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City Attorney Langel confirmed that aligns with option four and reviewed those details. He noted <br />that a special election could still occur, it would simply align with November. <br />Councilmember Riley confirmed that he would prefer that option. <br />Councilmember Specht commented that he believes that a primary provides value. He stated that <br />allowing the Council to appoint someone would seem to be a conflict and commented that person <br />would have an unfair advantage because their name would be out there already ahead of the <br />election. <br />Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he would believe there should either be primaries for <br />everyone or primaries for no one. He stated that he would be interested in additional information <br />related to runoffs. He stated that he is torn on the idea of appointments. He stated that in a perfect <br />world an appointment would be unanimous. He stated that it would also make him nervous for <br />the Council to make an appointment rather than the residents electing that person. <br />Councilmember Howell agreed with Councilmember Specht that the election process is important <br />and would not want to appoint members. <br />Councilmember Musgrove commented that the Charter Commission also discussed the cost for <br />special elections. She recognized that there are a number of inconsistencies between the Charter <br />language and State Statute which has caused additional staff time and resources. She stated that it <br />does not appear the Council is unanimous on these issues. She stated that perhaps the discussion <br />should focus on the inconsistencies rather than primaries and special elections. <br />City Attorney Langel confinned that the original intent of the update was to simply and clarify the <br />language to be consistent with State law without changing the existing process. He confirmed that <br />could be done without adding the primary and special election processes. <br />City Administrator Ulrich confirmed consensus that there is not unanimous agreement related to <br />primaries and special elections and therefore this could be brought forward as more of a <br />housekeeping item to address the inconsistencies with State law. He provided additional details <br />on the lengthy process for special elections with primaries. <br />City Attorney Langel commented that the City could approach the legislature to request additional <br />dates for special elections, but he was unsure how receptive the legislature would be to that idea. <br />Mayor Kuzma commented that Ramsey is fortunate to have seven members and a full Council at <br />this time. He stated that it appears the consensus at this time would be to clean up the language to <br />be more in line with State Statute. <br />Councilmember Heineman commented that he would not support a runoff option as that would <br />cause more confusion and time. <br />Councilmember Musgrove agreed that would add more time for staff and cost for the City to <br />continuously run elections. <br />City Council Work Session / April 20, 2021 <br />Page 4 of 5 <br />