5.4.
Charter Commission
- Meeting Date:
- 02/02/2023
- By:
- Katie Schmidt, Administrative Services
Information
Title:
Continue Review of Amendments to Chapter 4 of the Charter - Nominations and Elections
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.
City of Ramsey Actions - To Date
As the Charter Commission will recall, the Commission started its work on updating Chapter 4 in February 2019.
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.
To date, the Charter Commission has approved changes to sections 4.1, 4.2 (minor updates were presented in the previous case) and 4.4. The case this evening is to discuss the options for section 4.5.
The attached Election Scenarios goes over Election dates and additional information as it relates to timelines and vacancies. The attachment with options for section 4.5 has been updated with comments and possible changes to the previously presented options. Also attached are examples from comparable Minnesota cities Charters on uniform election dates and procedures for filling vacancies on council.
This evening, City Attorney Knaak will be on hand to provide assistance with this matter.
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.
City of Ramsey Actions - To Date
As the Charter Commission will recall, the Commission started its work on updating Chapter 4 in February 2019.
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.
To date, the Charter Commission has approved changes to sections 4.1, 4.2 (minor updates were presented in the previous case) and 4.4. The case this evening is to discuss the options for section 4.5.
The attached Election Scenarios goes over Election dates and additional information as it relates to timelines and vacancies. The attachment with options for section 4.5 has been updated with comments and possible changes to the previously presented options. Also attached are examples from comparable Minnesota cities Charters on uniform election dates and procedures for filling vacancies on council.
This evening, City Attorney Knaak will be on hand to provide assistance with this matter.
Notification:
N/A
Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives:
NA
Funding Source:
N/A
Recommendation:
Staff recommends either option 1 or option 2 for Section 4.5. Both options follow uniform election dates which are consistent with how the City has administered past special elections and how all the other cities within Anoka County administer special elections. Staff also recommends Part 2 of Section 4.5, which removes that section. Staff does not have a preference on Part 3 of Section 4.5 - 4.5.6.
Outcome/Action:
Based on discussion.
Attachments
- Election Scenarios
- Section 4.5 Options
- Examples - Uniform Election Dates
- Peer City Examples - Appoint/Special Election
- Statute 205.10 Uniform Election Dates
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 01/19/2023 03:30 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Katie Schmidt
- Started On:
- 12/20/2022 12:43 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 01/19/2023