Agenda - Council Work Session - 03/09/2010

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•CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: Consider an Ordinance to be approved by the voters repealing the City Manager form of City government. By: William K. Goodrich, City Attorney Background: City Administrator Ulrich asked that I prepare this Topic Report regarding the above subject. City Ordinance #06-35, effective April 26, 2007 amended the City Charter to the effect that the City's form of government, effective January 1, 2011 would change from a Mayor Council Plan (City Administrator) to aCouncil-Manager Plan. A copy of said ordinance is attached. Also attached is a December, 2009 League of Minnesota Cities publication explaining the difference between the City Administrator form of government, which Ramsey currently is, and a City Manager form of government which Ramsey is slated to change to on January 1, 2011 per above referenced Ordinance #06-35. For your further information, attached are relevant excerpts from the City Charter meetings of December 5, 2006, and January 18, 2007 and excerpts from the City Council meetings of December 28, 2006 and January 9, 2007. In addition, attached is my memorandum to Mayor Ramsey dated February 3, 2010 which explains the process necessary to amend the City Charter. Finally, attached is a proposed new ordinance for the City Council's consideration. If passed by a majoritX vote of the City Council, and after Charter Commission review the ordinance can be presented to the voters at the next general election. All this needs to be accomplished by August 1, 2010 to get the referendum question on the November 2, 2010 general election ballot. Of course, the three other Charter Amendment proceedings referenced in my February 3, 2010 memo are also potential methods by which the Charter may be amended. Action Statement: Based on discussion. Reviewed by: City Administrator: Kurt G. Ulrich