Laserfiche WebLink
8/24/2020 Print Agenda Item <br />Observations/Alternatives: <br />Observations: The Charter Commission reviewed Chapter 4 in its entirety and determined the amendments <br />suggested would clarify and simplify the elections process and come into compliance with the State election <br />law. Not having a primary will expedite the process of filing seats with a duly elected Council member, plus the <br />provision that allows immediate appointment by the Council of an interim Council Member keeps vacancy <br />periods at a minimum. On the other hand, a primary election serves as a method to ensure that the final <br />candidate receives a majority of the votes cast. Without a primary, a candidate may be elected with the most <br />votes among multiple candidates, but it may be less than a majority of votes cast. For example, among 5 <br />candidates, a candidate could prevail with less than 50% of the votes cast. <br />Alternatives: The Council must unanimously vote in favor of the ordinance for this amendment to pass. If <br />Council does not agree with the amendments, they may make suggestions and send back to the Charter <br />Commission for further review. Previous primary elections have suffered low voter turnout, which is even <br />lower during a special primary election. The City Council may also consider pursuing changes to state law that <br />would change dates and waiting period, but this is generally more difficult that making charter revisions. The <br />Council may also consider different procedures for special elections versus general elections as <br />recommendations back to the Charter Commission. <br />Funding Source: <br />N/A <br />Recommendation: <br />Staff is recommending the Council adopt the ordinance as drafted by the Charter Commission and the City <br />Attorney. <br />Action: <br />Motion to adopt Ordinance # 19-15 An Ordinance Amending the City Charter by Repealing and Replacing <br />Chapter 4 - Nominations and Elections. <br />Roll Ca11 Vote: <br />Councilmember Riley <br />Councilmember Kuzma <br />Councilmember Musgrove <br />Councilmember Heinrich <br />Councilmember Menth <br />Councilmember Specht <br />Mayor LeTourneau <br />Attachments <br />Ordinance 19 15 <br />Inbox Reviewed By <br />Colleen Lasher Colleen Lasher <br />Jo Thieling jthieling <br />Kurt Ulrich Kurt Ulrich <br />Form Started By: Katie Schmidt <br />Final Approval Date: 12/05/2019 <br />Form Review <br />Date <br />12/03/2019 02:15 PM <br />12/03/2019 03:15 PM <br />12/05/2019 01:46 PM <br />Started On: 12/02/2019 08:27 AM <br />https://aq.cityoframsey.com/frs/publish/print_ag_memo.cfm?seq=10432&rev_num=0&mode=External&reloaded=true&id=0 2/2 <br />