may find appropriate.
Dana Mandoza
763-784-8942 • The City Council could request that the Charter Commission review Section 2.02 of the
Duane McCarty Charter specifically excluding the Police Civil Service Commission and such other
763-784-6074 • commissions as it may deem necessary, from the restriction of not allowing any
commissions that would serve in an administrative function.
Jean Miller
763-786-3959 • • The City Council could abolish the Police Civil Service Commission defined by
William Mori Section 404 of the City Code and Minnesota Statute 419.16 which according to
763-784-3645 Minnesota Statute 419.16 would require a unanimous vote of the City Council. Then
the City Council could amend Section 404 of the City Code to create an advisory only
William Werner Sr
763-784-3603 ,: Police Civil Service Commission.
• Respectfully submitted,
• Jonathan Thomas, Chair
Mounds View Charter Commission - Wi,40
Brain Amundsen, Secretary
G2ty
mounds
Resolution No. 2003-01
4 View Mounds View Charter Commission
rter Commission
Resolution setting the regular meeting schedule for February thru July of 2003.
Chair
Jonathan J Thomas
763-784-5205 :r
Vice Chair WHEREAS, at its Jan 9th, 2003 meeting the Charter Commission passed the motion to meet
Michele Sandback at 7:00 PM the second Thursday of each month from February of 2003 thru July of 2003.
763-783-1770
2°d Vice Chair BE IT RESOLVED, that the following dates are hereby submitted to the City Clerk-
Daniel Freimuth Administrator for posting to comply with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. The meeting
763-780-3371 dates are: February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12 and July 10 of the year 2003.
Secretary
Brian Amundsen Adopted the 9th Day of January 2003.
763-786-5699
Mary Amirahmadi '' Respectfully submitted,
763-786-3477 if All
'.,.`: 41111111111Mnivellikb".. 14. VOA 0 ,
Bill Doty fi / -/% 0/ / , d/
763-786-3421
Jonathan Thomas, Chair Brain Amundsen, Secretary
y Jahnke Mounds View Charter Commission
f
0-4900
i
Daniel Sach Le ;
763-783-5943
z.
Sharon L Linkeii
763-786-4696
Dana Mandoza
763-784-8942
Duane McCarty
763-784-6074
Jean Miller
763-786-3959
William Mori
763-784-3645
Roger Stigney
763-786-3156
William Werner Sr
4-3603
763
CITY OFFICERS: REMOVAL: City charter may not provide for removal of council member by council. Grounds
for removal of elected local official must amount to malfeasance or nonfeasance in office. Minn. Const. art. VIII,
§ 5; art. XII, §§ 3, 4. Minn. Stat. §§ 351.02, 351.14, 410.07, 410.20.
• 59a-30
July 24, 1996
John B. Dean
Attorney at Law
Kennedy 8, Graven
470 Pillsbury Center
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Dear Mr. Dean:
In your letter to Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III you set forth substantially the following:
FACTS
The City of Richfield operates under a home rule charter adopted in 1964. Recently the Charter Commission
submitted a proposed charter amendment regarding council member attendance at regular council meetings. If
amended, Section 2.05 of the charter would read, in relevant part, as follows:
Section 2.05 Vacancies. Subdivision 1. Existence
(2)As soon as it is determined that a Council Member is ineligible because of any of the following reasons: . . .
(viii) failure of a council member to attend six regular council meetings during a six-month period which would
constitute non-feasance in office, the Council shall by resolution at a regular or special council meeting, declare
410 a vacancy on the Council to exist. [Underlined material is the amendment proposed by the charter commission].
You then ask substantially the following questions:
QUESTION ONE
Except in situations involving such matters as death, resignation or moving away of the elected official, does the
city have authority, through the proposed amendment, to provide for removal from office, for any reason, without
the vote of the electors of the city?
OPINION
Your question is answered in the negative.
The specific situations which you mention in your question are all considered to create vacancies in elective
office pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 351.02 (1994). These vacancies occur upon the happening of the specific event
directly related to the officer's qualifications, ability, or willingness to hold the office in question. While a
governing body or other authority might identify and declare the facts giving rise to these vacancies, for all
practical purposes they occur automatically and are not based upon any removal action. However, nowhere in
Minn. Stat. § 351.02 is the city given the ultimate authority to declare a vacancy for any reason not explicitly
stated in the statute.
Minn. Stat. § 351.02(3) does provide that an office becomes vacant upon the incumbent's"removal"from office,
but does not set out the permissible grounds for removal from any particular public office. Thus the authority and
procedures for removal must be found elsewhere in statutes or charter. C.f. Op. Atty. Gen. 475-h, April 30, 1985
(removal of transit commission appointees limited to circumstances expressly listed in statute).
Article 8, § 5 of the Minnesota Constitution addresses the removal of"inferior"officers. It states:
• The legislature of this state may provide for the removal of inferior officers for malfeasance or nonfeasance in
the performance of their duties.
This provision applies to elected municipal officials and has been interpreted to mean that such officials cannot
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be removed except for malfeasance or nonfeasance in office. Sykes v. City of Minneapolis , 124 Minn. 73, 77,
144 N.W. 453, 455 (1913). Thus, the legislature is given broad power to provide for removal of elected local
officials, so long as the basis therefor is "malfeasance"or"nonfeasance" in office.
• There is no constitutional requirement that removal of elected officials be by the vote of the electors. However,
there does appear to be such a requirement in the state statutes authorizing removal of elected officials pursuant
to city charters.
Article 12, section 3 of the Minnesota Constitution provides that"the legislature may provide by law for the . . .
organization . . . of local government units and their functions . . . [and]for their elective and appointive officers. .
. ."Article 12, section 4 of the Minnesota Constitution provides that any local government unit when authorized
la law may adopt a home rule charter city. This language allows the legislature to exercise control over the
actions of a home rule charter city. The legislature has specifically addressed the authority to provide for removal
of elected city officials by charter through the enactment of Minn. Stat. §410.20 (1994), which provides in part:
[S]uch commission may also provide for the recall of any elective municipal officer and for removal of the officer
by vote of the electors of such city.
This language indicates that the charter commission has the authority to provide for the"removal" of elective
officials only by the vote of the electors. However, there may be some question as to whether the power to
provide for"recall" might permit some process for removal without the vote of the electors.
We think it does not. While there appears no direct authority in Minnesota on the meaning of the term "recall,"
examination of case law from other jurisdictions leads to the conclusion that"recall" is synonymous with
"removal"and requires the vote of the electors. See generally , 36 Words and Phrases, "Recall."
In Poprosky v. Shea, 21 Conn. App 351, 354, 573 A.2d 756, 758 (Conn. App. Ct. 1990), the court defined
"recall"as"a procedure where an elected official may be removed at any time during his term of office by a vote
of the people. . . ." In Collins v. Morris, 263 Ga. 734, 735, 438 S.E.2d 896, 897 (Ga. 1994), "recall"was defined
as "a procedure whereby it is the voter themselves who make the ultimate determination as to whether an official
should retain his office for the duration of the term to which he was elected." In Wallace v. Tripp , 358 Mich.
• 668,678, 101 N.W.2d 312, 314 (Mich. 1960), the court looked to the definition of"recall" in Webster's New
International Dictionary (2d Ed.) which defined "recall" to be "the right or procedure by which a public official . . .
may be removed from office, before the end of his term of office, by a vote of the people. . . ." The Wallace
definition appears in Black's Law Dictionary, 1433 (6th Ed. 1990), along with the following derived from Jones v.
