Agenda - Council - 05/07/2013 - Special

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CC Special Session 4.2. Meeting Date: 05/07/2013 Submitted For: Kurt Ulrich By: Bill Goodrich, Administrative Services Title: Consider Resolution establishing Special Election procedures and calendar for filling the vacancy in the office of Councilmember for Ward One. Background: The written resignation of Ward One Councilmember David W. Elvig has caused the City Council to declare a vacancy in that position. Because the vacancy has been declared, pursuant to City Charter the City Council is now obligated to schedule a Special Election within 90 days of the vacancy declaration to fill the vacancy. State law and the City Charter provide specific direction on the special election process and notice requirements etc. The City Charter does require primary elections before regular municipal elections, however, that is not a requirement for special elections. The relatively short time (90 days) for the special election to occur makes it impracticable to schedule a primary election. Staff has developed a calendar for the Special Election which calendar is attached to the proposed resolution for this case. Staff request the authority to make minor adjustments to the election calendar pending final review of the Anoka County elections supervisor who has been unavailable for consultation prior to writing this case. Notification: NA Observations /Alternatives: The 90 day time frame for the Special Election dictates the calendar for the various notices, filing dates, and election laws required to be complied with. There is minimal ability to vary the scheduling requirements. Recommendation: Staff recommends adoption of the attached resolution establishing the Special Election calendar and waiving the requirement for a primary election prior to the Special Election. Funding Source: NA Council Action: Motion to adopt Resolution 13 -05- which is a Resolution establishing Special Election procedures and calendar and declaring that there shall be no primary Election preceding that Special Election. The election calendar is subject to minor revisions by the City's election clerk as necessary to accommodate the requirement to conduct the Special Election within 90 days of the vacancy declaration. Proposed Resolution Special Election Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date