2015.11.10 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 10, 201 Motion by Councihnember Strub, seconded by Councilmember Burg to adopt an Ordinance changing the City elections to even -numbered years to be held concurrently with State and Federal elections. Councilmember Bauman stated she would support the motion on the table because she had faith that the public would sign a petition requiring this item to be placed on the 2016 ballot, which would leave the final decision on this matter to the voters. Councilmember Strub believed in the change so deeply that he was willing to shorten his term. He recommended a friendly amendment to the motion suggesting all at -large Councilmembers terms be shortened by one year. This would require Councilmembers elected in 2013 to have their term end in 2016 and those elected in 2015 to end their term in 2018. AMENDMENT: Motion by Councilmember Strub, seconded by Councilmember Burg to amend the original motion to address Councilmember at -large terms, shortening them by one year, which would require Councilmembers elected in 2013 to have their term end in 2016 and those elected in 2015 to end their term in 2018. In addition, the Mayoral seat would be lengthened by one year. Councilmember Bauman questioned if the Mayoral term would be impacted. Councilmember Strub was not suggesting the Mayoral term be shortened by one year. He supported the Council seats being reduced to three year terms in order for each seat to be up for election on an even numbered year. Councilmember Bauman discussed State Statute regarding Council terms and noted each Councilmember's seat would be extended one year if the Council were to do nothing. Councilmember Burg supported moving the elections to even -numbered years and has done so for the past 12 years. She was not doing this to have her term extended but rather would support the friendly amendment on the floor. Councilmember Jacobsen questioned why Councilmember Strub was suggesting the Mayoral term be lengthened by one year. Councilmember Snub believed that it would benefit the next Mayor to have their term lengthened instead of shortened in order to properly learn the position and serve the community responsibly. Mayor Jacobsen believed that what was done for one should be done for all. For this reason, it was his recommendation, as a matter of fairness that the Mayoral term be reduced to one year. Councilmember Bauman was in favor of having this item placed on the 2016 ballot and that the terms not be decided by the City Council. Councilmember Burg referred this matter to the City Clerk. City Clerk Haarstad referred to State Statute 205.07 and discussed how the expiration of terms was addressed by the State. She reported the City Council has the authority to lengthen or shorten terms. She explained City Attomey Gilchrest has advised the Council to address this matter at this time or be prepared for the terms to default to State Statute. It was noted that the Council's recommendation regarding terms would be placed on the ballot if a petition were to commence. Councilmember Strub requested the Mayor call the question. 3 Ayes, 2 Nay (Bauman and Mayor Jacobsen opposed) -Amendment Motion Carried 4 Ayes, I Nay (Bauman opposed) -Amended Motion Carried Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Uvdates Councilmember Burg invited the Boy Scouts in attendance to introduce themselves to the public. The Boy Scouts introduced themselves to the public noting they were working on their Communications Merit Badge. Page 7 of 9 Commission Liaison Reports. Announcements and Updates