Harlan, 109 S.W.2d 251, 254 (Tex. Civ. App. 1937): "A method of removal of official in which power of removal
is either granted to or reserved by the people."
Minn. Stat. §410.20 gives no indication that the term "recall" is intended to have a meaning other than that
related to the removal procedure requiring the vote of the electors. Thus, in our opinion, "recall,"as set out in
Minn. Stat. §410.20, requires the vote of the electors.
Furthermore, it is our view that the removal provisions set out in Minn. Stat. §410.20 are the exclusive methods
for removal of elected officials which a charter may provide. The power of the legislature to provide for the
removal of officers is exclusive pursuant to art. 8, § 5. State v. Essling , 268 Minn. 151, 128 N.W.2d 307, 311
(Minn 1964), citing Sykes v. City of Minneapolis, 124 Minn. 73, 144 N.W. 453,455, (Minn. 1913).
As the subject of removal of officers is within legislative control, where that body prescribes a manner and
method of removal, it is exclusive. Brandt v. Thompson , 91 Minn. 279, 97 N.W. 887 (1904). In this case, the
legislature has prescribed a method of removing elected officials in a home rule charter city in Minn. Stat. §
410.20. Following the holding in Brandt, the removal of elected officials by the vote of the electors, as set out in
Minn. Stat. § 410.20, would be exclusive, and the proposed charter amendment would not be permissible as it
does not allow the electors to vote on the issue.
This conclusion finds further support under the doctrine of expressio unius est exlusio alterius which provides
that, in statutory interpretation, there is an inference that all omissions should be understood as exclusions.
Sutherland Stat. Const. §47.23 (5th Ed). A statute which provides that a thing shall be done in a certain way
carries with it an implied prohibition against doing that thing any other way. Sutherland Stat. Const. § 47.23 (5th
Ed). In this case, it means that because Minn. Stat. § 410.20 allows for the removal of elected officials by the
vote of the electors, the presumption arises that this is the exclusive method of removal of elected officials.
QUESTION TWO
Must the reasons for removal of an elected city official pursuant to the charter amount to malfeasance or
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nonfeasance as is required in art. 8, § 5 of the Minnesota Constitution?
OPINION
Your question is answered in the affirmative.
Minn. Stat. § 410.07 provides that the charter commission "may provide for any scheme of municipal government
not inconsistent with the constitution. . . ." If the charter provisions are inconsistent with constitutional provisions,
the constitutional provisions are controlling. Op. Atty. Gen. 63A-1, March 29, 1938. The legislature has complete
power to remove an elected official from office or to authorize such removal subject only to the limitations the
constitution may impose on the particular office. State v. Oehler , 218 Minn. 290, 16 N.W.2d 765 (1944). The
prerequisites of removal are set out in art. 8, § 5 of the constitution which provides that elective municipal
officers may not be removed except for malfeasance or nonfeasance in office. Jacobsen v. Nagel , 255 Minn.
300, 304,'96 N.W.2d 569, 572 (1959). The art. 8, § 5 limitations on the removal of public officials from office
apply regardless of whether those limitations are explicitly acknowledged in statutes providing for such removal.
Claude v. Collins, 518 N.W.2d 836, 842 (Minn. 1994). Thus it is our view that removal of elected city officials
pursuant to charter must be based upon malfeasance or nonfeasance in office.
QUESTION THREE
If the standard of art. 8, § 5 is applicable, does the city have authority, through the proposed amendment, to
determine for itself what"acts" automatically constitute nonfeasance?
OPINION
We are not in a position to provide an absolute answer to your question. As noted above, Minnesota statutes
authorizing removal of elected city officials pursuant to the charter, requires a vote of the electors. Thus no act of
the officer could, standing alone, result in automatic removal for nonfeasance. See also, Op. Atty. Gen. 1926,
No. 68, p. 75 (county board had no authority to declare a vacancy in office of coroner due to nonfeasance of the
incumbent). Furthermore, while a charter could specify particular conduct which, as a matter of law, would
support removal of an elected official for nonfeasance, it does not appear that the language of the proposed
• amendment is necessarily sufficient in that regard. The proposed language may be interpretedto say that
missing six meetings in six months constitutes nonfeasance per se without regard to the reasons the meetings
were missed.
Minn. Stat. § 351.14, subd. 3, which provides for removal of elected county officials, defines"nonfeasance" as
"the willful failure to perform a specific act which is a required part of the duties of the public official."While that
statute is not directly applicable to removal of city officials, its definition is consistent with the general rule that
nonfeasance is the failure to do that which is the officer's legal duty to do, without sufficient excuse. Jacobsen v.
Nagel, 255 Minn. 300, 304, 96 N.W.2d 569, 573; Claude v. Collins , 518 N.W.2d 836, 842. This principle would
require a determination as to whether there was a valid reason to miss the meetings or at a minimum an
unrefuted assertion that no legitimate excuse has been presented by the council member.
In Op. Atty. Gen. 450-A-11, March 6, 1957, we addressed a situation where the elected county treasurer became
ill and was absent from work for six months. We found no authority for holding that illness, even though
protracted, constitutes non-feasance on the part of the officer warranting his removal from office. For similar
reasons, it is our view that the missing of a number of meetings, standing alone, would not be held to constitute
nonfeasance in office.
Very truly yours,
HUBERT H. HUMPHREY III
Attorney General
KENNETH E. RASCHKE, JR.
•
Assistant Attorney General
3 of 3 http://www.ag.state.mn.us/office/opinions/0... 6/4/2003 5:58 PM
Model City Charter Revision Project- Eighth Edition
Option Memo from: http://www.ncl.org/npp/charter/memos/recall.html
4sue: Recall
Seventh Edition: The Model currently has no recall provisions. At the March meeting, the Committee requested an option
memo that would introduce the possibility of having a recall provision to accompany the initiative and referendum provisions
in the Model.
Pros of Recall: According to the 2001 ICMA Municipal Form of Government Survey, 60.9%of U.S. cities have recall
provisions, exceeding the percentages for initiative (57.8%) and popular referendum (46.7%). In the five years starting
January 1996 and ending 2001, recall initiatives were filed against the mayor in 4.1% of U.S. cities, and against a council
member in 5.3% of U.S. cities. Of those cities, the mayor was recalled in 17.6%of the elections, and the council member in
29.2% of the elections. These statistics indicate that recall is a reality that should be reflected in the charter. At the same
time, they tell us that recall provisions are not being overused.
In the same way that initiative and popular referendum are a pressure valve when elected officials are inadequately
responsive to the will of the majority on policy issues, recall is a check on officials who run rampantly afoul of the
expectations of the office they were elected to hold.
Cons of Recall: Elected officials face reelection with enough frequency that an additional challenge to their tenure is
unnecessary. An elected official's actions are judged sufficiently by the media and public. More serious violations of the
public trust can be dealt with through a city ethics code and if necessary, civil or criminal penalties. The statistics show that
recall is used infrequently and, more often than not, unsuccessfully. Recall undermines representative democracy and
should not be encouraged.
IllOptions: The Committee should adopt one of the following positions by the end of the June 12 meeting:
1. The Model should continue to have no recall provision.
2. The Model should have a recall provision.
1. Limitations may be included to reduce frivolous or precipitous actions. Below is a sample from a charter revision
proposed for Kansas City in 2001. The Model should use this as charter language in addition to the recall
provision.
2. The Kansas City sample language below should appear as commentary to the recall provision.
3. The Kansas City sample language below should appear neither as charter language nor commentary to the recall
provision.
"Grounds for recall."
