Agenda - Charter Commission - 10/26/2022

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Charter Commission Meeting Date: 10/26/2022 By: Katie Schmidt, Administrative Services Information Title: Continue Review of Amendments to Chapter 4 of the Charter - Nominations and Elections 5. 4. Purpose/Background: Purpose The purpose of this case is to review Chapter 4 of the Charter, Nominations and Elections, to conform with state law; as well as to consider other potential beneficial changes to Chapter 4 that could be agreed upon. Changes to State Election Law The State Legislation previously set uniform election dates for special elections which prompted a complete review of Chapter 4, Nominations and Elections, of the City's Charter. The current Charter language does not include these dates, is not entirely consistent with State law, and causes problems in administering City elections. Many sections of Chapter 4 are preempted by State law. City of Ramsey Actions - To Date As the Charter Commission will recall, the Commission started its work on updating Chapter 4 in February 2019. The Charter Commission met in February 2019 and October 2019 and received information with regard to what must be amended to comply with State law, and what else could be amended to make administering elections, especially special elections, more straight forward and timely. In cooperation with former City Attorney Langel, a draft ordinance (#19-15 "An Ordinance Amending the Charter by Repealing and Replacing Chapter 4 - Nominations and Elections") was drafted and then reviewed by the City Council on December 10, 2019, but it did not pass. In order for the ordinance to pass, all Councilmembers must motion in favor of the ordinance. When the City Council reviewed this topic in December 2019, the main point of dissent was related to primaries and the length of Council appointments that could occur under certain circumstances. When the Charter Commission met on August 27, 2020, (in hopes of getting additional information from the City Council) it was decided to postpone this matter to the next meeting of the Charter Commission. On April 20, 2021, staff, former City Attorney Langel and the City Council met again to discuss this matter. As a result of that discussion, former City Attorney Langel provided the attached documents for consideration. Most recently, the Charter Commission met on November 17, 2021. It was decided to approve the changes to sections 4.1 and 4.2 and see potential language drafted that would allow an advisory election if it coincided with the general election for section 4.4. It was discussed to wait for a recommendation from Council related to 4.5 and until such time leave that section as is. This evening, City Attorney Knaak will be on hand to provide his opinion on what areas are out of compliance and inconsistent with state law and to provide assistance with this matter. Notification: