CHA 09/06/2016
CITY OF FRIDLEY
CHARTER COMMISSION
AGENDA
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
7:00 P.M.
LOCATION:
FRIDLEY MUNICIPAL CENTER
CONFERENCE ROOM A – UPPER LEVEL
1.CALL TO ORDER:
2.ROLL CALL:
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion approving the September 6, 2016 meeting agenda
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion approving the May 2, 2016 meeting minutes
5. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. By-Law Amendment
B. Update on Negotiations with CenturyLink Cable Franchise
6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Discussion of Chapter 2
7. NEW BUSINESS
A.
8. FUTURE MEETING TOPICS/COMMUNICATIONS
A. Discussion of Chapter 10 (Tabled until after current franchise negotiations completed)
9. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting
Next Regular Commission Meeting
Date: MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016
Location: Fridley Municipal Center – Conference Room A
CITY OF FRIDLEY
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 2, 2016
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Reynolds called the Charter Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Commissioners Gary Braam, Don Findell, Manuel Granroos, Ted
Kranz, Rick Nelson, Novella Ollawore, Barb Reiland, Pam
Reynolds, Cindy Soule, and Lois Scholzen
Members Absent: Commissioners David Ostwald, Richard Walch, and Avonna Stark
Others Present: Deb Skogen, City Clerk/Staff Liaison
Jake Foster, City Management and Elections Intern
Mayor Scott Lund
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Braam MOVED and Commissioner Nelson seconded a motion approving the
meeting agenda.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON REYNOLDS DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Soule mentioned Commissioner Stark’s first name was spelled wrong on the
minutes from the April 4, 2016 meeting.
Commissioner Braam MOVED and Commissioner Reiland seconded a motion approving the
Charter Commission meeting minutes of April, 4 2016.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON REYNOLDS DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED.
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 2, 2016 PAGE 2
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Ms. Skogen informed Commissioners that she provided them with an updated list of commission
members and a calendar for the 2016 Charter Commission meetings
Commissioner Soule informed the remaining Commissioners she updated her preferred email
address to her work email address.
Chairperson Reynolds said without any more administrative matters, the commissioner should
address old business.
OLD BUSINESS
A.Vote on Proposed Bylaw Amendment
Chairperson Reynolds ensured that all Commissioners had a chance to look over the proposed
Bylaw Amendment.
Ms. Skogen mentioned that A. and E. are already in-print, and that they were adopted in April of
2014. They were put there for the Commissioners’ reference.
Commissioner Reiland mentioned she liked the way the wording was broken up.
Ms. Skogen said breaking up the language was Commissioner Findell’s idea.
Commissioner Nelson MOVED and Commissioner Braam seconded a motion approving the
meeting proposed Bylaw Amendment.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON REYNOLDS DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Chairperson Reynolds referenced the materials that were provided to the Commissioners that
could be used for their discussion.
Ms. Skogen informed Commissioners they were planning to discuss Section 2.07, but there was
a question on the oath of office, so she contacted the League of Minnesota Cities who informed
her that the oath could be administered at any time.
Chairperson Reynolds asked if any Commissioner had issues with the language in Section 2.02.5
Commissioner Nelson raised a question regarding an officials term ending on December 31, and
wanted provide further clarification as to what duly-qualified meant.
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 2, 2016 PAGE 3
Ms. Skogen addressed Commissioner Nelson’s question in saying that “duly-qualified” refers to
an official having a certificate of election to hold office.
Chairperson Reynolds added the measures that would disqualify an official from holding office
based on Chapter 6 in the League of Minnesota Cities Handbook.
Ms. Skogen added that 2.02.5 in the City Charter currently states that the incumbent should
remain in office until a successor is duly-qualified and accepts the office.
Commissioner Nelson said there should be a definition for the duly-qualified term in Section 5,
or suggested the language should be changed to “The term of mayor and each councilmember
shall begin upon taking the oath of office following their election to office, and shall end upon
the newly elected or re-elected councilmember or mayor taking their oath of office at the first
regularly scheduled meeting in January.”
Commissioner Reiland stated this wording is similar to the wording used in Blaine. There is no
specific date that new officials take the office, but rather do so when they are qualified.
Ms. Skogen referenced the MN Statute 412.02 highlighting that the language is also similar.
Commissioner Nelson mentioned Coon Rapids and Columbia Heights were different as they do
not use the “qualified” wording, but rather new officials take office at the first council meeting
of the New Year.
