HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-12-2005 Mounds View Charter Commission May 12,2005
• Mounds View Charter Commission Minutes
Meeting May 12, 2005
1. Call to order -The meeting came to order at 7:05 PM
2. Roll Call —Present- B. Amundsen, J. Miller, B. Mori, C. Mueller,
J. Thomas
Absent— B. Doty, William Werner, Sr
Excused - M. Eenigenburg, B. Thomas
3. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
Motion by B. Mori, second by J. Miller to approve agenda as amended for adding discussion
of Section 7.03 APPROVED
Motion by B. Mori, second by J. Miller to approve minutes of April 14, 2005 as corrected
changing item 7a, 7c, and 7d from Postponed to time definite to "Moved to continue at next
meeting as unfinished business". APPROVED
4. Citizens Comments
None
5. Reports of the Chair
Carol Miller was welcomed and thanked for volunteering to join the Charter Commission.
City Council has requested a joint work session in June or July to review the Charter. Chair
4110 J. Thomas will provide next dates of Charter Meetings to Council for consideration.
6. Reports of Members
None
7. Unfinished Business
a. Review Resolution 2005-04 and Chapter 5.05 language—Chair J. Thomas presented
flowchart of"Intiative"process. Discussion of corrected steps, flow, language, and
possible inclusion in Charter as an exhibit. Chair also discussed possible MN
Statutes requirement in ordinance and referendum petition committee notification to
Clerk-Administrator and time limit to committee which could be added.
Motion by Chair to MOVE TO CONTINUE at next meeting as unfinished business.
Consensus APPROVAL
b. Section 8.04 Reviews—Review and Discuss Special Assessment Percentage,
Discussion that our Charter requirement is less stringent thaflMN Statute. Carol _
Mueller accepted task of rewriting Subdivision 1 of 8.04 to clarify procedure.
Bill Mori left meeting and quorum was lost
8. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:37 PM
Respectfully submitted, Vw'
Brian Amundsen, Secretary
r , ,
Page 1 of 1 Y(s
Cityo„f
• Mounds
View CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
7:00 PM Thursday, May 12, 2005
Mounds View City Hall Council Chambers
Charter Commission Preliminary AGENDA
OtlYtraeirriv.412..e.
Chair 1. Call to Order
Jonathan J Thomas
763-784-5205 2. Roll Call - S.M.ZAOS
Vice Chair
Bill Doty Brian Amundsen Carol Mueller
763-786-3421 _Bill Doty _Barbara Thomas
2•^Vice Chair _Matthew Eenigenburg Jonathan Thomas
Jean Miller Jean Miller _William Werner, Sr.
763-786-3959 William Mori
Secretary
Brian Amundsen 3. Approval of Agenda and minutes
763-786-5699
Matthew Eenigenburg Review and approve agenda
763-783-7216
• William Mori Review and approve April 14, 2005 Minutes
4. Citizens Comments from the floor
763-784-3645
Carol Mueller 5. Reports of the Chair
Barbara Thomas 6. Reports of Members
763-780-6226
7. Unfinished Business
William Werner Sr
763-784-3603
20 min. Section 5.05 Review and Discuss
20 mm. Section 8.04 Review and Discuss Special Assessment Percentage
20 min. Section 7.10 Review and Discuss Obligation bonds
1A Mat %attar%1.0 2p r t t Jo
8. New Business
15 min. Set next month's and future agenda items.
9. Adjournment
Mounds View Charter Commission Date: May 12, 2005
Charter Updates; Category 2 Items; Chapter 7
• Revision— Current language as modified by previous Commission actions Pagel of 7
Objectives:
1) To update and correct language in 7.03 for system of taxation.
2) To update and correct language in 7.10 for when the City may issue obligation bonds.
CHAPTER 7
TAXATION AND FINANCES
Section 7.01 Council to Control Finances. (no changes)
Section 7.02 Fiscal Year. (no changes)
Section 7.03. System of Taxation. Subject to the state constitution, and except as
forbidden by it or by state law,the Council shall have full power to provide by ordinance for
a system of local taxation. This authority includes the power by ordinance to assess, levy,
and collect taxes on all subjects or objects of taxation except as limited or prohibited by the
state constitution, by this Charter or by state laws imposing restrictions upon the City
irrespective of Charter provisions.
Section 7.04. Submission of Budget.
Subdivision 1. Annually, on or before the 15th calendar day of September of each
year or as specified by MN Statute 275.065, as amended, the Clerk-Administrator shall
submit to the Council the budget estimates for funds levying property taxes for the
ensuing fiscal year and an accompanying summary message in accordance with a budget
calendar to be established by resolution.
The final budget shall provide a complete financial plan for all City funds and
activities for the ensuing fiscal year and except as required by state law or this Charter,
shall be in such form as the Council may require. It shall include a summary and show in
detail all estimated income and all proposed expenditures, including debt service and
comparative figures for the current fiscal year, actual and estimated, and the preceding year.
In addition to showing proposed expenditures for current operations, it shall show proposed
capital expenditures to be made during the year and the proposed method of financing each
such capital expenditure. The total proposed operating budget to be provided from the
property tax shall not exceed the amounts authorized by state law and this Charter.
Consistent with these provisions,the budget shall contain such information and be in the
form prescribed by the City Council.
