02-10-2025 CC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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AGENDA ITEM Date: February 10, 2025 Title: Add Special Election Provision to City Code - Ordinance 307 Presenter: Christine Lusian, City Clerk Section: City Administrator/Engineer Report Item: 12 Purpose: The purpose of this council action is to amend the city code to provide for special elections. 2. Background: Filling a council vacancy by special election is described in Minn. Stat. 412.02 (see exhibit A). In order to hold a special election to fill a vacant city council seat, at time other than the next regularly scheduled city general election, a special election ordinance is needed. The city council discussed, in a work session on January 27, the possible adoption of an ordinance that would provide for holding a special election prior to the next regular city election and reviewed ordinance language based on examples from League of Minnesota Cities. After discussion, a majority of members agreed to consider a special election ordinance at their February 10 city council regular meeting (see exhibit B). 3. Process: Cities are required to provide a ten-day notice of proposed additions or changes to our ordinances. Once the change or addition is adopted by the council it is posted on the website until added to the city code or codified. In addition a summary publication (see exhibit C) will be posted in the newspaper of record. After ordinances are codified they no longer stand on their own, but must be read in the context of the city code. 4. Staff Recommendation: Adopt ordinance 307 and approve publishing a summary notice in the newspaper. COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED Motion to: 1) Adopt ordinance 307 amending the code of ordinances providing for special elections to fill certain vacancies in elected offices at times other than the regular city general election. 2) Approve publishing a summary. Exhibits A. Minn Stat 412.02 B. Special Election Ordinance DRAFT C. Ord 307 Summary Publication 58