Agenda - Charter Commission - 07/10/1997

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410.05 Charter commission. Subdivision 1. Appointment. When the district court of the judicial district in which a city is situated, deems it for the best interest of the city so to do, the court, acting through its chief judge, may appoint a charter commission to frame and amend a charter. Upon presentation of a petition requesting such action, signed by at least ten percent of the number of voters of the city, as shown by the returns of the last regular city election, or upon resolution of the governing body of the city requesting such action, the court shall appoint a charter commission. The commission shall be composed of not less than seven nor more than 15 members, each of whom shall be a qualified voter of the city. The size of the commission shall be determined within the above limits by the court, except that where the commission is appointed pursuant to a petition of the voters or resolution of the governing body of the city, the size of the commission shall be as specified in such petition or resolution. Any city may by charter provision fix the size of the charter commission at a figure which shall not be less than seven nor more than 15 members, and such charter provision shall prevail over any inconsistent provisions of this subdivision. No person shall be disqualified from serving on a charter commission by reason of holding any other elective or appointive office other than judicial. Subd. 2. Commission members; terms, vacancies. Charter commission members shall hold office for the term of four years, and until their successors are appointed and qualify, except that of members initially appointed after July 1, 1967, eight shall be appointed for two year terms and seven for four year terms. No person may be appointed to more than two successive terms as a commission member. Vacancies in the commission shall be filled by appointment of the chief judge for the unexpired terms. Upon the expiration of each term, the chief judge shall appoint new commission members. If the chief judge fails to appoint new commission members within 30 days then thereafter the governing body of the city shall, appoint new commission members, unless within the 30 day period the chief judge indicates in writing to the governing body an intention to appoint new members, in which case the chief judge shall have an additional 60 days within which to make the appointment. Appointments shall be made by order filed with the court administrator of the district court. An appointee who neglects to file with the court administrator within 30 days a written acceptance and oath of office shall be deemed to have declined the appointment and the place shall be filled as though the appointee had resigned. The charter commission, within 30 days after the initial appointment of the commission, shall make rules, including quorum requirements, with reference to its operations and procedures. The commission shall submit to the chief judge of the district court, on or before December 31 of each year, an annual report outlining its activities and accomplishments for the preceding calendar year. The commission shall forward a copy of the report to the clerk of the city. Any member may be removed at any time from office, by written order of the district court, the reason for such removal being stated in the order. When any member has failed to perform the duties of office and has failed to attend four consecutive meetings without being excused by the commission, the secretary of the charter commission shall file a certificate with the court setting forth those facts and the district court shall thereupon make its order of removal and the chief judge shall fill the vacancy created thereby.