Minutes - Council - 04/23/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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to place an amendment on the ballot. To place Charter's proposed amendment on the ballot in conjunction with our proposed amendment would be absolutely irresponsible as a Mayor and Council. Wayne Olson, 5830 - 151st Lane NW, Ramsey, suggested there seems to be more of a personality conflict than a knowledge of facts on Mr. Deemer's part. He continued that he, along with some neighbors, went out and solicited signatures, door to door, and talked to hundreds of citizens. There wasn't more than a half dozen people who wouldn't sign it. We have had numerous people offering to support our cause. Given enough time and effort, we would not need an election. We could get enough signatures to pass this. That's how people feel. This is what the citizens want - support from the Council; they do not feel they are getting it and it's not just on this issue. Maybe some of Council should go and walk door to door and get some answers yourselves - it's enlightening. Attorney Goodrich reported that the State constitution is the exclusive source for the amendment of Charters. There is an Attorney General's opinion also indicating that the correct procedure is that amendments by the Charter Commission may be made. He is comfortable with the procedure of the Charter Commission. With regard to the continuing debate on the date - he stated he has continued to be consistent and it's his opinion that the date of receipt is February 27 or, at the latest, February 29 when it was mailed to the Charter Commission. He informed Council they are obligated to present the petition amendment in that 90 day period. You have to submit all three questions to a special election. Council can decide if they want one or more elections. He added that Council does not have the authority to change any wording presented but they do have the authorization to change the fom~ of the ballot. Councilmember Beyer inquired if Council had the authority to put wording in there "as requested by citizens" to which Mr. Goodrich replied yes. Mr. Hendriksen asked Mr. Goodrich to respond to the seventh sentence of §410.10, Subd. 1 - he inquired why that would not be the case. Mr. Goodrich responded that it's simply that City Council has the right to call a special election for amendments. It does not say only for one amendment - he could see nothing in the Statute that would prohibit more than one question. Mr. Deemer inquired if the Charter Commission has officially endorsed the proposed amendment. Mr. Goodrich replied that the Charter Commission had with a vote of yes by seven members and one abstention. Mr. Deemer expressed his disagreement with the attorney's opinion on the date of delivery and argued that it should be presented to the Charter Commission. He felt the date of presentation to the Charter Commission was April 19. They have the right to have a special election but the date should be different. The supposition is here that Mr. Hendriksen will sue the City because he did not get his special election. The statement in the Charter says nothing shall disallow amending of the Charter. Attorney Goodrich inquired about inserting wording about what was requested by the citizens. Mr. Steffen stated he did not see a distinction of citizens and the Charter Commission. The Charter Commission is also a group of citizens. Mayor Hardin inquired if it is two actions requested by Council on this case - reviewing and approving the form of the ballot and scheduling an election date. City Council/April 23, 1996 Page 10 of 17