"Grounds for recall must relate to and affect the administration of the official's office, and be of a substantial nature directly
affecting the rights and interests of the public. Grounds for recall are limited to objective reasons which reasonable people,
regardless of their political persuasion, could agree would render any official's performance ineffective, such as acts of
misfeasance, the improper performance of some act which may lawfully be done, malfeasance, the commission of some
act wholly beyond the official's authority, and nonfeasance, the failure to perform a required duty."
"Limitations on recall."
o recall petition shall be filed against any official within six months after the official takes office, nor, in case of a member
Ipbjected
to a recall election and not removed, until at least six months after the election."
4Mounds View Charter Commission
I S Feb 13, 2003
i
V 1, Preliminary
Mounds View City Council
Charter Commission Attention: City Clerk-Administrator
Mounds View City Hall
Chair
Jonathan J Thomas Honorable Mayor and Mounds View City Council:
763-784-5205
Vice Chair At the Nov 14, 2002, meeting of the Mounds View Charter Commission, a member of the
Michele Sandback Commission that is also a member of the Police Civil Service Commission presented an issue
763-783-1770 relating to the interpretation of the Mounds View Charter, Section 2.02. The Charter
2"d Vice Chair Commission has determined at its Jan 9, 2003,meeting that there is sufficient cause to render
Daniel Freimuth its opinion to you on the matter of the validity of the Police Civil Service Commission
763-780-3371 providing an administrative function for the city under the current wording of the Charter.
Secretary We would like to note that although the Commission provides its opinion on such matters,
Brian Amundsen the City Council and its legal counsel have the responsibility to interpret the Charter on
763-786-5699
behalf of the City. This was affirmed by Mr. Duke Addicks, an attorney for the League of
Mary Amirahmadi Minnesota Cities, in his presentation before this Commission on June 14, 2001.
763-786-3477
It is the Charter Commission's opinion that Section 2.02 does appear to be in conflict with the
Bill Doty
41
-786-3421 existence of any appointed commission that would serve in an administrative role. It was
also noted that the Police Civil Service Commission was formed and has served continuously
ley Jahnke since prior to the Charter and that in over twenty years it has not been challenged.
763-780-4900
Daniel Sach Le The Charter Commission reviewed this issue on Thursday, January 9, 2003, and requests that
763-783-5943 the City Council provide direction to the Charter Commission for our future consideration to
pursue one of the following options or other options the City Council may find appropriate.
Sharon L Linke
763-786-4696 • The City Council could request that the Charter Commission review Section 2.02 of the
Dana Mandoza Charter specifically excluding the Police Civil Service Commission and such other
763-784-8942 commissions as it may deem necessary, from the restriction of not allowing any
commissions that would serve in an administrative function.
Duane McCarty
763-784-6074 • The City Council could abolish the Police Civil Service Commission defined by
Jean Miller Section 404 of the City Code and Minnesota Statute 419.16 which according to
763-786-3959 Minnesota Statute 419.16 would require a unanimous vote of the City Council. Then
the City Council could amend Section 404 of the City Code to create an advisory only
William Mori Police Civil Service Commission.
763-784-3645
Roger Stigney
763-786-3156 Respectfully submitted,
William Werner Sr
763-784-3603
III Jonathan Thomas, Chair Brain Amundsen, Secretary
Mounds View Charter Commission
Mounds View City Council February 9, 2004
Regular Meeting Page 3
Ayes— 3 Nays—0 Motion carried.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Resolution 6181 Authorizing Staff to Create and Distribute an RFP to
Establish Wetland Boundaries in the Spring Creek Basin
B. Resolution 6183 Authorizing the Advertisement for an Intern in the
Community Development Department
C. Resolution 6187 Re-Appointing David Jahnke to the Airport Advisory Board
D. Licenses for Approval
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve the Consent Agenda as Presented.
Ayes—3 Nays—0 Motion carried.
9. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 725, an Ordinance Amending
the Zoning Code Establishing an Administrative Variance Approval Process.
Planner Prososki reviewed the requirements for the Administrative Variance Approval Process.
MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Waive the Reading, Approve the Second Reading and
Adopt Ordinance 725, an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code Establishing an Administrative
Variance Approval Process.
ROLL CALL: Linke/Stigney/Gunn.
Ayes— 3 Nays— 0 Motion carried.
B. City Charter Issue Regarding Police Civil Service Commission
City Administrator Ulrich indicated that this was discussed at the February 2, 2004 work session
as a result of a request from the Charter Commission in May of 2003 to review the existence of
the Police Civil Service Commission in conflict with the City's Charter.
City Administrator Ulrich indicated that there would need to be a unanimous vote of Council to
abolish the Police Civil Service Commission.
Mayor Linke indicated there was an attempt last summer to abolish but the votes were not there.
MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Direct the Charter Commission to Review Section 202 _1
of the Charter.
Mounds View City Council February 9, 2004
Regular Meeting Page 4
Mayor Linke apologized for not following up and looking into what the Charter Commission was
looking for.
Council Member Gunn asked whether there would be problems complying with the 30 day filing
of vacancies if it were abolished.
Mayor Linke explained that requirement would go away if there were no Commission.
Council Member Stigney indicated that there is no restrictions on the amount of money the
Commission can spend but it has been in existence for 20 to 30 years and he does not recall them
expending more money than what was required to accomplish the task. He further clarified that
the Commission cannot be abolished without a unanimous vote.
Ayes— 3 Nays—0 Motion carried.
C. Public Hearing, First Reading, and Introduction of Ordinance 729 Setting
Sanitary Sewer Rates for Service in the Year 2004.
Mayor Linke opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m.
Finance Director Hansen indicated that this Ordinance would allow the City to charge a variable
110 rate to account for those residents in the City with a lower water usage. He then reviewed how
the rates were determined and discussed some sample bills.
Mayor Linke closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Waive the Reading, Introduce the First Reading, and
Approve Ordinance 729, an Ordinance Setting Sanitary Sewer Rates for Service in the Year
2004.
Council Member Stigney said that he is in favor of this as it accounts for those that live alone or
that just use less water. He then asked why the Ordinance allows for the five units or actual
usage from a later quarter.
Finance Director Hansen explained that it would allow Staff to account for abnormal usage such
as a plumbing problem causing excess water usage rather than charge the resident on an
abnormal amount all year.
Ayes— 3 Nays— 0 Motion carried.
D. Resolution 6186, a Resolution Approving the Purchase of a Digital Video
Player for the Cable Department.
Mr. Gammell addressed Council and explained why the digital video player is needed and noted
that the deck that went down is at least 14 years old and is not worth repairing.
Item No: 9A
Meeting Date: 11/24/03
Type of Business: CB
• City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Charter Commission Amendments
The City recently received two Charter Commission resolutions (attached). The City
Attorney has advised that these revisions be brought before the city council on
Nov. 24th for direction as to whether the council wants to move forward with the
proposed revisions.
If the Council is in concurrence with the proposed amendments, it is recommended that
staff be directed to put the language in ordinance form for future adoption by the
council. The Attorney also advises that the Resolution concerning Chapter 5 of the
Charter would need to be carefully reviewed, as the present Charter language in
reference to "recall" is not valid. The City Attorney's concern is that, pursuant to the
Minnesota Supreme Court case law, no "recall" language is valid.
Please let me know how you would like to handle this matter. Thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator
•
Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003 •
Regular Meeting Page 3
Council Member Marty asked whether the amounts for the other consultants other is going to be
added to the running total at the back.
Finance Director Hansen indicated that the matter has to do with a dispute between the City and
Mr. Harstad so it is not something that the City can bill them for.