Ms. Skogen captured Commissioner Nelson’s proposed new wording as stating, “The term of
Mayor and of each Councilmember shall begin upon taking their oath of office following their
election to office. Their term shall end upon the newly elected official taking their oath of office
at the first meeting in January.”
Commissioner Nelson stated he would like to remove the language regarding an officials term is
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to end on December 31 as they have to fulfill their duties until their replacement is sworn in.
Mayor Lund added that the officials, term should end when their replacement takes office, not
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necessarily December 31 or the first Monday in January.
Commissioner Reiland asked if it was needed to say, “after their election” in the wording
provided by Commissioner Nelson, as an official cannot take office unless they are elected.
Commissioner Soule asked if it was needed to include the duly qualified language, and
Commissioner Nelson said it was not citing the language used by Columbia Heights.
Chairperson Reynolds asked if the Minnesota Statute 412.02 held true for Charter Cities which
Commissioner Findell also questioned. Chairperson Reynolds also added the Statute referenced
the first Monday in January being when officials should be sworn in, and that this becomes
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difficult as it could fall on January 1, which is a national holiday. Mayor Lund and
Commissioner Granroos agreed the language in the Statute was difficult to reconcile.
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 2, 2016 PAGE 4
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Ms. Skogen noted that at one point in time terms used to run from January 1 to December 31,
but that has since changed as there are statutory items need to be addressed at the first Council
Meeting in January.
Commissioner Findell said the materials referenced the length of term and asked whether or not
this should be added.
Ms. Skogen added that the language Commissioner Nelson had proposed was good language.
Commissioner Reiland added that none of Commissioner Nelson’s language added anything
variable.
Ms. Skogen and Commissioner Nelson reviewed the proposed language for the benefit of the
other Commissioners.
Mayor Lund said this language is on the right track, but wanted to make sure any emergency
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issues between the current December 31 language and the swearing in of the new official(s)
could be covered by one of the elected officials. Commissioner Reiland added that any
emergency issues would be handled by the incumbent until their successor is sworn in. Ms.
Skogen added it would not require a City Council meeting to administer the oath of office to the
newly elected officials if necessary. Mayor Lund said both the incumbent and newly elected
officials would be at any emergency meeting, and that Charter Cities can be more restrictive that
the Minnesota State Statute addressing Chairperson Reynolds’ previous question.
Ms Skogen cited language from MN Statute Chapter 410 stated that Charter Cities can take any
measures they desire as long as they are consistent with State Statute. The Charter may
authorize cities to provide for medical clinics, public transit, enterprise funds, etc.
Chairperson Reynolds asked if, even as a Chart City, whether or not Fridley has to abide by the
specific “First Monday in January” language located in the statute previous mentioned. Mayor
Lund added that the first Council meeting has to fall with ten days of the New Year, but if the
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first Monday fell on January 1, the first meeting would be held on the second Monday of
January.
Chairperson Reynolds asked to hear the proposed language from Commissioner Nelson again,
which was restated by Ms. Skogen.
Commissioner Nelson said there could be language added to state that the first Monday in
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January would be the first Council meeting, unless it fell on January 1. Then the meeting would
go to the following day or following Monday, to which Mayor Lund responded it would likely
be the next Monday and it has happened before. Commissioner Nelson added that the first
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Monday in January will be on January 1 in 2018. Ms. Skogen and Mayor Lund added that the
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state will not do business on January 1, and that the language in the State Statute might not be
compatible with this notion.
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 2, 2016 PAGE 5
Ms. Skogen reminded the Commissioners that they can be more restrictive than the State Statute
to help solve the current language issues. Commissioners Nelson and Braam added that the new
officials could then be sworn in during the last meeting in December, but Mayor Lund thought
this would likely cause more issues.
Commissioner Findell referenced page five of the minutes from the April 4, 2016 meeting and
the language discussed during that meeting to address this issue.
Mayor Lund suggested Ms. Skogen reach out to the League of Minnesota Cities attorney to clear
up the ambiguity in the Minnesota Statute language.
Chairperson Reynolds suggested Ms. Skogen could put some language in draft form to be
discussed at the next meeting.
Commissioner Nelson said the language addressing the Councilmember at-large serving as
Mayor pro tem should be discussed, as the Councilmember at-large may not want that
responsibility. Commissioners Findell, Braam, and Reiland agreed that this is part of the
Councilmember at-large’s responsibilities, but it should be made explicit. Commissioner Braam
also mentioned the Councilmember at-large is a good candidate for Mayor pro tem, as they are
elected by the whole city.