Subdivision 2. For each enterprise operated by the City, its proposed and final
budgets shall show income, expenditure, and anticipated net surplus or deficit with the
proposed disposition method. .
Subdivision 3. The Clerk-Administrator's message shall explain the budget, both
in fiscal terms and in terms of the work programs, linking programs to goals of the City
and community priorities. It shall outline the proposed financial policies and programs of
City of Mounds View
Mounds View Charter Commission Date: May 12, 2005
Charter Updates; Category 2 Items; Chapter 7
Revision— Current language as modified by previous Commission actions Page2 of 7
• thosepolicies and programs
the City for the ensuing fiscal year and the impact of p g
compared to the City's current five-year plan, as adopted by the City Council. It shall
describe the important features of the budget, indicate any major changes in financial
policies, expenditures, and revenues together with the reasons for such changes. It shall
summarize the City's debt position for each fund, including factors affecting the ability to
raise resources through debt issues, and include such other material as the Clerk-
Administrator deems desirable or as requested by the City Council
•
City of Mounds View
Mounds View Charter Commission Date: May 12, 2005
Charter Updates; Category 2 Items; Chapter 7
• Revision— Current language as modified by previous Commission actions Page3 of 7
Subdivision 04. Budget Planning Guideline
The purpose of this section is to provide the public with general time table
for the annual budget process. The dates are guidelines and subject to change by the City
Council and MN Statute 275.065, as amended.
Activity Estimated Time Period
Five-Year Plan: Development Jan. 1 to May 1
Five-Year Plan: Public Review May 1 to May 20
Five-Year Plan: Council Approval May 20 to June 1
Annual Budget Calendar: Adopted by Council June 1
Five-Year Plan: Published to Public June 1 to Aug. 1
Annual Budget: Public Input to Department June 1 to Sept 1
Annual Budget: Clerk-Administrator Develops
Summary and Estimate Proposal for Council Aug. 1 to Sept. 15
Annual Budget: Estimates Submitted to Council Sept. 15
Annual Budget: Proposal and Tax Levy Estimates
Council Adoption Sept. 15
Annual Budget: Council Review and Amend Sept. 15 to Nov 23
Annual Budget and Tax Levy: Proposal
Published to Public Sept. 15 to Dec. 1
Annual Budget and Tax Levy: Public Review Sept..15 to Dec. 20
Annual Budget: Public Hearing Advertised Nov.
Annual Budget and Tax Levy: Initial Public Hearing Nov. 29 to Dec. 20
Annual Budget and Tax Levy: Council Adoption Dec. 5 to Dec. 20
)
Annual Budget and Tax Levy: Final Council
Budget Summary Published to Public Dec. 20 to Feb. 1
•
City of Mounds View
Mounds View Charter Commission Date: May 12, 2005
Charter Updates; Category 2 Items; Chapter 7•
Revision— Current language as modified by previous Commission actions Page4 of 7
Section 7.05 Five-Year Financial Plan.
Subdivision 1. The City Council shall have prepared a five-year financial plan
commencing with the ensuing calendar year. The City Council shall hold a public hearing
on the five-year financial plan and adopt it by ordinance,with or without amendment, by
June 1st of each year. The financial plan shall consist of at least the following four elements
as specified in subdivisions 2-5 which follow:
Subdivision 2. The Public Service Element P shall contain a continuing five-year
plan for all public services, estimating future needs for the public health, safety and welfare
of the City. It shall measure the objectives and needs for each City department,the standard
of services desired, and the impact of each such service on the annual operating budget.
Subdivision 3. The Capital Improvement Element shall contain a list of all capital
improvements proposed to be undertaken during the next five fiscal years,with appropriate
supporting information as to the necessity for such improvements; cost estimate, method of
financing and recommended time schedule for each such improvement; and the estimated
annual cost of operating and maintaining the facilities to be constructed or acquired. This
information shall be revised and extended each year for capital improvements still pending
or in process.
• Subdivision 4.A Five-Year Revenue Element shall contain a tentative revenue
policy that describes five-year plans for financing public services and capital
improvements.
Subdivision 5. The Capital Budget Element shall be a summary on the basis of a
five-year period of the capital or money requirements for the above-described programs. It
shall list a priority for each anticipated investment in community facilities and balance this
with a consideration of the availability of necessary revenues.
Subdivision 6. A summary of the five year financial plan shall be published before
August 1s`each year in the official City newspaper,the City newsletter, and, if available, the
City web site. .
Section 7.06. Council Action on Budget.
Subdivision 1. The Council shall annually adopt a budget calendar by June 1st.
The calendar will establish the time line for development and submission of the budget
and allow for public review and comment in accordance with this Charter, the City
Council, and MN Statute 275.065, as amended. The budget shall be considered at the first
regular monthly meeting of the Council in September and at subsequent meetings until a
budget is adopted for the ensuing year. The budget calendar will provide a 30-day period
for public review and input to the annual budget prior to final approval by the City
Council. The meetings shall be so conducted as to give interested citizens a reasonable
•
City of Mounds View
Mounds View Charter Commission Date: May 12, 2005
Charter Updates; Category 2 Items; Chapter 7
• Revision— Current language as modified by previous Commission actions Page5 of 7
opportunity to be heard. The Council may revise the proposed budget but no amendment to
the budget shall increase the authorized expenditures to an amount greater than the sum of
estimated income and reserves. The Council shall adopt the budget by a resolution that
shall set forth the total for each budgeted fund and each department. The budget shall
indicate the sums to be raised and from what sources and the sums to be spent and for what
pupose as the Council deems necessary for establishing the budget . The Council shall also
adopt a resolution levying the amount of taxes provided in the budget, and the Clerk-
Administrator shall certify the tax resolution to the County Auditor in accordance with state
law. Adoption of the budget resolution shall constitute appropriations at the beginning of
the fiscal year of the sums fixed in the resolution of the several purposes named.
Subdivision 2.As specified by MN Statute 275.065,as amended, before the budget
is adopted for the ensuing fiscal year a public hearing notice and summary of the proposed
budget will be published in the official City newspaper, the City Newsletter, and, if
available,the City web site. Such summary should be readily understandable by the
layperson,and should provide appropriate supporting information as to the necessity for any
increase in the budget over the total for the current fiscal year. Failure to provide the
specified summary will not invalidate the budget.
The final budget will be published in accordance with Minnesota Statutes on
Truth in Taxation or no later than 60 days after adoption by the Council in the official
City newspaper, the City newsletter and, if available, the City web site.
l� Subdivision 3. If the Council fails to adopt the budget by the beginning of the next
fiscal year,the preceding months fiscal year budget shall go into effect for up to thirty-
one (31) days or until the Council adopts a budget.
Section 7.07. Enforcement of the Budget.
The Clerk-Administrator may designate department heads or other staff who may
assist with each fund or department in the annual budget. It shall be the duty of the Clerk-
Administrator to strictly enforce the detail provisions of the budget. The City Council shall
strictly enforce the provisions of the budget. The City Council shall not authorize any
payment or the incurring of any obligation by the City,unless an appropriation has been
made in the budget resolution, and there is a sufficient unexpended balance after deducting
the total past expenditures and encumbrances against the appropriation. No officer or
employee of the City shall place any order or make any purchase unless the amount is
authorized in the budget resolution and in compliance with;the purchasing policies of the
City as established by the City Council, the City Charter, the City Code, and Minnesota
Statutes. Any obligation incurred by any person in the employ of the City for any purpose
not authorized in the budget resolution,or for any amount in excess of the amount
authorized, shall be a personal obligation upon the person incurring the obligation. No
check shall be issued or transfer made to any account other than one owned by the City until
the claim to which it relates has been supported by an itemized bill, payroll, or time sheet or
other document approved and signed by the responsible City officer who vouches for its
•
City of Mounds View
Mounds View Charter Commission Date: May 12, 2005
Charter Updates; Category 2 Items; Chapter 7
4111 Revision— Current language as modified by previous Commission actions Page6 of 7
correctness and reasonableness.
Section 7.08. Alterations in the Budget.
After the budget resolution has been adopted,the Council may amend the budget by
resolution, but shall not increase the amounts fixed in the resolution beyond the sum of
estimated receipts and reserves, except to the extent that actual receipts exceed the estimate
or to implement Section 7.12 herein. At anytime the Council may by resolution reduce the
sums appropriated for any purpose to increase reserves or authorize the transfer of sums
from unencumbered balances in the budget.
Section 7.09. Funds. (no changes)
Section 7.10. City Indebtedness.
Subdivision 1. Except as provided in Sections 7.11 and 7.12, no obligation shall be
issued to pay current expenses,but the Council may issue and sell obligations for any other
municipal purpose in accordance with state law and within the limitations prescribed by law.
Except in the case of obligations for which an election is not required by this Chapter or by
state law,no such obligations shall be issued and sold without the approval of the majority
Sof the voters voting on the question at a general or special election.
Subdivision 2. A description of each such proposed issue shall be published in the
official City newspaper,the City Newsletter, and, if available, the City web site, but failure
to give such description, or any defect in the description, shall not invalidate the issue.
Section 7.11. 1. Anticipation Certificates.
At anytime after January 1, in accordance with MN Statute 412.261, as amended,
with the following restrictions; the Council may issue certificates of indebtedness in
anticipation of state and federal aids and the collection of taxes levied the previous year for
any fund and not yet collected. The total amount of certificates issued against any fund for
any year together with interest thereon until maturity shall not exceed 90%of the total state
and federal aids and current taxes due to the fund and uncollected at the time of issuance.
Such certificates shall be issued on such terms and conditions as the Council may determine,
but they shall become due not later than August 1' of the year following their issuance. The
proceeds of the tax levied and such state or federal aids as the governing body may have
allocated for the fund against which tax anticipation certificates are issued, and the full faith
and credit of the City shall be irrevocably pledged for the redemption of the certificates.
Section 7.12. Emergency Debt Certificates.
If in any year the receipt from taxes, availability of reserves,or other sources
•
City of Mounds View
Mounds View Charter Commission Date: May 12, 2005
Charter Updates; Category 2 Items; Chapter 7
• Revision— Current language as modified by previous Commission actions Page7 of 7
should for some unforeseen cause become insufficient for the ordinary expenses of the City,
or if any calamity or other public emergency necessitates the making of extraordinary
expenditures,the Council may by ordinance issue,on such terms and in such manner as the
Council determines, emergency debt certificates not to exceed 10% of the total City
budget and to run not to exceed three years. Taxes sufficient to pay principal and interest on
such certificates with the margin required by law shall be levied as required by law. The
ordinance authorizing the issue of such emergency debt certificates shall state the nature of
the emergency and be approved by at least three members of the Council. It may be passed
as an emergency ordinance.