Council Member Marty asked for further information on the $1,200 charge to the Community
Center project.
City Attorney Riggs indicated that the charges were for dealing with issues surrounding the
transfer of the management.
Council Member Marty asked what Will Kill would be repairing as there is a note about repairs.
Finance Director Hansen explained that the notation concerning repairs is a City named account
to allocate the cost to.
MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented.
Ayes— 5 Nays— 0 Motion carried.
411 8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Licenses for Approval
B. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, December 8, 2003 at 7:10 p.m. to Hold the First
Reading and Consideration of Ordinance 724, an Ordinance Authorizing the City
Council of the City of Mounds View to Set Water Rates and Surcharges Effective
With the January 2004 Billings
C. Consideration of Resolution 6137 Approving Change Order Number 4 for the
County Road H2 Street Improvement Project—Installing Pipe Railing
D. Resolution 6129, a Resolution Approving the Premise Permits for the Lion's Club
to Permit Charitable Gambling at The Mermaid and Robert's Off 10 in the City of
Mounds View
E. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, December 8, 2003 at 7:15 p.m. to Discuss and
Consider the Longview Estates Preliminary Plat
F. Resolution 6141 Approving the Disposal of Three Pieces of Kitchen Equipment
MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as Presented.
Ayes— 5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
9. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. Charter Commission Amendments
Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003
Regular Meeting Page 4
. Mayor Linke indicated that his first question on the amendments is that these items came to
Council from the Charter Commission and he does not see the minutes of their Commission
meeting where it shows there was a quorum and he also only read 10 names on the Charter
Commission.
Council Member Stigney indicated that the judge that appointed them reduced the number.
Council Member Quick asked how a judge could over rule a law.
Council Member Stigney indicated that the statute provides the judge the discretion on how many
members to appoint.
Council Member Stigney indicated there were 6 members so there was a quorum.
Council Member Quick asked why the order was not presented to the City Council.
Council Member Stigney commented that the Council has no discretion over the Charter.
Mayor Linke indicated that for common courtesy the Charter Commission should alert and allow
citizens of the City of Mounds View the knowledge that there was a reduction in members that
• took it from a minimum of 11 to make a quorum down to 6.
Council Member Quick commented that, if a judge fails to appoint, the City Council appoints.
City Attorney Riggs indicated there are a lot of issues at play but said that the judges have some
discretion and this is usually done by some type of order.
Mayor Linke indicated he wanted to postpone this issue until he has better information on what is
going on and the legalities of the change. He then said he has a real concern that this
Commission that deals with the City's Charter was reduced without the knowledge of the
residents of the City of Mounds View or the City Council.
MOTION/SECOND: Linke/Quick. To Postpone.
Council Member Stigney indicated that if there is an issue on the authority of the judge to make
the decision the City Administrator can obtain an answer on that question. He then asked
whether it is the intent not to take action on the proposed amendments until the questions are
resolved. He further commented that all the Charter Commission meetings are televised.
Mayor Linke indicated he did not have minutes to see how many members voted and who was
present at the meeting.
• Council Member Stigney indicated that copies of the minutes are sent to City Hall and should be
on file and available.
Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003
Regular Meeting Page 5
• Council Member Stigney indicated he has no issue with this because he viewed the meetings and
saw what the action was. He then asked the City Attorney whether there was an issue with
regard to the legalities of the change.
City Attorney Riggs indicated he could review Chapter 410.
Mayor Linke indicated he would like to postpone to provide the City Attorney with time to
review the matter. He then said that the City would need to look at the original vote by the
residents of the City of Mounds View and whether that vote set out the number of members. He
then commented that he does not feel that the judge has the authority to change the number if it
was set out by a vote of the people.
Council Member Stigney asked whether there were any issues with the language in the
resolution.
Mayor Linke indicated that one has the changes designated but the other does not. He then
commented that they should both be formatted in the same way so that Council is aware of the
proposed amended language.
Council Member Stigney disagreed and said that there is a statement at the top of the document
IIIthat the section is an entirely new replacement section.
Mayor Linke indicated he does have some issues with some of it but does not want to discuss it
now as there is a motion to postpone the matter on the floor.
MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Amend the Motion to Postpone to a Motion to
Postpone Until the City Attorney Has the Information Requested.
Ayes—2 Nays— 3(Linke/Marty/Quick) Motion failed.
Council Member Stigney questioned whether Roberts Rules of Order requires a motion to
postpone to contain a time certain.
Council Member Marty suggested not to exceed two months.
MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Amend the Motion to Postpone to a Motion to Postpone
Not to Exceed Two Months.
Council Member Stigney indicated he did not see any reason to postpone for two months. He
then asked whether there is an issue with the 60-day timeframe wording.
Council Member Quick indicated he did not like how it was presented.
Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003
Regular Meeting Page 6
0 .
City Attorney Riggs indicated that, technically, that provision is not binding upon the Council.
The statute that applies is an acquiescence to say you have received the Charter amendment. He
then said that there are waiting periods, if adopted that allow challenge by residents.
Ayes—4 Nays— 1(Stigney) Motion carried.
Ayes—4 Nays— l(Stigney) Motion carried.
Council Member Quick asked who the judge is.
B. Resolution 6140, a Resolution Approving a Newsletter Advertising Policy
City Administrator Ulrich indicated that the newsletter advertising policy was updated and
Resolution 6140 would approve those updates. He then said that Staff would limit advertising
before content as a matter of practice.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6140, a
Resolution Approving a Newsletter Advertising Policy.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
SC. Golf Course Manager's Quarterly Report
Mayor Linke indicated that Ms. Burg was elected to the New Brighton City Council and will take
office in January.
Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that the number of rounds did not increase as had been
expected. She then said that the average round was $20.00 per person and to meet the
projections that number needed to be $23.50 per person so Staff intends to look at changing rates
and restructuring fees to meet that point.
Golf Course Manager Burg indicated Staff intends to try to brand the golf course as the premium
executive course and that should not be hard to do. She then indicated that Clear Channel
intends to move forward with the billboards by approaching the state in a different way and Staff
believes that would be following the recommendation of Governor Pawlenty to seek creative
ways of financing.
Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that there were a few unanticipated projects at the golf
course this year. One of those was to repair the ninth green the other was to install a catch basin
to catch grass clippings. She then commented that a lot of Staff time went toward repairing the
ninth green but it is now repaired. She also indicated that the drought cost them over 1,000 hours
for part time and full time staff with watering due to the sandy soils it had to be done every day.
• Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that there were 33,000 rounds of golf, 17,000 buckets of
balls, and 3,400 cart rentals.
City of
December 6, 2003
Mounds I Response to City Council comments of Nov. 24' regarding requests from the Mounds
View View Charter Commission, Jonathan J Thomas, Chair.
laFirst, I would like to apologize for not being able to attend the meeting where the Charter
C alter Commission issues were discussed. It was a very great disappointment to watch a replay of the
meeting after having been called by a resident and asked to do so, because it seemed that
Chair the members of the City Council were apparently not given the necessary information to
Jonathan J Thomas be able to reasonably discuss and proceed on the items the Charter commission had sent
763-784-5205
them for review. For the record, there were no issues raised that had not been clearly and
Vice Chair publicly presented already. I will attempt to list the issues that seemed to be raised and
Michele Sandback state a simple brief response. All of the actions and many comments regarding these
763-783-1770 issues are recorded in the minutes that are filed in the Charter Commission Public Book
2"d Vice Chair which is available for review to the public at City Hall, and at every meeting of the
Daniel Freimuth `? Charter Commission.
