Agenda - Council - 03/22/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Musgrove commented she isn't hopeful based on public discussion. She stated that would delay it and drag out the opportunity to get it before the voters. She thought it was too personal for some Charter Commission members so the petition would be the easiest way. Councilmember Riley asked if she thought the Councilmember would be too personal. Councilmember Musgrove replied yes, she didn't think they saw the same issue with it or valued the same position. Councilmember Heineman commented his preference would be to put it on a referendum but asked if they could get it on a referendum if it is delayed 150 days. City Administrator Ulrich replied the ballot question has to be decided by August, for the general election, so it would be tight. It could also be on a special election for a cost. Councilmember Howell commented if they are going the route of the Charter and there is hostility and the Chair of the Charter Commission thinks it's dead on arrival, then they would have to go back to the petition route and collect signatures in time for the general election to not have an extra expenditure. Councilmember Heineman suggested they should pursue all of the above options but not limit themselves. City Administrator Ulrich stated the recommendation to the Charter coming back to the Council is the most risky in terms of a timeline being extended to the next general election. He asked what is the most expedient way for the Council to lock in a referendum question, and is it the passing of an ordinance which could open the door to going right to the referendum. City Attorney Knaak replied the quickest way is to have it come directly from the Charter Commission. Otherwise, pass the ordinance and start the process. Councilmember Heineman commented regardless, it needs to come from the Charter Commission to the City Council and asked why they don't just pass the ordinance and even if they wait the 150 days, it could still be added to the ballot. Mayor Kuzma asked if it has to be a 7-0 vote from the Council. City Attorney Knaak replied the Charter Commission could approve it but it would come back to the Council and then could go to the voters. If the Charter Commission suggests a change, then the Council could decide which of the two options they would put in front of the voters. Mayor Kuzma asked what happens when it comes back to the Council. City Attorney Knaak replied it would come back to the Council either way, but if the Charter Commission proposes the ordinance, they wouldn't have to go through that, it's much quicker, and it is in the Charter once it's adopted and is a way of avoiding a vote. City Council Work Session /March 8, 2022 Page 10 of 13