HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 04-21 PacketCharter
Commission
Chair
Russell Warren
763-786-3591
Vice Chair
Rebecca Scholl
651-503-3999
2nd Vice Chair
Jerry Peterson
612-607-3953
Secretary
Brian Amundsen
763-786-5699
Assistant Secretary
Karen Mills
952-913-7774
Gregory Evenson
763-792-4557
Edeth James
763-443-5655
Gary Quick
763-786-4631
Amber Urlacher
612-859-9082
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
Mounds View City Hall
6:30 PM Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Preliminary AGENDA
1.Call to Order.
2.Roll Call.
__ Brian Amundsen __Gregory Evenson __ Edeth James
__ Karen Mills __ Jerry Peterson __ Gary Quick
__ Rebecca Scholl __ Amber Urlacher __ Russell Warren
3.Approval of Agenda and Minutes.
a.Review Agenda.
b.Review January 20, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
4.Citizen Comments from the floor.
5.Reports of the Chair.
6.Reports of Members.
7.Unfinished Business.
a.20 min. Discussion of Chapter 7 Taxation and Finances for
general levy caps in relation to street and park financing.
b.20 min. Chapter 2 Form of Government, Section 2.07 Council
salary.
8.New Business.
a.10 min. Discussion of Commission member emails on city website.
9.Next Regular Meeting Date. Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
10.Adjournment.
20260421Agenda_BA_v20260420
Mounds View Charter Commission Minutes — DRAFT
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
1.Call to Order. Regular meeting came to order at 6:37 PM.
2.Roll Call. Present: B. Amundsen, E. James, K. Mills, J. Peterson, R. Scholl.
Excused:G. Quick, A. Urlacher, R. Warren.
Absent:
Also present: City Administrator Nyle Zikmund, Council Liaison Gary Meehlhause.
3.Review Agenda and Minutes .
a. Review Agenda.
Vice Chair R. Scholl introduced the Preliminary Agenda. Discussion was requested. City
Administrator Zikmund indicated a financial report on park financing would be available in April if that
item was to be delayed.
MOTION made, by B. Amundsen, and seconded, by E. James, to adopt the Agenda as amended,
removing item 7a.MOTION adopted 5-0
b. Review Minutes of Regular Meeting.
Vice Chair R. Scholl asked for review of the Secretary's November 18, 2025, draft Meeting Minutes.
MOTION made, by J. Peterson, and seconded, by K. Mills, to approve the Meeting Minutes as
presented. MOTION adopted 5-0.
4.Citizen's Comments from the Floor.
No citizens present made comments.
5.Reports of Chair.
Vice Chair made no report.
6.Reports of Members.
Secretary B. Amundsen reported that Matthew Meehan had resigned from the Commission. In
conversations with the Court the opening will post in newspapers with a March 23, 2026, application
deadline. Pioneer Press will have the listing.
E. James reported that he had received a phishing email in the past month, which he reported to the
Chair, Secretary, and the City Administrator. He wanted everyone to be aware of the issue and to check
the real sender of emails. Secretary B. Amundsen and City Administrator N. Zikmund will discuss offline
if commissioner phone and emails need to be on the website.
7.Unfinished Business.
b. Chapter 2 Form of Government, Section 2.07 Salaries.
Vice Chair R. Scholl asked status of council salaries language. City Administrator and K. Mills found
Blaine's charter language for the commission to consider. Discussion from all commissioners occurred on
various ways to set or review the council's salary. It was suggested that other charter's language be
collected for review. E. James accepted and City Administrator N. Zikmund agreed to gather other city
council compensation information for comparison to current council salary.
8.New Business
a. Review of Commission Bylaws.
Vice Chair R. Scholl asked what action was necessary this evening. Secretary B. Amundsen, reported
that the Bylaws require the commission to review the bylaws every even numbered year and if
amendments were needed they would be introduced at a meeting and approved at a second meeting. This
evening's purpose was to review the bylaws. Vice Chair R. Scholl asked if any amendments were
CharterCommMinutes_20260120_BA_Draft-B Page 1 of 2
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Mounds View Charter Commission Minutes — DRAFT
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
requested by members. Hearing none the items was considered completed.
b. Resolution 2026-01 Reaffirm Chapter 4 Nomination and Elections – 4.05 Vacancy appointment.
Vice Chair R. Scholl asked for the resolution status to be reviewed. Secretary B. Amundsen stated that
the previous resolution was not approved by the council due to time expiration per statutes. That the
resolution can be reaffirmed by the commission if it is still desired to send this amendment for council
unanimous approval. Vice Chair R. Scholl asked for other discussion or a motion.
MOTION, by B. Amundsen, and seconded, by J. Peterson, to approve resolution 2026-01 reaffirming
the Commission's recommendation to amend 2.05 and 4.05, per Exhibit A, to allow council vacancy
to be appointed by a specified method. MOTION adopted 5-0.
9.Next Regular Meeting.
The next regular meeting of the Commission is April 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
10.Adjournment:
With no other items for the Commission to consider, Vice Chair R. Scholl asked for a motion to
adjourn.
MOTION, by B. Amundsen, and seconded, by E. James, to adjourn. MOTION adopted 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:42 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Amundsen,
Secretary, Charter Commission of Mounds View MN
CharterCommMinutes_20260120_BA_Draft-B Page 2 of 2
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City Mayor City Council
2,221 2012 $4,500.00 $3,000.00
Falcon Heights 5,379 1999 $5,400.00 $3,600.00
St. Anthony 9,060 2024 $8,700.00 $7,200.00
Arden Hills 9,682 2025 $8,250.00 $7,452.00
Little Canada 10,632 2025 $7,500.00 $6,250.00
White Bear Township 10,807
North St. Paul 12,486 2024 $6,900.00 $5,700.00
Mounds View 12,965 2024 $7,200.00 $6,000.00
13,270 2024 $7,200.00 $6,000.00
Hopkins 18,608 2024 $15,000.00 $12,500.00
Lino Lakes 21,658 2024 $11,298.00 $9,497.00
Hastings 22,155 2022 $10,200.00 $7,700.00
22,705 ?? 2015 $4,200.00 $3,600.00
24,007 ?? 2017 $9,550.00 $6,610.00
White Bear Lake 24,689 2016 $9,600.00 $7,500.00
25,885 2025 $11,100.00 $8,880.00
26,943 2025 $10,400.00 $7,900.00
Elk River 27,001 2004 $10,000.00 $7,500.00
27,141 2025 $10,752.00 $7,980.00
Prior Lake 27,855 2023 $13,585.85 $10,730.85
27,858 2024 $8,400.00 $7,020.00
Ramsey 28,712 ?? 2017 $8,000.00 $6,000.00
29,962 2024 $10,688.60 $8,779.42
32,822 2019 $12,000.00 $10,000.00
Savage 33,137 2023 $11,428.00 $8,697.00
Brooklyn Center 33,938 2024 $13,341.00 $10,214.00
35,652 2024 $11,400.00 $8,200.00
36,543 2024 $13,924.18 $10,807.51
Roseville 36,810 2024 $9,300.00 $7,020.00
Cottage Grove 41,027 2024 $12,585.00 $9,480.00
41,581 2024 $17,429.73 $15,341.13
54,048 2024 $15,964.53 $12,700.68
77,224 2024 $16,680.00 $12,006.00
Bloomington 91,330 2024 $26,400.00 $12,396.00
Population
20k-30k in
green)
Year
Updated
Lauderdale
Vadnais Heights
Otsego
Champlin
Chanhassen
Rosemount
Shoreview
Oakdale
Fridley
Andover
Inver Grove Heights
Richfield
Maplewood
Edina
Woodbury
Charter Language comparisons for council/mayor compensation setting.
Generally, all charters of the third class city size have language of the form which states that the city
council sets by ordinance the salary of mayor and council members in the year of an election to take
effect in the following year. The language is consistent with the language the Mounds View City
charter current contains. The following are what was found with internet searches of mostly third class
cities and few second class cities.
Alexandria MN (pop. 14,335)
Section 2.07. Salaries
Subd. 1. Elective Officers
The salaries for all elective officers shall be in accordance with Minnesota Statute 415.11 as
amended.
Anoka MN ( pop. 17,921)
Section 2.07 Salaries. The Mayor and members of the Council shall receive such compensation for
their services as may be prescribed by ordinance adopted by the vote of four-fifths of all members of
the Council. Other officers and employees of the City shall receive such compensation as may be fixed
by the Council. A review of the Mayor and Councilmember salaries shall be conducted by the City
Council in June of every odd numbered year.
Bemiji (pop. 14,574)
Section 2.07 SALARIES. The mayor and council persons shall receive such compensation as is
approved by the council in accordance with law. The manager and all subordinate officers and
employees of the city shall receive such salaries or wages as may be approved by the council. Changes
in salaries or wages for individuals cannot be made after the adoption of the budget without council
approval.
Blaine (pop. 70.222) per amending ordinance 25-2590
Sec. 2.07. Salaries.
The monthly salary of each of the councilmembers and the mayor shall be established by ordinance. A
review of salaries of mayor and councilmembers will occur in June of every odd numbered year and
any adjustments should be based on the prior two years of cost of living adjustments consistent with
those provided to staff and established by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and found in annual data
of percent changes in Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-
U), unadjusted 12 months ending in April of each respective year. The mayor and councilmembers, in
addition to the above salaries, shall be paid a reasonable sum for each day and their reasonable
expenses incurred while traveling outside the city on the city's business.
INTRODUCED and read in full this 3rd day of November, 2025. PASSED by the City Council of the
City of Blaine this 17th day of November, 2025.
Salary Review Charter Amendment (Ord 24-2539) first reading January 24, 2024.
Adoption: The altered amendment was unanimously approved by the City Council at its November
17, 2025 meeting, following a first reading on January 17, 2024.
20260408_BA page 1 of 6
Charter Language comparisons for council/mayor compensation setting.
Process: It establishes a schedule for reviewing mayor and council salaries in June of every odd-
numbered year.
Criteria: Adjustments are based on the previous two years of cost-of-living increases for city staff and
data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Consumer Price Index).
Implementation: Any actual salary increase still requires a separate ordinance adoption with
a majority vote. The Council had previously considered raising the mayor's salary
to $18,315.03 and council members' salaries to $13,461.54 per year.
Brainerd (pop. 14,395)
12.The compensation of all elective and appointive officers of the City shall be fixed by ordinance as
permitted by State Statute.
Brooklyn Park (pop. 86478)
SECTION 2.08 SALARIES (Amended by Ordinance #2009-1098 Effect. 7/30/09)
The Mayor and members of the Council shall receive such compensation for their services as may be
prescribed by ordinance enacted by a simple majority vote of all the members of this Council. The
City Manager and all subordinate officers and employees of the city shall receive such salaries or
wages as may be fixed by the Council.
Detriot Lakes (pop. 9869)
Section 2.09. Salaries. The Mayor and Aldermen shall receive such compensation as is fixed by the
Council in accordance with law. The appointive officers and employees of the City shall receive such
salaries or wages as may be fixed by the Council, except as otherwise provided herein. The City
Council, by resolution each year, shall set apart an amount of money from the General Fund for the
Mayor’s contingent expenses, which shall be paid out by the Treasurer upon the Mayor’s warrant and
which he may expend for any purpose connected with the proper discharge of the duties of his office.
East Gran Forks (pop. 9176)
Section 2.08. Salaries. The mayor and the council members shall receive such compensation as is fixed
by the council in accordance with law. All subordinate officers and employees of the city shall receive
such salaries or wages as may be fixed by the council.
Fridley (pop. 29,590)
Sec 2.08 Salaries And Expenses
The Mayor and each Councilmember shall receive reasonable remuneration or salary, the annual
amount and payment of which shall be prescribed by ordinance duly adopted on or before November
1st of the year preceding payment of the same. When authorized by the Council, its members shall be
remunerated for their reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the City's business.
