Receive Recommendation from the Charter Commissions to Amend Chapter 4 of the Charter - Nominations and Elections

PURPOSE: 
The purpose of this case is to receive the recommendations from the Charter Commission to Amend Chapter 4 of the City Charter. 

BACKGROUND:
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.

Charter Commission Actions - To Date
The Charter 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. 

• Section 4.1 and 4.2 Changes were approved by the Charter Commission on November 17, 2021
  • Slight revisions to Section 4.1 and 4.2 were approved by the Charter Commission on February 2, 2023
• Section 4.4 Changes were approved by the Charter Commission on October 26, 2022
• Section 4.5 Changes were approved by the Charter Commission on February 2, 2023

Within one month of receiving a recommendation to amend the charter by ordinance, the city must publish notice of a public hearing of the proposal. The city must hold the public hearing on the proposed charter amendment at least two weeks, but not more than one month after the notice is published. Within one month of the public hearing, the city council must vote on the proposed charter amendment ordinance. To pass, the vote must be unanimous, including approval by the mayor.

Next Steps: 

• Per State Statute 410.12 Subd. 7., the Council must vote on the proposed charter amendment ordinance within one month of the public hearing. 
• Publish Public Hearing Notice March 24, 2023
• Hold Public Hearing and Introduce Ordinance #23-05 on April 11, 2023
• The Ordinance will come back for final consideration on either April 25, 2023 or May 9, 2023

N/A

N/A 

Staff recommends the Amendments to Chapter 4 brought forward by the Charter Commission.

Based on discussion.