Minutes - Charter Commission - 07/18/2002

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Further discussion: Lance Raygor, 6194 - 146th Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated that, as presented, it seems to not be a controversial issue, but the question is regardless of what the Council does isn't the question automatically going to go on the ballot. Chairperson Vogt replied that if the Council approves the ordinance unanimously the issue would not be placed on the ballot. Mr. Raygor inquired if the Council fails to vote on the ordinance unanimously, then the issue will go on the ballot. Chairperson Vogt replied that that was correct. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Vogt, Commissioners Milless, Swanson, Deemer, Ebel, and LaMere. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Bertzyk and Henke. Case #4: Consider Amending City Charter Section 4.5 City Administrator Norman stated that Commissioner Darlene Milless has requested this item be placed on the Commission's agenda. Commissioner Milless noted that Charter Commission discussions last year and voter referendum approval of the desire for less special elections. Another area that creates a need for a special election is the filling of the City Council seats that have two years on a term remaining. The current City Charter Section 4.5, provides that there shall be a special election to fill an elected office when a vacancy occurs and there remains more than one year in the unexpired term. Minnesota State Statute for statutory cities provides that there shall be a special election to fill the unexpired term only when more than two years remain in the unexpired term. When less than two years remain in the unexpired term, the office is filled by appointment. The proposed amendment would reduce the need for special elections when vacancies occur. City Attorney Goodrich reviewed the proposed language changes noting that the language was taken verbatim from State Statute regarding the filling of a term reviewed of more than two years. Commissioner LaMere inquired as to how candidates would be selected for appointment. City Attorney Goodrich replied that residents would apply and then the Council would interview and appoint a member. Commissioner Milless stated that she feels that special elections are costly and there is a better turnout when things are done with the general election. She thought there was a need to keep things simple. Commissioner Swanson stated that just a few meetings ago they were talking about a Mayor's term of two years and now they are talking about appointing someone that has a two-year term remaining. He felt that they had already discussed the issue and that people feel a two-year term is a long time, therefore, the people need to make the decision. Commissioner Ebel agreed. Mr. Raygor inquired if they were trying to amend an existing law. Chairperson Vogt replied yes. Charter Commission/July 18, 2002 Page 8 of 22