Ham Lake Charter (pop. 16,464)
SECTION 2.07 Salaries The Mayor and Councilmembers shall receive such compensation as is fixed
by the Council in accordance with law. All officers and employees of the City shall receive such
salaries or wages as may be fixed by the Council.
20260408_BA page 2 of 6
Charter Language comparisons for council/mayor compensation setting.
Hastings (pop 22,164)
Section 3.07 Mayor And Council Compensation, Mayor Contingency Expense Fund
The Mayor and Council members shall receive such compensation as established in accordance with
the Minnesota Statutes. In addition, the Mayor shall also have placed at his or her disposal, a
contingency expense fund in an amount to be established by the City as a part of the annual budget
adoption process. The Council may increase the Mayor's or Council members' compensation but any
increase so determined shall not be effective until after the next succeeding General Municipal election.
Any increase shall be accomplished by ordinance.
Hopkins (pop. 19079)
Sec. 2.07. - Salaries.
1. The mayor and members of the city council shall each receive an annual salary as the council
may by ordinance establish in such amount as they deem reasonable. No change in such salaries shall
take effect until after the next succeeding municipal election. The city manager and all other employees
of the city shall receive such salaries as from time to time may be fixed by the city council.2.Expenses.
The mayor and council members shall be paid a reasonable sum for each day and/or their reasonable
expenses incurred while traveling outside of the city on the city's business. The city manager and all
other employees of the city shall be paid their reasonable expenses incurred while traveling outside of
the city on the city's business.
2.Expenses. The mayor and council members shall be paid a reasonable sum for each
day and/or their reasonable expenses incurred while traveling outside of the city on the city's
business. The city manager and all other employees of the city shall be paid their reasonable
expenses incurred while traveling outside of the city on the city's business.
Hutchinson (pop. 14,990)
Section 2.08. SALARIES. The salaries of the elective officers shall be established by Minnesota Statute
415.11, as such statute may be amended from time to time. The council shall establish the salary of the
city administrator.
Lino Lakes Charter (pop. 21,399)
SECTION 2.07. SALARIES.
The Mayor and Council Members shall receive such compensation as is fixed by the Council in
accordance with state law. Any increases in such compensation shall be available in accordance with
applicable state law. Other officers and employees of the City shall receive such salaries or wages as
may be fixed by the Council.
Mankato MN (pop ~15,000)
Sec. 2.04. - Compensation; expenses
The council may determine changes in the annual salary of the mayor and council members by
ordinance, but no ordinance increasing such salary shall become effective until the date of
commencement of the terms of council members elected at the next succeeding municipal election. The
mayor and the council members shall receive their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the
performance of their duties of office.
20260408_BA page 3 of 6
Charter Language comparisons for council/mayor compensation setting.
Marshall MN (pop.13,628)
Section 2.07 Salaries
Salaries of the Council members and Mayor shall be discussed as an agenda item at the first council
meeting in July of each year. After said discussions, the council shall set and determine said salaries in
accordance with the applicable state law.
In Ordinance the salaries for mayor for 2026 is $12,029 and Council member is $7,608.
Minnetonka (pop. 53,781)
Section 2.09. Salaries.
The council members may by ordinance establish reasonable amounts for their salaries. No change in
salary takes effect until after the next regular municipal election. The council members may be
reimbursed for their reasonable expenses incurred in connection with city business.
Robbinsdale (pop 14,646)
Section 2.09. Salaries of Elected Officials. The Mayor and each council member shall receive a salary
the amount of which shall be prescribed by ordinance.
Charter Amendment No. 6, Ordinance No. 72-11, adopted unanimously by the City Council September 25, 1972.
Charter Amendment No. 16, Ordinance No. 84-11, adopted unanimously by the City Council June 5, 1984.
Charter Amendment No. 18, Ordinance No. 89-11, adopted unanimously by the City Council August 8, 1989.