763-780-3371
Has the Charter Commission done any business without a quorum ?
Secretary
Brian Amundsen No; the Charter Commission operates according to its Bylaws that state in
763-786-5699
Article III section 3:
Bill Doty "A majority of qualified and acting members shall constitute a quorum for the
763-786-3421 purpose of conducting the Commission's business and exercising its powers and
for all other purposes, but a smaller number of members may adjourn from time to
Matthew Eenigenburg
763-783-7216 A time." To clarify this, the number of members required to vote on issues must be
more than half the number of currently active members. This means that if there
Je:. .tiller are 9 active members, a quorum would be 5. We currently have 10 active
763-786-3959 members so a quorum is 6.
William Mori
763-784-3645 Was changing the number of members from 15 to Jill done properly ?
i
Barbara Thomas Due to the difficulty in maintaining a roster of 15 members a significant amount
763-780-6226 of discussion with the current.and previous District Court Judges and Clerk of the
William Werner Sr District Court was used to evaluate the proper consideration and process, which
763-784-3603 ended up in the recommendation that the Charter Commission amend its Bylaws
and send a copy of the amendment to the District Court which would then change
its records to reflect the new roster requirements. As we had less than the 11
acting members at the time it did not impact any members serving at the time.
The amendment was Adopted by unanimous approval of the nine members
present at the June 12, 2003 meeting of the Charter Commission.
Is it proper to use "replacement language" for a portion of the Charter, and if so
does the entire text need to be underlined ?
Where the order and association of ideas is substantial enough to make the
"Strikeout/Underline"method confusing, it is common practice to use the
"Replacement Language" method. As to the question of style, it is stated in the
IIIheader and there is no statute requirement or suggestion for the style to be used.
To: Mounds View City Employees
From: Charles Hansen, Finance Director
Date: April 14, 2003
Subject: Purchasing Policy and Manual
Attached is the purchasing policy that was approved by the City Council on March 25,
2002. All employees involved in purchasing are responsible for knowing the policy and
should familiarize themselves with its provisions.
In two instances the policy adopts reimbursement rates set annually by the IRS as City
of Mounds View reimbursement rates. The purchasing manual will be updated annually
as the IRS changes these rates.
First of these is the standard mileage rate which for 2003 is 36.0 cents per mile.
Second is the per diem rate for meals, which for 2003 is $50.00 per day. This must
cover the meal, any taxes, and the tip. When traveling out of town for the full day,
employees may spend the $50.00 on any combination of meals they wish. Section
4.1.A on page 6 of the policy provides that when traveling locally, or for less than a full
day, the following breakdown must be followed:
• Breakfast 25% $12.50
Lunch 30% $15.00
Dinner 45% $22.50
In all cases, for all types of expenses or reimbursements, employees should always
strive to bring back receipts or other documentation of expenses. Reimbursement may
be denied if employees fail to obtain documentation when it is available.
•
TYPES OF CONTRACTS AND PURCHASES
2.1 UNIFORM MUNICIPAL CONTRACTING LAW, CHAPTER 471.345
It shall be the policy of the City of Mounds View that the Uniform Municipal
Contracting Law, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 471.345 shall be the policy of
the city. Changes in this law will automatically become the policy of the city.
City policy may be more restrictive than State Law, but may not be less
restrictive. Records of quotes and bids shall be retained for at least one year
after the completion of the contract or purchase or until the annual audit for the
year of the purchase is completed, whichever is longer.
2.2 MAJOR PURCHASES
Sealed bids shall be obtained by public notice for major purchases with final
award by the City Council. From 2002 onward, this shall be for purchases
over $50,000, per Chapter 471.345.
2.3 INTERMEDIATE PURCHASES
Three or more written quotes shall be obtained for
intermediate purchaseswith
final award by the City Council. From 2002 onward, this shall be for
• purchases between $5,000 and $50,000.
2.4 SMALL PURCHASES
Purchases may be made by at least two written quotes when possible, or in the
open market, at the discretion of the Department Head. From 2002 onward,
this shall be for purchases less than $5,000.
Department Heads shall advise the City Administrator prior to purchases
between $1,000 and $5,000. Purchases between $2,500 and $5,000 shall be
approved by the City Council if they were not part of the annual budget.
ONGOING SERVICE CONTRACTS
Contracts for ongoing services shall be submitted to the City Council for
approval regardless of their dollar amount.
2.5 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
2.5.1 Applicability
This procedure applies to all advisory auditing, engineering, financial, legal,
• personnel, technical, training, or other services.
2
2.7 COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AGREEMENTS
Where a purchase contract has been awarded by the State of Minnesota,
another local government, a cooperative of local governments, or a federal
agency in compliance with applicable State Statutes, and where it is legally
permissible for the City of Mounds View to participate, a purchase may be
through the vendor named in that contract without advertising for bids or
obtaining quotes locally. The City Council or City Administrator must still be
notified and approve the purchase as defined in this policy.
2.8 ROUTINE PAYMENTS
The Finance Director may authorize certain routine payments with approval by
the City Council in the form of the Just and Correct Claims List. These
include: partial or progress payments on contracts or bids previously awarded
by the City Council; payments to federal, state, or other local governments
under a cooperative agreement previously approved by the City Council or as
required by law; payment of employee payroll withholdings, taxes, and
benefits; and payment of ongoing monthly utility services to city buildings and
properties. At a minimum, these costs shall be reviewed during the annual
budget preparation.
I
PAYMENT METHODS
3.1 JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS LIST
A list of checks paid will be submitted for approval by the City Council at
each regular City Council meeting. Approved checks will be released the
following day. Any checks paid by means of Direct Expense Authorization
since the previous City Council meeting will also be listed.
3.2 DEPARTMENTAL AUTHORIZATION OF INVOICE PAYMENTS
Each Department Head identified by the City Administrator as being
responsible for a department budget shall report to the Finance Director any
deputies they are authorizing to approve invoices for payment. All authorized
persons shall submit a sample of their signature or initials to the Finance
Department for verification of invoice approvals.
3.3 DIRECT EXPENSE AUTHORIZATION
The Finance Director is authorized to approve immediate payment of invoices,
• without waiting for the Just and Correct Claims List, in cases where it is
necessary make payment to avoid penalties, secure discounts, or avoid
4
the City Council. The Department Head must approve all in state business
111 travel in advance.
When approved, the cost of airfare, lodging, and registration may be paid by
check or credit card to the vendor in advance of the travel date.
The travel policy is stated in section 1.50 in the Personnel Manual as follows:
POLICY: TRAVEL EXPENSES SECTION: 1.50
A. Meals
B. Lodging
C. Transportation
1. Airline
2. Automobile
D. Reimbursement
An elected official's or employee's approved expenses incurred while conducting
City business or attending approved conferences or training are paid by the City.
Expenses incurred by a spouse or other person attending a conference with an elected
9 official or employee must be paid by the elected official or employee.
A. MEALS
Reimbursement for meals while on travel is only for actual expenditures. The
reimbursement rate will not exceed the IRS per diem rate for meals and
incidental expenses for the Minneapolis/St. Paul locality. For simplicity's
sake, the Minneapolis/St. Paul rate shall be used for travel anywhere in the
U.S. Specifically, per diem covers expenses for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and
related tips and taxes; tips to porters, baggage carriers, bellhops, and maids;
and other incidentals. Liquor is not an allowable expense. Individual,
itemized receipts will be submitted for reimbursement.
When traveling locally or for less than a full day, the maximum allowance for
meals, including tax and tip, shall be the following percentages of the full day
per diem:
Time of Day:
Breakfast 25% 12:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.