•
•
City of Mounds View
Initiative Process Flow Diagram — May 10, 2005
Deliver All
Form Committee Required Determine
Obtain at least Yes
Initiative 0, of 5 to
15%of the Nbr �'' Information to ► Sufficiency Within 14
membersRegistered Voters Clerk- Calendar Days
• Signatures Administrator
No !
v
Allow Petition
Committee 30 Yes Is This First Time
Calendar Days to — Petition has been
Correct Insufficient?
No
Declare Petition Terminated
Due to Insufficiency
V
City Council Must Act Allow Petition
Within 60 Days by Did Petition No
Did Council Offer Yes Committee 14
Either Holding a First ► it ► Committee Disapprove ---,
Reading or Providing an an Amendment? Calendar Days to The Amendment?
Amendment Disapprove
No Yes
Hold First Reading Ordinance Takes Effect
Did Council Pass After 30 Calendar Days
and Schedule any Yes
Additional Ordinance by Majority ► Unless a Later Date is
Requirements Vote? Specified in the
Ordinance
No \\
V
Prepare for Ballot Election. If there is
no Regularly Scheduled Election
Within 120 Days of the Preceding
Action, Either Petition Committee
Disapproval or Council Failure to Pass
Ordinance,the Council Shall Call a
Special Election to Take Place Within
90 Calendar Days of Said Cause.
V
Did a Majority
of Those Voting on the No 0 Ordinance Fails and Process
Ordinance Vote in Ends for This Petition.
Favor
Yes
y,
III
Ordinance Takes Effect
After 30 Calendar Days
Unless a Later Date is
Specified in the
\
Ordinance
Draft of Proposed Section 5.05 - May 12, 2005
•
Section 5.05. Initiative. : : . , .- . ... . ' •. , - - - . • -
its favor, An ordinance may be proposed by petition. The exact text of the proposed ordinance
must be stated at the head of each page of the petition or attached thereto. Within 60 calendar
days after final determination of the petition's sufficiency under the provisions of Section 5.03
of this charter, the Council may either hold a first reading of the ordinance, as defined in
Section 3.05 of this charter and proceed with the adoption process, or amend the proposed
ordinance and provide such amendment to the petition committee. Within 14 calendar days of
the receipt of the amended proposed ordinance, the petition committee may, by majority vote,
disapprove the amendment, and file a statement with the Clerk-Administrator. 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 statement of disapproval, or if the calendar date
0 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 a majority of those voting on the ordinance vote in its favor, it shall
become effective thirty days after adoption unless the ordinance specifies a later effective
date. If the petition committee does not file a disapproval statement, the Council shall hold a
first reading of the amended proposed ordinance and proceed with the adoption process. If
the Council does not approve the ordinance, it must follow the aforementioned balloting
process. If the ordinance receives a majority vote of the Council in its favor, it shall become
effective t30 calendar days after adoption unless the ordinance specifies a later effective
date. -(Amended, Ord. 650, 8-16-2000)
•
CHAPTER 1
• NAME, BOUNDARIES, POWERS
AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1.01. Name and Boundaries. The City of Mounds View, Ramsey County,
Minnesota shall continue to be a municipal corporation under that name and with the same
boundaries as now are or hereafter may be established. The Clerk-Administrator shall keep at least
two copies of this Charter with amendments, and shall maintain in each copy an accurate up-to-date
description of the boundaries. The copies of the Charter, amendments, and boundary descriptions
shall be available for public inspection anytime during regular office hours.
Section 1.02. Powers of the City. The City shall have all powers which it may now or
hereafter be possible for a municipal corporation in this state to exercise in harmony with this
Charter and with the Constitution of this state and of the United States. It is the intention of this
Charter to confer upon the City every power which it would have if it were specifically mentioned,
unless otherwise provided in this Charter. The Charter shall be construed liberally in favor of the
City, and the specific mention of particular municipal powers in other sections of this Charter does
not limit the powers of the City to those thus mentioned. Unless granted to some other officer orII
body, all powers are vested in the City Council.
Section 1.03. Charter a Public Act. This Charter shall be a public act and need not be
• pleaded or proved in any case.
CHAPTER 2
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Section 2.01. Form of Government. The form of government established by this Charter is
the "Mayor-Council Plan". Except as otherwise provided by state law or this Charter, all powers of
the City are vested in the Council.
Section 2.02. Boards and Commissions. There shall be no separate administrative Board of
Health, Library Board, or any other administrative board or commission except for the
administration of a function jointly with another political subdivision. The Council shall itself be
and perform the duties and exercise the powers of such boards and commissions provided by state
law. The Council may, however, establish by Ordinance Boards or commissions to advise the
Council with respect to any municipal function or activity, to investigate any subject of interest to
the City,or to perform quasi-judicial functions.
Section 2.03. Council Composition and Election. The Council shall be composed of a
Mayor and four Councilmembers who shall be qualified electors and who shall be elected at large.
Councilmembers shall serve for a term of four years and/or until a successor is elected and qualifies.