St. Louis Park (pop. 50,010)
Section 2.07. Compensation.
a) The council shall set and may increase or decrease the salaries of the mayor and councilmembers in
a reasonable manner by ordinance; provided, however, that no such ordinance shall be adopted
increasing or decreasing any such salary until a public hearing has been held thereon after publication
of a notice setting forth a summary of the proposed ordinance and the time and place of the hearing in
the official newspaper at least one (1) week in advance of such hearing. No such ordinance increasing
or decreasing any such salary shall become effective before the first (1st) day in December following
the next municipal election or such later date as is fixed in the ordinance. If within thirty (30) days after
approval of such ordinance increasing or decreasing any such salary, a petition asking for a referendum
on such ordinance is signed by registered voters equal in number to fifteen percent (15%) of those who
voted at the last regular municipal election is filed with the city clerk, such ordinance shall not go into
effect until it is first approved by a majority of those voting thereon at a regular or special city election.
City of St. Louis Park -7- City Charter (8/25/2021) HOME RULE CHARTER
b) When authorized by the council, its members shall be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses
incurred in connection with the city's business.
Stillwater (pop.19,394)
3.04. - Salaries.
The Mayor and Councilmembers shall receive such lawful compensation as is fixed by the Council by
ordinance. City officers and all employees of the City shall receive compensation, salaries or wages as
fixed by the Council.
20260408_BA page 4 of 6
Charter Language comparisons for council/mayor compensation setting.
Waseca (pop. 9,229)
Sec. 2.07. Salaries. The members of the Council, including the Mayor, the City Manager and all
subordinate officers and employees of the City shall receive such salaries or wages as may be fixed by
the Council in accordance with State Statute where applicable.
Worthington (pop. 13,947)
Section 11.01, Salaries
The salaries of the mayor and alderman shall be established by ordinance adopted from time
to time in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 415.11 and any amendments thereto. Said
compensation shall include such amounts for fixed salary, per diem compensation and
expense allowance as the City Council may deem reasonable pursuant to said statute. Other
officers and employees of the city shall receive compensation as shall be fixed by the City
Council in conformity with the provisions of this charter. The salaries of all officers and
employees shall be in full payment for all services and personal expenses, excepting
necessary expenses duly allowed by the City Council to such officers, employees and other
designated representatives of the city while away from the city on business for the city.
Source: Ordinance No. 699
Effective Date: 6-16-86
20260408_BA page 5 of 6
Charter Language comparisons for council/mayor compensation setting.
National Charter City Model
Section 2.04. Compensation; Expenses. The city council may determine the annual salary of the mayor
and council members by ordinance, but no ordinance increasing such salary shall become effective
until the date of commencement of the terms of council members elected at the next regular election.
The mayor and council members shall receive their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the
performance of their duties of office.
Commentary. Under the Model, council members are part-time officials and do not direct city
departments. Council salary level depends on a variety of factors specific to each community, including
the part-time nature of the position and the emphasis on policy-making rather than administration. The
city should reimburse council members for expenses incurred in performing their duties, e.g., travel to
the state capital to testify on behalf of the city. The Model rejects the setting of the actual amount of
compensation in the charter except for the salary of the first council after the charter goes into effect
see § 10.05(f)). The delay in the effective date of any salary increases provides ample protection. The
city should provide extra compensation for the mayor because, in addition to regular responsibilities as
a council member, the mayor has intergovernmental, ceremonial, and city-related promotional
responsibilities.
MN Statute 415.11 SECOND TO FOURTH CLASS CITIES; GOVERNING BODY SALARIES.
Subdivision 1.Set by ordinance.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law, charter, or ordinance, the governing body
of any statutory or home rule charter city of the second, third or fourth class may by ordinance fix their
own salaries as members of such governing body, and the salary of the chief elected executive officer
of such city, in such amount as they deem reasonable.
Subd. 2.After next election.
No change in salary shall take effect until after the next succeeding municipal election.
Subd. 3.Temporary reductions.
Notwithstanding subdivision 2 or a charter provision to the contrary, the governing body may enact an
ordinance to take effect before the next succeeding municipal election that reduces the salaries of the
members of the governing body. The ordinance shall be in effect for 12 months, unless another period
of time is specified in the ordinance, after which the salary of the members reverts to the salary in
effect immediately before the ordinance was enacted.