Commissioner Nelson said the Councilmember at-large should have their responsibilities listed
associated with their position. Commissioner Findell asked if this language should be added
under Section 2.02.3. Commissioner Crandall mentioned that the Ward Councilmembers have a
separate list of responsibilities and that the Councilmember at-large could have a similar section,
to which Commissioners Nelson and Reiland agreed.
Commissioner Reiland said that these responsibilities could be discussed at the next meeting and
asked Ms. Skogen added capture the responsibility of Mayor pro tem to be added to these
responsibilities.
Commissioner Soule mentioned the Ward Councilmembers have language that they have to
remain a resident of the ward, and that the Councilmember at-large could then have similar
language in their section stating they need to remain a resident of the City. She also added that
Commissioner Scholzen said that the language in Section 2.04.3 “The boundaries of the three (3)
wards shall be redetermined from time to time” is ambiguous and potentially confusing.
Ms. Skogen mentioned that 2.04.4 deals with mandatory redistricting in response to Chairperson
asking where this language was located. Ms. Skogen added that the language in Section 2.04.3
allows for wards to be redetermined if wards get out of balance outside of this mandatory
redistricting.
Chairperson Reynolds asked if Section 2.06.1 can be addressed in reference with the Minnesota
League of Minnesota Cities Handbook Chapter 6. Chairperson Reynolds stated that the
language used in the City Charter does not allow for an official to return to their office if their
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 2, 2016 PAGE 6
seat is determined abandoned. The League of Minnesota Cities Handbook says that the
Councilmember or Mayor can resume duties after they are able.
Ms. Skogen said the only thing that was changed in Charter Section 2.06.1 was from a seat being
determined a vacancy from a Councilmember missing “90 days” to “three (3) consecutive
months.”
Commissioner Reiland said there could be a distinction made between an excused absence and
purely avoiding duties. Commissioner Soule added that the word “abandonment” should be
added to 2.06.1, as this is different than from a “vacancy” that is simply missing three
consecutive months of a Councilmember’s duties. Chairperson Reynolds asked if this issue
should be discussed at the next meeting. Commissioner Nelson agreed.
Chairperson Reynolds referenced p.35 of the League of Minnesota Cities Handbook citing that
some issues from the handbook might not apply to Charter Cities. Commissioner Findell
mentioned that Charter Cities can be more restrictive.
Chairperson Reynolds asked if anyone had any future meeting topics or discussions.
Commissioner Soule said that Chapter 10 should also be discussed during the next meeting, to
which Ms. Skogen updated the Commissioners on the current franchise negotiations taking place
with Century Link. If an agreement is reached, Chapter 10 will be discussed at the next meeting.
Commissioner Nelson added that it might make sense to make Section 2.06 a bulleted list for
clarity, and could be reviewed at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Reiland MOVED and Commissioner Findell seconded a motion to adjourn the
meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON REYNOLDS DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:16 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra A. Skogen, MMC
City Clerk/Staff Liaison
Commissioner Donald Findell
Secretary
FRIDLEY HOME RULE CHARTER COMMISSION
BY-LAWS
Approved 05/02/16
I. NAME -- the name of the organization shall be the Fridley Home Rule Charter
Commission.
II. PURPOSE -- the purpose of this organization shall be to frame and amend the Charter to
meet the needs of the residents of Fridley.
III. MEETINGS
A. Commission meetings will be held in the Fridley Municipal Center; or a designated
public location upon proper notice.
B. The annual meeting shall be held in March of each year. The election of officers
shall take place at the annual meeting.
C. Special meetings may be called by the Chair; or, the Chair, upon receipt of a written
request signed by five (5) members, shall, within ten (10) days, call a special
meeting upon proper notice.
D. A quorum to conduct business shall be determined according to the following
schedule:
Number of Appointed Charter Commission Members Quorum
15, 14, 13 7
12 or 11 6
10 or fewer 5
E.Except as provided in these by-laws, all meetings shall be governed in accordance with
F.The time of the meeting shall be called by the chair. If there is not a quorum within ten
minutes after the meeting time is to commence, the members shall be dismissed. However,
if the chair felt there was important business to be addressed, the chair would have the
discretion to ask members to stay longer, but may not exceed an additional 10 minutes past
the specified time.
IV. MEMBERSHIP -- The membership of this organization shall be 15 members.
A. All members shall be expected to attend all meetings. If unable to attend, the
member shall inform either the Chair or the Secretary as to the reason.