The Mayor shall serve for a term of two years and/or until a successor is elected and qualifies.
Section 2.04. Incompatible Offices. No member of the Council shall hold any municipal
• office or employment through the City other than that to which elected. Further, until one year after
City of Mounds View
the expiration of member's term, no Mayor or Councilmember shall be appointed or employed by
• the City in a compensated position which was created, or the compensation for which was
increased, during member's term as Mayor or Councilmember.
Section 2.05. Vacancies. A vacancy in the Council, whether it be in the office of Mayor or
Councilmember, shall be deemed to exist in case of the failure of any person elected thereto to
qualify, or by reason of the death,resignation in writing filed with the Clerk-Administrator,removal
from office, non-residence in the City, conviction of a felony of any such person after their election,
or by reason of the failure of any Councilmember without good cause to attend Council meetings
for a period of three consecutive months. In each such case the Council shall by resolution declare
the vacancy to exist.
Section 2.06. The Mayor's Power and Duties.
Subdivision 1. The Mayor shall preside at meetings of the Council and shall have a vote as
a member. The Mayor shall be recognized as head of the City Government for all ceremonial
purposes,by the courts for the purpose of serving civil process, and by the Governor for purposes of
martial law, but shall have no administrative duties. (Amended by Ordinance 742, Adopted AA
September 27, 2004; Filed: ) !.1�CtS G Lid . f lle-1--u1 iS 5-1 C CJ .
Subdivision 2. Consistent with the responsibility to accept considerable leadership over the
general conduct of City affairs, the Mayor may study the operations of the City Government and
recommend desirable changes and improvements to the Council. The Mayor shall also deliver
S messages to the Council and the public, including a comprehensive message on the state of the City
as soon as practicable after the beginning of each year of the Mayor's term of office.
Subdivision 3. At its first meeting each year the Council shall choose an acting Mayor from
the Councilmembers. The acting Mayor shall perform the duties of Mayor during the disability or
absence of the Mayor, or, in case of vacancy in the office of Mayor, until a successor has been
appointed and qualifies.
Section 2.07. Salaries. The Mayor and Councilmembers shall receive such compensation
as is fixed by the Council in accordance with state law. Any increases in such compensation shall
not become effective until after the next municipal election. Other officers and employees of the
City shall receive such salaries or wages as may be fixed by the Council.
Section 2.08. Investigation of City Affairs. The Council may make investigations into the
affairs of the City and the conduct of any City department, office or agency and for this purpose
may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony, and require the production of evidence.
The Council shall provide for an audit of the City's accounts at least once a year by the state
department in charge of such work or by a certified public accountant. At any time the Council may
provide for an examination or audit of the City accounts of any City officer or agency, and it may
provide for any survey or research study of any subject of municipal concern.
•
City of Mounds View
CHAPTER 3
• COUNCIL PROCEDURE
Section 3.01. Council Meetings. The Council shall meet regularly at least twice each
month at such times and places as the Council may designate by ordinance. The Mayor or any two
members of the Council may call special meetings of the Council upon at least twenty-four hours
notice to each member, and such reasonable public notice as may be prescribed by Council rule in
compliance with the laws of Minnesota. The twenty-four hours notice shall not be required in an
emergency. To the extent provided by law, all meetings of the Council and its committees shall be
public, and any citizen shall have access to the minutes and records of the Council at all reasonable
times. During any of its public meetings, the Council shall not prohibit, but may place reasonable
restrictions upon citizen's comments and questions.
Section 3.02. Liaison Function. Councilmembers shall be assigned as liaison to City
departments. Their assignments shall be rotated periodically and shall involve no administrative
responsibility.
Section 3.03. Rules of Procedure and Quorum. Except as otherwise provided in this
Charter, the Council shall determine its own rules and order of business. A majority of all members
shall constitute a quorum to do business,but a smaller number may adjourn from time to time. The
Council may by rule provide means by which a minority may compel the attendance of absent
• members in accordance with state law.
Section 3.04. Ordinances,Resolutions and Motions.
Subdivision 1. Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, state law or a more restrictive
City ordinance, an affirmative vote of three or more members of the Council shall be required for
the adoption of all ordinances, resolutions and motions. The votes of Councilmembers on any
action taken shall be recorded in accordance with state law. (Amended, Ord. 649, 8-16-2000)
Subdivision 2. Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, all legislation shall be by
ordinance. The vote on all ordinances shall be by a roll call vote.
Subdivision 3. The general administrative business of the Council shall be conducted by
resolution or motion.
Section 3.05. Procedure on Ordinances. Every proposed ordinance shall be presented in
writing and read in full before adoption, unless the reading is dispensed with by unanimous consent
of the Council. No ordinance shall contain more than one subject. Such subject shall be clearly
expressed in its title. The enacting clause shall be "The City of Mounds View ordains". No
ordinance, except an emergency ordinance shall be adopted at the meeting at which it is introduced
and at least fourteen days shall elapse between its introduction and final adoption.