20260408_BA page 6 of 6
2025 Compensation for City Council Members in 10
Minnesota Cities Comparable to Mounds View
Prepared using publicly available sources (city codes, ordinances, agenda packets, and
meeting documents). Amounts reflect the best available information indicating
compensation applicable in calendar year 2025. Where a document sets pay effective in
2024 and no later change was located, the 2024 rate is shown as continuing into 2025.
City Council
compensation
2025)
Other
compensation /
notes
Primary source
public)
Circle Pines $5,000/year
salary)
City code sets
salaries effective
1/1/2024; paid as
salary (no per-
meeting stipend
noted in cited
section).
Circle Pines City Code,
Chapter 2 (PDF), Sec.
205.02
Falcon Heights $300/month
3,600/year)
City code sets
monthly salaries;
ordinance
reference (Ord. No.
0-99-08,
11/3/1999)
embedded in code.
Falcon Heights Code, Sec.
2-20 (Laserfiche page)
Spring Lake Park $5,961/year
salary)
Memo notes
salaries are set by
ordinance and
were last changed
effective
1/1/2009; values
shown in salary
survey used for
2025 budget
planning.
Spring Lake Park Council
Salary Ordinance memo
1/9/2024)
Mahtomedi $6,000/year
salary)
Council approved
ordinance with
increase effective
January 2024 after
election; council
salary stated as
Mahtomedi City Council
Minutes (6/20/2023),
item 8a
6,000 annually.
St. Francis $4,800/year
salary)
Additional $35 per
meeting noted in a
2025 packet table
of elected official
compensation.
Brooklyn Park Charter
Commission packet (May
14, 2025) –
compensation table
excerpt
St. Anthony
Village
600/month
7,200/year)
Table notes Mayor
Pro Tem receives
additional
756/year (role-
based). No per-
meeting stipend
noted in excerpt.
St. Anthony Village City
Code (AmLegal) & 2025
compensation table
excerpt
Arden Hills $6,750/year
salary)
Ordinance shows
revised salaries
Mayor $7,500;
Councilmember
6,750) and
indicates periodic
review.
Arden Hills Ordinance
No. 2024-008
Little Canada $5,850/year
salary)
Ordinance amends
city code for 2025
salaries (Mayor
6,700; Council
members $5,850).
Little Canada Ordinance
No. 897 (adopted
5/8/2024)
East Bethel $475/month
5,700/year)
Budget documents
describe monthly
salaries; later 2025
news indicates an
ordinance
amendment
approved in Oct
2025 (timing
suggests changes
would take effect
after a succeeding
election).
East Bethel 2022 Final
Budget (salary
description) + 2025
news article re: pay
increase approval
Vadnais Heights $7,500/year
salary)
Memo includes
ordinance
language: effective
Vadnais Heights
memorandum/ordinance
1/1/2025 annual
compensation
Councilmember
7,500 (Mayor
9,000).
text (10/15/2024)
Notes on 'other compensation': Many Minnesota cities also reimburse elected officials for
actual, necessary expenses (e.g., mileage, trainings) according to city policy and applicable
state law. This document summarizes the explicit compensation amounts located in cited
sources; it does not attempt to enumerate all potential reimbursements or benefits unless
specifically stated in a source.
Sources consulted (as cited in the accompanying response):
Circle Pines City Code (Chapter 2 PDF / revised 01.22.2025)
Falcon Heights Code (Laserfiche page showing Sec. 2-20 Salaries)
Spring Lake Park Council Salary Ordinance memorandum (1/9/2024)
Mahtomedi City Council Minutes (6/20/2023) – ordinance amending salaries effective Jan
2024
Brooklyn Park Charter Commission packet (May 14, 2025) – compensation table excerpt
Arden Hills Ordinance No. 2024-008
Little Canada Ordinance No. 897 (adopted 5/8/2024; effective 1/1/2025)
East Bethel budget document describing monthly mayor/council salary + 2025 news
about pay increase approval
Vadnais Heights memorandum with ordinance language setting 2025 compensation