Lunch 30% 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Dinner 45% 3:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M.
•
6
4.2 MEETING EXPENSES
11 Expenses for business meetings that incorporate a meal into other training,
business, or official activities shall not be limited by the per meal costs defined
in section 4.1.A in recognition that some of the cost will be for non-meal
elements of the event.
4.3 MEMBERSHIPS
Memberships in professional organizations shall be listed in the proposed
budget and be reviewed during the budget process. Memberships not listed in
the budget will need to be approved by the City Administrator prior to
payment.
•
8
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
PURCHASING MANUAL
Purchasing Policy Section 1.4 Responsibility:
The City Administrator shall identify Department Heads or other staff who shall be
responsible for each fund or department in the annual budget. These individuals
shall be responsible for compliance with the annual budget and for all expenditures
for their departments and funds.
Effective April 15, 2003, the following departments and funds are the responsibility of the
listed individuals:
DEPARTMENT NOTES INDIV 1 I)UAL
GENERAL FUND
City Council Ericson/Hansen
Advisory Commissions Ericson/Hansen
Office of the City Administrator Ericson
Elections Ericson
Central Services Supplies, profession services,printing
legal notices, advertising, training Ericson
Central Services Telephone,postage, insurance,
• equipment rental Hansen
Central Services Computers Lee/Hess
Finance Hansen
Community Development Ericson
Police Sommers/Brennan
Fire Ericson/Hansen
Public Works Administration Lee
Recreation Ericson/Hansen
Parks Lee
Athletic Field Maintenance Lee
Forestry Lee
Building& Grounds Maintenance Lee
Vehicle &Equipment Maintenance Lee/Sommers
Pavement Management Lee
Snow & Ice Control Lee
Sign Maintenance Lee
Convention &Visitors Bureau Hansen
Social Service Coordination NW Youth &Family Services Hansen
Miscellaneous Fitness Program & Contingency Ericson/Hansen
Transfers Hansen
Debt Service—Fire Bonds Hansen
•
F: Resolution No. 2003-04
l'?,
Mounds View Charter Commission
IVlounc1S Ca Dated October 10, 2003
:5
•
vS
Ie',4' ,,;,;r Whereas, the Mounds View Charter Commission is reviewing the lists of past requests for
'``
charter '
9011.1' 14
housekeeping and clarification updates to sections of the Mounds View Charter that have
ll caused confusion or seem to be semantically incorrect.
Commission t
ri
The Mounds View Charter Commission acting under Minnesota Statute 410.12
Chair Subdivision 7, recommends the following amendments by the addition of the
Jonathan J Thomas g bold and double underlined language and by the deletion of the 'd a tel strie
763-784-5205 language. The Mounds View Charter Commission requests the City Council adopt by
f
;� ordinance those items it is in unanimous agreement with. We also requesta response
Vice Chair within 60 days with recommendations for modifications to any item that the City Council
Michele 770 Sandback ff.-1' deems not acceptable as presented.
763-783-1 ; •
1"
2id Vice Chair lq: Section 2.06. The Mayor's Power and Duties.
iy
Daniel Freimuth i;
763-780-3371 F Subdivision 1. The Mayor shall preside at meetings of the Council and shall have a
11 vote as a member. The Mayor shall be recognized as head of the City Government for all
Secretary
« ceremonial purposes, by the courts for the purpose of serving civil process, and by the
Brian Amundsen _$
763-786-5699 i
tcy Governor for purposes of martial law. ;bttt Other than for the purposes specifically
ris stated in this paragraph, as an individual, the Mayor shall have no administrative
Bill Doty 1 dutice authority.
.
763-786-3421
1= Section 4.05 Vacancy of Municipal Elected Office.
Matthew Eenigenburg li •
763-783-7216 i'€ Subdivision 5. When a vacancy in an elected municipal office occurs within 120
id days prior to a regular municipal election date, the special election to fill the vacancy shall
•
Jean Miller is coincide with the regular election. If the vacancy occurs within sixty days prior to the
763-786-3959 !i regular election date, the notice of such vacancy shall be published as soon as is
ki
�
William Mori •� practicable. If within the 120 day period before a regular municipal election, the vacancy
I': occurs in the office of the Mayor or in the office of either or both of the Councilmembers
763-784-3645 `;;:
I= whose seats are to be decided in the election, said vacancy shall be considered not to exist
Barbara ThomasP for purposes of the election. However, if such vacancy occurs in the office of either of the
763-780-6226 V other two Councilmernbers, the seat shall be filled by the candidate for Councilmember
i
with the third highest vote total, or, in the case of two vacancies, the third and fourth
William Werner Sr 4 highest vote totals. Where two vacancies exist, the candidate with the third highest total
763-784-3603 I shall fill the vacancy in the office having the longest unexpired term. Candidates filling a
F vacancy shall take office at or before the next regularly scheduled Council meeting
el
I following election certification.
Section 9.01. Acquisition of Property. The City may acquire by purchase, gift,
i`al
condemnation, or otherwise, any real property, either within or without its boundaries, that
`" maybe needed bythe Cityfor anypublic purpose. In acquiring property byexercisingthe
fa P P q 9 P P Y
.' power of eminent domain, the City shall proceed according to Minnesota law, Chapter 117
!!, as amended, or other applicable items.
1'h
`l Respectful! igsed,
,-,::. 71/,,-71 - _dove1.!.,17..._ /e\-_-)ez -1. 41,1. 4 ...f_,.(2z.c.,.___
R
A 4 - -
Jpnathan J Thomas, Chair Brian Amundsen, Secretary
ii
:-_ ,
•
Within 10 working days of receipt of the petition, the Clerk-Administrator shall determine its
• sufficiency. Upon final determination of sufficiency, the Clerk-Administer shall report the date of
the determination and its sufficiency to the Council at or before the next regularly scheduled
meeting. Upon receipt of the report, the Council shall immediately declare the sufficiency of the
petition by resolution including the reported date of determination of sufficiency
Section 5.04. Disposition of Insufficient or Irregular Petition. If the Clerk-Administrator
determines that the sufficiency of a petition cannot be declared, it shall be determined to be
insufficient or irregular. The Clerk-Administrator shall deliver a copy of the petition, together with
a writfen statement of its defects, to the sponsoring committee. The committee shall have 30
calender days in which to file additional signature papers and/or to correct the specified
irregularity. Within five working days of receipt of the corrected petition, the Clerk-Administrator
shall determine the sufficiency of the petition as corrected and proceed as directed in Section
5.03. If the petition is still insufficient or irregular, this shall be considered the Final Finding and
the Clerk-Administrator shall file the petition as noted and immediately notify the sponsoring
committee that no further action will be taken. The final finding that the petition is insufficient or
irregular shall not prejudice the filing of a new petition for the same purpose. Except in the case
of a petition for recall, it shall not prevent the Council from referring the subject matter of the
petition to the voters at the next regular or special election.
Section 5.05. Initiative. Any ordinance may be proposed by a petition. The exact text of
the proposed ordinance must be stated at the head of each page of the petition. The Council
must act upon the proposed ordinance within 60 calendar days after final determination of the
petition's sufficiency under the provisions of Section 5.03 of this chapter. The Council may
amend the proposed ordinance and must provide such amendments to the petition committee. A
• majority of the sponsoring committee of the petition may disapprove the amended form by filing a
statement with the Clerk-Administrator within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the amended
ordinance. If the sponsoring committee does not file disapproval, the ordinance is not required to
be submitted to the voters for enactment. Upon filing a statement of disapproval, the proposed
ordinance, as stated on the original petition, must be placed on the ballot at the next election
occurring in the City. If there is no regularly scheduled election within 120 calendar days of the
determination of sufficiency or if the calendar date prohibits compliance with provisions in Chapter
4 of this Charter, at or before its next regularly scheduled meeting, the Council shall call a special
election to take place within 90 calendar days of said meeting If the ordinance receives a
majority vote in its favor, it shall become effective 30 calendar days after adoption unless the
ordinance specifies a later effective date.
