Minutes - Charter Commission - 02/23/1984

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2) Review of Chapter 4, Section 4.02 and 4.02.01 Chairman Heitman pointed out that a situation has been created where a person filing for office on the 28th day and resigning present office and nobody has the opportunity to file for that vacancy created. Commission consensus is that Section 4.02 will read as follows: Section 4.02. Filing for Office. No earlier than fifty-six days nor later than twenty-eight days before any municipal election, any resident and registered voter of the city qualified under state statutes for elective office may, by filing an affidavit and by paying a filing fee to the clerk-administrator in an amount as set by ordinance, have his/her name placed on the municipal election ballot. Section 4.02.01. Any applicant currently holding an elected office in the city, and seeking election to an office different from the office he/she currently holds and subject to the limitations prescribed in Section 2.04, shall be required to submit his/her resignation from his/her current office upon filing his/her affidavit. The affidavit, resignation and fees shall be submitted no earlier than fifty-six days nor later than forty-two days before any municipal election. The applicants resignation shall become effective after certification of the election results. 3) Review of Chapter 7 Chairman Heitman acknowledged receipt of copies of a letter from City Accountant Moen to City Administrator Lloyd Schnelle dated February 23, 1984 regarding review of City Charter Chapter 7. See Attachment I. The Commission reviewed concerns regarding Section 7.04.01; the requirement that a budget be adopted for all city funds. Mr. Schnelle explained that the City's financial statement takes in general funds and bond funds and the City follows standards set by the Municipal Financial Officers Association. What the charter proposes to require will increase an already complex document by making it more complex and lengthy. The equipment revolving fund would have to be included which would deter the City from being innovative with those funds and spending it when it is financially advantageous to do so. Commissioner Gamec stated that the annual audits would also be much more costly. Commissioner Data pointed out that the Charter is not creating any new funds, these funds already exist and we want to see a complete plan on paper for these funds. Commissioner Sieber noted that this section was modelled after Mounds View's and inquired as to how Mounds View handles this requirement. Mr. Schnelle stated that the requirement is probably ignored. No city does what you are proposing this charter to require. Commissioner Sieber inquired if State statutes address this situation? CC/February 23, 1984 Page 5 of 11