Section 3.06. Emergency Ordinances. An emergency ordinance is an ordinance necessary
• for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, morals, safety or welfare, in which
ordinance the emergency is defined and declared in a preamble thereto. An emergency ordinance
City of Mounds View
must be approved by a majority of available members of the City Council. An emergency
• ordinance must be in writing but may be enacted without previous filing or voting, and may be
adopted finally at the meeting at which it is first introduced and voted upon by the Council. An
emergency ordinance shall remain in effect for the duration of the emergency. No prosecution shall
be based upon the provisions of an emergency ordinance until twenty-four hours after the ordinance
has been adopted, filed with the Clerk-Administrator, and has either been posted in three
conspicuous places in the City, or published as provided for in this Charter, or the person charged
with violation thereof had actual notice of the ordinance prior to the act or omission resulting in the
prosecution.
Section 3.07. Signing, and Publication of Ordinances. Every ordinance adopted by the
Council shall be signed by the Mayor, and attested to, filed and preserved by the
Clerk-Administrator. Every ordinance shall be published at least once in the official newspaper as
soon as practicable, either in its complete form preceded by a summary of its contents or as a title
and summary.'
The Ordinance or the Ordinance Title and Summary shall be published in a body type no
smaller than brevier or eight-point type. A copy of any new ordinance may be obtained from the
City at no cost. The entire text of the ordinance shall be posted on the City's web site, if there is
one, in a manner that can be identifiable by subject matter or ordinance number. A copy shall
also be available in the community library, if there is one, or if not, in any other public location
which the Council designates.
• In the case of lengthy ordinances, or ordinances that include charts or maps, if the
Council determines that publication of the title and a summary of an ordinance would clearly
inform the public of the intent and effect of the ordinance, the Council may by a four-fifths vote
of its members, direct that only the title of the ordinance and a summary be published, with
notice that a printed copy of the ordinance is available for inspection during regular office hours
at the office of the Clerk-Administrator. Prior to the publication of the title and summary, the
Council shall approve the text of the summary and determine that it clearly informs the public of
the intent and effect of the ordinance, and shall further state that the complete text of the
ordinance is on file at the office of the Clerk-Administrator. The publishing of the title and
summary shall be deemed to fulfill all legal publication requirements as completely as if the
entire ordinance had been published. A copy of the publication shall be attached to and filed
with the ordinance for reference. To the extent and in the manner prohibited by law an ordinance
may incorporate by reference a statute of Minnesota, a state administrative rule or a regulation, a
code or ordinance or part thereof without publishing the material referred to in full, so long as the
complete reference to the item is included. (Amended, Ord. 700, 8-26-2002)
Section 3.08. Procedure on Resolutions. Every resolution shall be presented in writing and
read in full before adoption, unless the reading is dispensed with by unanimous consent of the
Council.
Section 3.09. When Ordinances and Resolutions Take Effect. Every resolution and
emergency ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption or at such later date as it
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1 It is the intent of the Charter Commission that the Council will determine which is less costly.
City of Mounds View
specifies. Every other ordinance shall take effect thirty days after its publication or at such later date
• as it specifies.
Section 3.10. Amendment and Repeal of Ordinances and Resolutions.
Subdivision 1. An ordinance or resolution which repeals all or part of a previous ordinance
or resolution shall give the number, if any, and the title of the ordinance or resolution to be repealed
in whole or in part. No ordinance or resolution shall be amended by reference to the title alone, but
an ordinance or resolution which amends such ordinance or resolution shall set forth in full each
section or subdivision to be amended and shall indicate by appropriate type or symbols matter to be
omitted or added. Amendment or repeal of an ordinance shall require a majority vote of all the
members of the Council,unless otherwise provided in this Charter or by state law.
Subdivision 2. An ordinance or resolution passed under the initiative power shall not be
repealed or amended by the Council except by submission to the voters of the question by the
Council at a regular municipal or special election.
Section 3.11. Review and Revision of Ordinances and Indexing of Resolutions. The City
shall review, revise and rearrange its ordinance code and its resolution index with such additions
and deletions as may be deemed necessary by the Council at least once every two years. The
ordinance code and the resolution index may be published in book, pamphlet, or loose-leaf form,
and copies shall be made available by the Council at the office of the Clerk-Administrator for
II/ general distribution to the public for a reasonable charge. Incorporation in such a code shall be a
sufficient publication of any ordinance provision not previously published, if a notice is placed in
the official newspaper for at least two successive weeks that copies of the codification are available
at the office of the Clerk-Administrator.
CHAPTER 4
NOMINATION AND ELECTIONS
Section 4.01. The Regular Municipal Election. A regular municipal election shall be held
on the first Tuesday after the first-Monday in November of each even numbered year commencing
in 1980 at such places as the City Council shall designate. At least fifteen days prior notice shall be
given by the Clerk-Administrator by posting a notice thereof in at least one public place in each
election precinct, and by publishing a notice thereof at least once in the official newspaper of the
City stating the time and the places of holding such election and of the officers to be elected.
Failure to give such notice shall not invalidate such election. Elected and qualified officers
provided for by this Charter shall assume the duties of office to which they were elected on the first
business day in January following such election.
Section 4.02. Subdivision 1. Filing for Office.
