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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Council Worksession <br />January 8, 2019 <br />5:00 pm <br /> <br />Present: Mayor Valerie Johnson <br /> Councilmember Graeme Allen <br /> Councilmember Mary Burg <br /> Councilmember Emily Dunsworth <br /> Councilmember Paul Jacobsen <br />Absent: <br /> <br />Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Devin Massopust <br /> <br />Guests in Attendance: <br /> <br /> <br />Legislation Platform Follow-Up <br /> <br />The Council had a brief discussion regarding the Council retreat that was held on Saturday, January 5th. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson stated she would like to become more educated to learn if the City could contribute to the New <br />Brighton Historical Society. She wondered if the State should make a determination regarding odd year <br />elections so as to eliminate the need for local referendums. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg stated local governments may not want any further regulation from the State. Lotter <br />commented perhaps the petition language could be eliminated and instead could adopt an Ordinance that <br />creates ballot question that would shift the City from odd to even year elections. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen indicated it was important for New Brighton to maintain local control over its <br />elections and other important decisions. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth agreed. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson commented on the language that was used to provide the public with clarity on the election <br />ballot question. Lotter reported the City simply provided unbiased information to assist voters with their <br />decision. He explained this was for informational purposes only and allowed voters to choose yes or no. He <br />stated this was no different than the information the school district provides to voters when requesting a <br />referendum. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth stated she believed it made sense for staff to provide the Council with clarity on <br />the rules and process that should be followed. Lotter stated staff would come up with some language or a <br />position to address this for the Council to review at a future meeting. He explained a letter could also be sent <br />to the League of Minnesota Cities as this was a City and County issue. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen commented on foundations that have been established by other cities (Shoreview <br />and Maplewood) and encouraged staff to investigate these further.