Agenda - Council - 04/26/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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liconomic Development Consultant Mulrooney replied non-profits usually have difficulty proving their repaying ability. The guidelines of the SBA were followed when these guidelines were established, which prohibits loans to non-profits as well. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to adopt the February 2005 Rew)lving Loan Fund Guidelines. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Elvig, Olson, Cook, Pearson, and Strommcn. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Jeffrey. Mayor Gamec stated the Council appreciates the work of Economic Development Consultant Mulrooncy and Economic Development/TIF Specialist Sullivan in bringing business into the community. Case #14: Receive Citken Petition Seeking Amendment of Chapter 8 of the City Charter (',i~y Attorney Goodrich indicated on April 4, 2005 the City Clerk received a citizen petition petitioning to amend Chapter 8 of the City Charter. The petition is signed by approximately 784 persons, lie explained the legal procedure necessary to amend the City Charter is governed by State Statute, Chapter 410. Minnesota Statute 410.12 Subd. 1 provides that amendments to a Charter may be proposed by "...a petition of voters equal in number to five percent of the total votes cast at thc last previous state general election in the City." He explained based on the mtmbcrs of the last general election in the City of November 2, 2004, the petition must be signed by at least 579 qualified voters. Minnesota Statute 310.12 Subd. 3 provides that within ten days ot' receipt of the petition, thc City Clerk shall determine whether each paper of the petition is properly attested and whether the petition is signed by a sufficient number of voters. This step should bc completed by April 14, 2005. Upon completion of the examination of the petition, the City Clerk is to certify the result of the examination to the City Council. There is a specific process to follow in the event City Clerk determines there are not sufficient qualified voter signatures. The City Clerk's determination of sufficiency of the petition should be presented to the City Council at its April 26, 2005 meeting. City Attorney Goodrich indicated he is reviewing the proposed amendment for legal issues to make certain its provisions are permissible under Minnesota Law such that it can be presented to the voters at an election. His legal opinion on this subject will be presented no later than the May 10, 2005 City Council meeting. Assuming that the City Council finds the proposed amendment is legally sufficient, Minnesota Statute 410.12 Subd. 4 and Minnesota Statute 410.10 Subd. 10 provide that it is to be submitted to the qualified voters at a general or special election. Because no general election is scheduled within the next six months, the City is obligated to schedule a special election to be held within 90 days after delivery of the petition. This means a special dection must be held on or before July 5, 2005. Staffwill be in contact with Anoka County election personnel prior to scheduling the election date in order to comply with the requirements o f thc County's election process and the 90-day statutory requirement. Council will need to schedule ~he actual date and staff will advise at a future meeting a recommended date. The City Council/April 12, 2005 Page 26 of 35