Section 5.06. Initiative to Amend the Charter. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed
as in any way affecting the right of the voters to propose amendments to this charter.
Section 5.07. Referendum. Prior to the date when an ordinance takes effect, it may be
subjected to a referendum by a petition which shall state at the head of each page the exact text
of the measure to be considered by the voters. If the petition is found to be sufficient under the
provisions of Section 5.03 of this chapter, said ordinance shall thereby be prevented from
enactment, and the subject matter of the petition shall be placed on the ballot at the next election
occurring in the City. If there is no regularly scheduled election within 120 calendar days of the
determination of sufficiency or if the calendar date prohibits compliance with provisions in Chapter
4 of this Charter, upon declaration of sufficiency, the Council shall immediately call a special
• Page 2of 3 - - n1 •7 = VD
Item No: 05
Meeting Date: 01/12/04
Type of Business: CA
• City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Charter Commission Outstanding Issues
There are several outstanding issues in regard to the Charter Commission for Council
consideration:
1) At the November 24, 2003 Council meeting there were several
questions in regard to current structure of the Charter Commission
and whether they have been properly conducting business. For
example, was any business conducted without a quorum and was
the change in membership from 15 to 11 members done properly?
In response to these issues, the Chair of the Charter Commission,
Jonathan Thomas, has submitted a response that is attached. Also,
Duane McCarty has written that, he"personally wrote the petition for
appointment of a Charter Commission . . ."and that it"did not include
a specific number of Commission members to be appointed. . ."
The City Attorney has advised that without information establishing a
• specific number of members, the judge may establish the
Commission with 7 to 15 members, as provided by State statute.
The Attorney also advises that the Commission itself may determine
what constitutes a quorum for its meetings. Scott Riggs is drafting a
written response outlining his position that will be distributed at the
work session.
2) Two Charter Commission Resolutions were presented for Council
Consideration at the November 24, 2003 Council meeting. Action on
these items was postponed until the above issue was reviewed. If
the Council agrees with the proposed amendments, staff may be
directed to prepare the proper ordinance amendments for Council
consideration. Proposed revisions to the Charter are to sections
2.06, 4.05, 9.01, and section 5 in its entirety (see attached). The
City Attorney has expressed concern about the recall language in
Section 5 due to recent court decisions.
3) Also included is a letter from the Charter Commission dated May
8, 2003 (see attached) in regard to the existence of an appointed
commission (i.e., the Police Civil Service Commission)that serves an
administrative role. The Charter Commission requested that the
Council take action to correct the apparent conflict with the Charter
via a code amendment or abolishment of the Police Civil Service
Commission.
111
Resolution No. 2003-04
Caty pf 4 ,y Mounds View Charter Commission
w
:Mounds pi Dated October 10, 2003
View0_ Whereas, the Mounds View Charter Commission is reviewing the lists of past requests for
"``"`I E housekeeping and clarification updates to sections of the Mounds View Charter that have
a7�ter -,.,,
F„ caused confusion or seem to be semantically incorrect.
Commission 1,*
y The Mounds View Charter Commission acting under Minnesota Statute 410.12
Chair l Subdivision 7, recommends the following amendments by the addition of the
Jonathan J Thomas I`t bold and double underlined language and by the deletion of the
763-784-5205 to language. The Mounds View Charter Commission requests the City Council adopt by
r ordinance those items it is in unanimous agreement with. We also request a response
Vice Chair -a' within 60 days with recommendations for modifications to any item that the City Council
M76 - 8e S177dback 13 deems not acceptable as presented. •
763-783-1770 ;.:
l;
2"Vice Chair !P Section 2.06. The Mayor's Power and Duties.
ffiti
Daniel Freimuth 1=
ig
763-780-3371 Subdivision 1. The Mayor shall preside at meetings of the Council and shall have a
F1 vote as a member. The Mayor shall be recognized as head of the City Government for all
Secretary ili_j ceremonial purposes, by the courts for the purpose of serving civil process, and by the
Brian Amundsen ;`,
Governor for purposes of martial law,— Other than for the purposes specifically
763-786-5699 i5 -
lir,' stated in this paragraph, as an individual, the Mayor shall have no administrative
Bill Doty duties authority.
763-786-3421
l;. Section 4.05 Vacancy of Municipal Elected Office.
Matthew Eenigenburg ( '
763-783-7216 i= Subdivision 5. When a vacancy in an elected municipal office occurs within 120
1. days prior to a regular municipal election date, the special election to fill the vacancy shall
Miller E;.ry •coincide with the regular election. if the vacancy occurs within sixty days prior to the
11111
-786-3959 1 regular election date, the notice of such vacancy shall be published as soon as is
ky practicable. If within the 120 day period before a regular municipal election, the vacancy
William Mori occurs in the office of the Mayor or in the office of either or both of the Councilmembers
763-784-3645 ,
R.4 whose seats are to be decided in the election, said vacancy shall be considered not to exist
Barbara Thomas E; for purposes of the election. However, if such vacancy occurs in the office of either of the
763-780-6226 `'
other two Councilmembers, the seat shall be filled by the candidate for Councilmember
li with the third highest vote total, or, in the case of two vacancies, the third and fourth
William Werner Sr 4 highest vote totals. Where two vacancies exist, the candidate with the third highest total
763-784-3603 Ishall fill the vacancy in the office having the longest unexpired term. Candidates filling a
ll: vacancy shall take office at or before the next regularly scheduled Council meeting
•
Ly
following election certification.
t1 Section 9.01. Acquisition of Property. The City may acquire by purchase, gift,
i� boundaries, that
i condemnation, or otherwise, any real property, either within or without its
"' maybe needed bythe Cityfor anypublic purpose. In acquiring property byexercisingthe
'= P P q 9p p Y
i.}
t
ifi power of eminent domain, the City shall proceed according to Minnesota law, Chapter 117
i ` as amended, or other applicable items.
r
IN
k Respectful! suhuitted,P
.,1, ---...AI"- *".1 1;--"" 'e -•".....711,7(e;--'-'''....::) ,,,/3 4 A - / %
• / -.44r2e,c„".....,,
r..n
A Jonathan J Thomas, Chair Brian Amundsen, Secretary
l4
I Resolution No. 2003-05
City o L Mounds View Charter Commission
n
]VIOunds 4 Dated October 10, 2003
'- lit 6C:5'410
View _T; r Whereas
4 , the Mounds View Charter Commission is reviewing the lists of past
View
art e;• :a'!1- E requests for housekeeping and clarification updates to sections of the Mo
C
Commission ' Charter that have caused confusion or seem to be semantically incorrect.
I.
F',,
The Mounds View Charter Commission acting under Minnesota Statute 410.12
Chair Vi
1:.; Subdivision 7, recommends the following amendments by the replacement in its
I
Jonathan J Thomas 1;
763-784-5205 R entirety of Chapter 5 of the Mounds View Charter with the following replacement
lr
language. The Mounds View Charter Commission requests the City Council adopt
Vice Chair l by ordinance those items it is in unanimous agreement with. We also request a
Michele Sandbacic li response within 60 days with recommendations for modifications to any wording
763-783-1770 .`1
i3' that the City Council deems not acceptable as presented.