Approved Bylaws 05/02/2016 Page 2
B. Any member missing four (4) consecutive meetings without an adequate excuse, or
failing to perform the duties of the office shall be subject to a discharge from the
Commission upon a written request to the Court, supporting by two-thirds (2/3) of
the Commission members present and voting.
V. OFFICERS
A. Election of Officers.
1. The officers of this organization shall be a Chair, Vice Chair and a
Secretary.
2. The Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary shall be elected from the membership
of the Commission.
3. The Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary shall be elected at the annual meeting.
No officer shall serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.
4. All officers shall begin their terms of office upon election to that office.
5. Election to vacant offices shall be made from the floor at the next meeting
following the meeting at which the vacancy is declared.
6. Officers of this organization shall be declared duly elected by a simple
majority vote of those present and voting. Any contested race for an office
shall be done by a written ballot. The Acting Chair will ask for a teller
committee of two (2) to count the ballots.
B. Duties of Officers and City Staff Liaison.
1.The Chair shall have the following responsibilities:
a.to call all regular and special meetings;
b.preside at all meetings;
c.set the agenda;
d.implement the decisions of this Commission; and
e.participate in all Commission decisions as a voting member.
2. The Vice Chair shall assist the Chair in the performance of these duties. In
the event the Chair is unable to perform these duties, the Vice Chair shall
discharge such duties.
3.The Secretary shall be responsible for:
a.keeping an accurate record of attendance;
b.recording of minutes at all meetings;
c.distributing minutes to members within a reasonable time
Approved Bylaws 05/02/2016 Page 3
d.giving notice to members who have missed three (3) consecutive
meetings pursuant to Article IV, Section B, of the By-Laws;
e.transmitting all correspondence and related resource material
concerning this Commission to the City Clerk for retention; and
f.presiding at meetings in the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair.
4.The City Staff Liaison shall be designated by the City Clerk and serve as a
recording secretary at all meetings of the Charter Commission. The Liaison,
with the direction of the Secretary, will have the following responsibilities.
a.serve in an advisory capacity at all meetings as a non-voting
member;
b.assist the commission by providing research information as
requested by Officers;
c.accurately record attendance and minutes of all meetings;
d.distribute minutes and notices of upcoming meetings with proposed
agenda in a timely manner;
e.prepare proposed Charter changes for submission to the City
Council; and
f.submit records of proceedings to the City Clerk for retention.
VI. COMMITTEES
A.The Chair shall have the power to create committees, appoint members and
designate chairs of those committees.
B. In January of each year the Chair shall appoint a nominating committee of three (3)
or more members who shall report the nomination of one (1) or more candidates for
each office. A written report of such nominations shall be mailed to each member at
least ten (10) days before the annual meeting.
VII. VOTING
A. A majority vote of members present shall be sufficient to pass motions and
resolutions except as provided elsewhere.
B. There shall be no secret votes, other than contested election(s) of officers.
VIII. ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. Call to Order by the Chair.
2. Roll Call.
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes.
5. Administrative Matters.
Approved Bylaws 05/02/2016 Page 4
6. Old Business.
7. New Business.
8. Future Meeting Topics
9. Adjournment.
IX. AMENDMENT
A. These by-laws can be amended at any regular meeting of the Commission by a two-
thirds (2/3) vote of those present, provided that the amendment has been submitted
in writing to the members at least two (2) weeks before the vote on the amendment.
09-06-16 DRAFT
FRIDLEY CITY CHARTER
CHAPTER 2. CITY COUNCIL ORGANIZATION
Section 2.01. COUNCIL-MANAGER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION.
1. The form of government established by this Charter shall be known as the "Council-
Manager Plan" pursuant to Minnesota Statutes. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
2. All discretionary powers of the City, both legislative and executive, shall vest in and be
exercised by the City Council. It shall have complete control over the City administration,
but shall exercise this control exclusively through the City Manager and shall not itself
attempt to perform any administrative duties. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
3. The Council shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of all City boards and
commissions except as otherwise provided by statute or by this Charter. It may by ordinance
create commissions with advisory powers to investigate any subject of interest to the
municipality. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
4. The Council shall have power to make investigations into the City's affairs, to subpoena
witnesses, administer oaths, and compel the production of books, papers and other evidence.
