Amend City Council Meeting Schedule for January and February 2016 Due to Special Election

Purpose:  The purpose of this case is to amend the regular meeting schedule for the City Council due to the Special Election scheduled for January 12 (Special Primary) and February 9 (Special General).

Background:  A resignation created a vacancy in Senate District 35, which encompasses the entire City of Ramsey.  A Special Election has been scheduled for February 9, with the Primary for that Election scheduled for January 12.  Per State Statute, no City meetings are allowed while the polls are open for voting and all polling locations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on those days.  There is a chance a Primary will not be necessary; however, since December 8 is the City Council's last regular meeting for 2015, Council would need to take action at this meeting to reschedule the two regular Council meetings that are affected by the Special Election dates. 

Staff is recommending Council approve rescheduling the work session and the regular City Council meeting of January 12 to Monday, January 11, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and to reschedule the February 9 meeting to Monday, February 8, at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. 

The change will be noticed on the meeting schedule as well as on the City's website.

Staff recommends rescheduling the City Council work session and regular meeting of January 12 to Monday, January 11, 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and the work session and regular meeting of February 9 to Monday, February 8, 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Motion to approve amending the January and February meeting schedule as follows:

Reschedule the January 12 City Council work session and regular meeting to Monday, January 11, 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and to reschedule the February 9 City Council work session and regular meeting to Monday, February 8, 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.