No earlier thanSubdivision 1. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 205.13, as amended, seventy
days nor later thanthen fifty-six days before any municipal election, any resident of the City
• qualified under state law for elective office may, by filing an affidavit and by paying a filing fee to
the : Clerk-Administrator in an amount as set by ordinance, have their name
City of Mounds View
placed on the municipal election ballot. Amendments to Minnesota Statute 205.13 shall take
• precedence over this subdivision. (Amended by Ordinance 736, Adopted May 10, 2004; Filed:
May 19, 2004)
Subdivision 2.* Term Limits. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary,
no person may file to be a candidate for election to a term that would cause the person to serve more
than eight total years in the office of Mayor or in the office of City Councilmember combined. (11-
8-94 Election,Effective 12-8-94,Filed 2-21-95)
* A city charter provision limiting the term of an elected city official is
unconstitutional and unenforceable. See, Minneapolis Term Limits Coalition v.
Keefe, 535 N.W.2d 306 (Minn.1995) (Resolution 5435, 4-24-2000)
Subdivision 3. Service before January 1, 1995 shall not count toward determining total
length of service. (11-8-94 Election,Effective 12-8-94, Filed 2-21-95)
Subdivision 4. Severability. If any part of this section shall be declared unconstitutional by
court, all others shall remain in full force and effect. (11-8-94 Election, Effective 12-8-94, Filed 2-
21-95)
Section 4.03. Procedure at Elections. Consistent with the provisions of this Charter and
applicable state laws, the Council may by ordinance further regulate the conduct of municipal
elections. Except as otherwise provided by this Charter and supplementary ordinances, general state
laws on elections shall apply to municipal elections.
Section 4.04. Special and Advisory Elections except for Elected Office. The Council shall
by resolution order a special or advisory election and provide all means for holding it. At least
fifteen days prior notice shall be given by the Clerk-Administrator by posting a notice thereof in at
least one public place in each election precinct, and by publishing a notice thereof at least once in
the official newspaper of the City stating the time and places of holding such election. Failure to
give such notice shall not invalidate such election.
Section 4.05. Vacancy of Municipal Elected Office.
Subdivision 1. When a vacancy in an elected office of the City occurs with 365 days or
more remaining in the term of the vacated office, there shall be a special election held within ninety
days after the vacancy occurs to elect a successor to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term of
the office vacated.
Subdivision 2. The Clerk-Administrator shall give at least sixty days published prior notice
of such special election, except as set forth under Subdivision 5 of this section.
Subdivision 3. The procedure at such election and assumption of duties of elected officers
following such election shall conform as nearly as practicable to that prescribed for other municipal
elections under this Charter.
City of Mounds View
Subdivision 4. In the case of a vacancy where there remains less than 365 days in the
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unexpired term, the Council shall by a majority vote appoint a successor to serve for the remainder
of said term. In the case of a tie vote of the Council,the Mayor shall make said appointment.
Subdivision 5. When a vacancy in an elected municipal office occurs within 120 days prior
to a regular municipal election date, the special election to fill the vacancy shall coincide with the
regular election. If the vacancy occurs within sixty days prior to the regular election date,the notice
of such vacancy shall be published as soon as is practicable. If within the 120 day period before a
regular municipal election,the vacancy occurs in the office of the Mayor or in the office of either or
both of the Councilmembers whose seats are to be decided in the election, said vacancy shall be
considered not to exist for purposes of the election. However, if such vacancy occurs in the office
of either of the other two Councilmembers, the seat shall be filled by the candidate for
Councilmember with the third highest vote total, or, in the case of two vacancies, the third and
fourth highest vote totals. Where two vacancies exist,the candidate with the third highest total shall
fill the vacancy in the office having the longest unexpired term. Candidates filing a vacancy shall
take office at or before the next regularly scheduled Council meeting following election
certification. (Amended by Ordinance 748; Adopted September 27, 2004; Filed October 13, 2004).
Subdivision 6. If there are insufficient numbers of candidates in a regular or special election
to fill expiring or vacated municipal offices, the City Council shall fill said offices by appointment
until the next regular municipal election. In the case of a tie vote of the Council, the Mayor shall
make said appointment.
• CHAPTER 5
INITIATIVE,REFERENDUM AND RECALL
Section 5.01. Powers Reserved by the People. The people of Mounds View reserve to
themselves the powers in accordance with the provisions of this Charter to initiate and adopt
ordinances and resolutions, to require measures passed by the Council to be referred to the
electorate for approval or disapproval, and to recall elected public officials. These powers shall be
called the initiative,the referendum, and the recall,respectively.
Section 5.02. General Provisions for Petitions. A petition provided for under this chapter
shall be sponsored by a committee of five registered voters of the City whose names and addresses
shall appear on the petition. A petition may consist of one or more papers, but each separately
circulated paper shall contain at its head, or attached thereto, the information specified in sections
5.05, 5.07 or 5.08 which apply, respectively, to initiative, referendum and recall. Each signer shall
be a registered voter of the City and shall sign their name and give their street address. Each
separate page of the petition shall have appended to it a certificate by the circulator, verified by oath,
that each signature appended thereto was made in their presence and that the circulator believes
them to be the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be. The person making
the certificate shall be a resident of the City and registered to vote. Any person whose name appears
on a petition may withdraw their name by a statement in writing filed with the Clerk-Administrator
before said Clerk-Administrator advises the Council of the sufficiency of the petition.