1
2"d Vice Chair r
Daniel Freimuth P INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
763-780-3371
Section 5.01. General Voter Authority. The people of Mounds View have
p
Secretary the right, in accordance with this Charter, to propose ordinances [initiative] and to
Brian Amundsen i g
763-786-5699 (=
require that any ordinance be referred to the voters [referendum], except those that
i,
appropriate money or levy taxes. The voters also have the right to remove elected
Bill Doty tipublic officials [recall]. The term voter(s), as used in Chapter 5, shall refer only to
763-786-3421 l'
residents of the City of Mounds View who first register, or who have registered and
Matthew Eenigenburg a are qualified to vote. Per Minnesota Statute 200.039.(as amended), eligibility to
763-783-7216
sign the petition is not restricted to only those who were eligible to or did cast
i: ballots in the previous election.
i:4
Sn
Miller l
-786-3959 i
Section 5.02. Petitions. To circulate a petition provided for under this
P, chapter, it must be sponsored by a committee of five or more voters of the City
William78Mori `' whose names and addresses appear on the petition. A petition consists of one or
763-784-3645 i
1,11 more pages with each separately circulated page containing at its head the
Barbara Thomas i information specified in sections 5.05, 5.07 or 5.08 which apply, respectively, to
763.780-6226 a initiative, referendum and recall. The committee may obtain a sample petition from
the city Clerk-Administrator. All petition circulators must be voters of the City Each
William Werner Sr lw separate page of the petition must have appended to it a certificate by the
763-784-3603
!y circulator, verified by oath. The certificate shall affirm that each signature was made
in the circulator's presence and that the circulator believes them to be the genuine
hi signature of the voter whose name it purports to be and that each signer was
, presented with the full petition. Each signer of a petition must be a voter of the City
14
11 and must sign and print their name and give their street address. Any voter whose
11 name appears on a petition may withdraw their name by filing a statement in writing
0 with the Clerk-Administrator before the Clerk-Administrator advises the Council of
i:�
�q', the sufficiency of the petition.
IyF
F^7
; Section 5.03. Determination of Petition Sufficiency. The committee must file
1 the completed petition in the office of the Clerk-Administrator. The
t Clerk-Administrator shall provide the number of total ballots cast for President in
11
the most recent Presidential election. For a petition to be sufficient, the required
1;31
I"'; number of signatures shall be a percentage of that number.
• Petitions for Initiative and Referendum require at least 15 percent.
4110 -.A • Petitions for Recall, at least 25 percent.
Page 1 of 3 _-_ " 1 i - -
•
Within 10 working days of receipt of the petition, the Clerk-Administrator shall determine its
sufficiency. Upon final determination of sufficiency, the Clerk-Administer shall report the date of
• the determination and its sufficiency to the Council at or before the next regularly scheduled
meeting. Upon receipt of the report, the Council shall immediately declare the sufficiency of the
petition by resolution including the reported date of determination of sufficiency
Section 5.04. Disposition of Insufficient or Irregular Petition. If the Clerk-Administrator
determines that the sufficiency of a petition cannot be declared, it shall be determined to be
insufficient or irregular. The Clerk-Administrator shall deliver a copy of the petition, together with
a writfen statement of its defects, to the sponsoring committee. The committee shall have 30
calender days in which to file additional signature papers and/or to correct the specified
irregularity. Within five working days of receipt of the corrected petition, the Clerk-Administrator
shall determine the sufficiency of the petition as corrected and proceed as directed in Section
5.03. If the petition is still insufficient or irregular, this shall be considered the Final Finding and
the Clerk-Administrator shall file the petition as noted and immediately notify the sponsoring
committee that no further action will be taken. The final finding that the petition is insufficient or
irregular shall not prejudice the filing of a new petition for the same purpose. Except in the case
of a petition for recall, it shall not prevent the Council from referring the subject matter of the
petition to the voters at the next regular or special election.
Section 5.05. Initiative. Any ordinance may be proposed by a petition. The exact text of
the proposed ordinance must be stated at the head of each page of the petition. The Council
must act upon the proposed ordinance within 60 calendar days after final determination of the
petition's sufficiency under the provisions of Section 5.03 of this chapter. The Council may
amend the proposed ordinance and must provide such amendments to the petition committee. A
• majority of the sponsoring committee of the petition may disapprove the amended form by filing a
statement with the Clerk-Administrator within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the amended
ordinance. If the sponsoring committee does not file disapproval, the ordinance is not required to
be submitted to the voters for enactment. Upon filing a statement of disapproval, the proposed
ordinance, as stated on the original petition, must be placed on the ballot at the next election
occurring in the City. If there is no regularly scheduled election within 120 calendar days of the
determination of sufficiency or if the calendar date prohibits compliance with provisions in Chapter
4 of this Charter, at or before its next regularly scheduled meeting, the Council shall call a special
election to take place within 90 calendar days of said meeting If the ordinance receives a
majority vote in its favor, it shall become effective 30 calendar days after adoption unless the
ordinance specifies a later effective date.
Section 5.06. Initiative to Amend the Charter. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed
as in any way affecting the right of the voters to propose amendments to this charter.
Section 5.07. Referendum. Prior to the date when an ordinance takes effect, it may be
subjected to a referendum by a petition which shall state at the head of each page the exact text
of the measure to be considered by the voters. If the petition is found to be sufficient under the
provisions of Section 5.03 of this chapter, said ordinance shall thereby be prevented from
enactment, and the subject matter of the petition shall be placed on the ballot at the next election
occurring in the City. If there is no regularly scheduled election within 120 calendar days of the
determination of sufficiency or if the calendar date prohibits compliance with provisions in Chapter
4 of this Charter, upon declaration of sufficiency, the Council shall immediately call a special
• Page 2of 3 1 • = : \!p
election to take place within 90 calendar days of said meeting. If a majority of the voters voting
• thereon favors the ordinance contained in the petition, it shall remain in effect. If a majority vote
against the ordinance contained in the petition, it shall be considered repealed upon certification
of the election results.
Section 5.08. Recall. The voters of the City may request a recall vote of any elected
official of the City by petition. The petition shall state at the head of each page, or attached
thereto, the name of the official whose removal is sought, the grounds for recall constituting
malfeasance or misfeasance, in not more than 250 words, and the intention of the sponsoring
committee to bring about the official's recall. The petition shall be filed in the Clerk-Administrator's
office prior to circulation. If the petition is determined sufficient under the provisions of Section
5.03 of this chapter, the Clerk-Administrator shall submit it to the Council as required. The Clerk-
Administrator shall also officially notify the official sought to be recalled of the sufficiency of the
petition and of the pending action within five working days. Within five working days of
notification, the official may provide an answer stating the justification of their course of action in
not more than 500 words. If there is no regularly scheduled election within 120 calendar days of
the determination of sufficiency or if the calendar date prohibits compliance with provisions in
Chapter 4 of this Charter, upon declaration of sufficiency, the Council shall immediately call a
special election to take place within 90 calendar days of said meeting. The Clerk-Administrator
shall include with the published notice of the election, the statement of the grounds for the recall
and the answer of the official concerned or a statement stating no answer was received. If a
vacancy occurs due to recall election, Section 4.05 herein shall apply to fill said vacancy.
40 Respectfully submitted,
i/-7-,— .,, 'd,.,2.. f ,- -----
Jonathan
____,,„-76.--,..-- ---
J Thomas, Chair Brian Amundsen, Secretary
. Page 3 of 3