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City of Mounds View
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Section 5.03. Determination of Sufficiency. The committee shall file the completed petition
. in the office of the Clerk-Administrator. The required number of signers shall be at least fifteen
percent for initiative and referendum, and for recall, at least twenty-five percent of the total number
of electors who cast their votes for president at the last presidential election. Immediately upon
receipt of the petition, the Clerk-Administrator shall examine the petition as to its sufficiency and
report to the Council within ten days. Upon receiving the report, the Council shall determine by
resolution the sufficiency of the petition.
Section 5.04. Disposition of Insufficient or Irregular Petition. If the Council determines that
the petition is insufficient or irregular, the Clerk-Administrator shall deliver a copy of the petition,
together with a written statement of its defects, to the sponsoring committee. The committee shall
have thirty days in which to file additional signature papers and/or to correct the petition in all other
particulars, except that, in the case of a petition for recall, the committee may not change the
statement of the grounds on which the recall is sought. Within five days of receipt of the corrected
petition, the Clerk-Administrator shall again report to the Council. If the Council finds that the
petition is still insufficient or irregular, the Clerk-Administrator shall file the petition and notify the
sponsoring committee. The final finding that the petition is insufficient or irregular shall not
prejudice the filing of a new petition for the same purpose, nor shall it 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 which shall state at
the head of each page or attached thereto the exact text of the proposed ordinance. If the Council
• passes the proposed ordinance with amendments, and a majority of the sponsoring committee do not
disapprove the amended form by a statement filed with the Clerk-Administrator within ten days of
its passage by the Council, the ordinance need not be submitted to the voters. If the Council fails to
enact the ordinance in a form acceptable to the majority of the sponsoring committee within sixty
days after the final determination of sufficiency of the petition, the ordinance as originally proposed
shall be placed on the ballot at the next election occurring in the City. If no election is to occur
within 120 days after the filing of the petition, the Council shall call a special election on the
ordinance to be held within such period. If a majority of those voting on the ordinance vote in its
favor, it shall become effective thirty days after adoption unless the ordinance specifies a later
effective date. (Amended, Ord. 650, 8-16-2000)
Section 5.06. Initiative to Amend the Charter. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as
in any way affecting the right of the electors to propose amendments to this charter. I
Section 5.07. Referendum. Prior to the date when an ordinance takes effect, it may be
subjected to referendum by a petition which shall state at the head of each page, or attached thereto,
the exact text of the measure to be considered by the electorate. If the petition is found to be
sufficient under the provisions of Section 5.03 of this chapter, the said ordinance shall thereby be
prevented from going into operation, and the subject matter of the petition shall be placed on the
ballot at the next election occurring in the City. If no election is to occur within 120 days after the
filing of the petition, the Council shall call a special election to be held within such period,
providing the petition has been found to be sufficient. If a majority of the voters voting thereon
favors the ordinance contained in the petition, it shall remain in effect. If a majority of the electors
0 voting thereon votes against the ordinance contained in the petition, it shall be considered repealed
upon certification of the election results. (Amended, Ord. 651, 8-16-2000)
City of Mounds View
• Section 5.08. Recall. Consideration by the electorate of the recall of any elected officer of
the City may be initiated by petition. The petition shall state at the head of each page, or attached
thereto, a certificate stating the name of the officer whose removal is sought, the grounds for recall,
which shall be malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance in office, in not more than 250 words, and
the intention of the sponsoring committee to bring about the officer's recall. Such petition shall be
filed in the Clerk-Administrator's office prior to circulation. If the petition or amended petition is
found sufficient under the provisions of Section 5.03 of this chapter, the Clerk-Administrator shall
transmit it to the Council without delay, and shall also officially notify the person sought to be
recalled of the sufficiency of the petition and of the pending action. The Council shall at its next
meeting, by resolution, provide for the holding of special recall election within ninety days after
such meeting, except if any other election is to occur within ninety day period after such meeting,
the Council may in its discretion provide for the holding of the recall vote at that time. The Clerk-
Administrator shall include with the published notice of the election the statement of the grounds for
the recall and, also in not more than 500 words, the answer of the officer concerned in justification
of their course of office. If a vacancy occurs due to recall election, Section 4.05 herein shall apply
to fill said vacancy.
CHAPTER 6
ADMINISTRATION OF CITY AFFAIRS
410Section 6.01. Administrative Responsibility. The Council as a body, shall be responsible
for the administration of the City. The Council shall appoint an administrative officer to assist in
the administration of City affairs. For purposes of reference in this Charter, this administrative
officer shall be referred to as the Clerk-Administrator.
Section 6.02. Administrative Organization.
Subdivision 1. The Council may by ordinance establish City departments, offices, and
agencies and prescribe their functions. No power or duty conferred by this Charter upon a particular
office or agency shall be transferred to another.
Subdivision 2. The City Council shall hire heads of departments, and such other and further
officers and personnel as may be required to operate the City efficiently. The City Council shall
determine the qualifications thereof and prescribe the duties to be performed by each, except as
otherwise prescribed in this Charter.
Subdivision 3. The head of departments and other officers designated by the Council shall
report in person to the Council and to the public at least once each quarter at a regularly scheduled
Council meeting.
Section 6.03. Duties of the Clerk-Administrator.
Subdivision 1. The duties of the Clerk-Administrator of the municipality shall include the
4111 duties of the Clerk in a statutory city. The Clerk-Administrator shall give the required notice of
each regular and special election,record the proceedings thereof, notify officials of their elections or
City of Mounds View