The Council may at any time provide for an examination or audit of the accounts of any
office or department of the City government, or it may cause to be made any survey or
research study of any problem affecting the City or its inhabitants. Each such investigation
shall be authorized by resolution of the Council. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
5. Any member of the Council may request in writing any specific information relating to any
department via the City Manager. The City Manager shall respond in writing within a
reasonable period of time. (Ref. Ord. 592, Ord. 1034)
6. Except for the purpose of inquiry, the Council and its members shall deal with and control
the administrative services solely through the City Manager, and neither the Council nor any
member thereof shall give orders to any of the subordinates of the City Manager, either
publicly or privately. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
Section 2.02. ELECTIVE OFFICERS.
1. The Council shall be composed of a Mayor and four (4) Councilmembers who shall be
eligible voters as defined by Section 1.04.1 of this Charter. (Ref. Ord. 1252)
2.The Mayor shall be elected at large in each United States presidential election year to a
term of four (4) years. (Ref. Ord. 1034
02/13/2012
09-06-16 DRAFT
3.One (1) Councilmember shall be elected at large in each United States presidential
election year to a term of four (4) years. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
4.Three (3) Councilmembers shall be elected in each Minnesota gubernatorial election year
from three (3) separate Wards of the City to terms of four (4) years each. (Ref. Ord.
1034)
5. The term of Mayor and of each Councilmember shall begin taking their oath of office
following their election to office. Their term shall end upon the newly qualified elected
official(s) taking their oath of office at the first meeting in January. on the first day of
January following their election to office and shall end on December 31 of the last year of
the term. The incumbent may shall remain in office until a successor has been duly qualified
and accepts the office. The first order of business at the first official Council meeting in each
January that follows an election year shall be the swearing in of the newly elected members
of the Council. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
6. The Council shall serve as the canvassing board for city elections. (Ref. Ord. 1252)
Section 2.03. THE MAYOR.
1. The Mayor shall be the presiding officer of the Council, except that a mayor pro tem shall be
chosen from the remaining Councilmembers to serve at the pleasure of the Council the
councilmember at large who shall act as Mayor in case of the Mayor's temporary disability
or absence from the City. Should neither be available, the mayor pro tem shall be chosen
from the remaining Councilmembers to serve at the pleasure of the Council.
2. The Mayor shall vote as a member of the Council. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
3. The Mayor shall exercise all powers and perform all duties conferred and imposed by this
Charter, the ordinances of the City and the laws of the State. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
4. The Mayor shall be recognized as the official head of the City for all ceremonial purposes,
by the courts for the purpose of serving civil process, and by the Governor for the purposes
of martial law. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
5. At the direction of the Council the Mayor shall study the operations of the City government
and shall report to the Council any neglect, dereliction of duty, or waste on the part of any
officer or department of the City. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
6. In time of public danger or emergency the Mayor may take command of the police, maintain
order and enforce the law. Council consent shall be obtained when practicable. (Ref. Ord.
1034)
02/13/2012
09-06-2016 DRAFT
Section 2.04. THE COUNCILMEMBER AT LARGE
1.The Councilmember at Large shall serve as the mayor pro tem in the temporary absence of
the Mayor.
2.The Councilmember at Large shall remain a resident of the City of Fridley
3.If the Mayor’s term shall be declared vacant, the Councilmember at Large shall serve as the
Mayor as required in Section 2.07.3.
Section 2.0405. WARD COUNCILMEMBERS.
1.The City is divided into three (3) separate election Wards designated as Ward 1, Ward 2, and
Ward 3. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
2. A Ward Councilmember must be a resident of such ward. If the Ward Councilmember
ceases to be a resident of the ward, then that office shall be declared vacant. However, a
change in ward boundaries during the term of office shall not disqualify the Councilmember
from completing the term. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
3. The boundaries of the three (3) wards shall be redeterminedredistricted from time to time by
ordinances duly adopted by the Council, and based on the findings of the Council that the
wards so redetermined are such that the population of any ward shall not deviate by more
than three percent (3%) from the average of the three (3) wards. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
4. After each decennial census of the United States, the Council shall redetermineredistrict
ward boundaries when appropriate. This redeterminationredistrictingof ward boundaries
shall be accomplished within the deadlines established by Minnesota law. If no deadlines
are established by law, then redistricting must be completed no less than one hundred (100)
days prior to the legally determined date of the municipal primary of the year ending in the
digit two (2). If further redistricting is necessary, as determined by the Council, the adoption
of the new boundaries shall be prohibited during the time period from ninety (90) days
before a primary election up to and including the day of the general election in the same
year. Any prohibitions stated in the Minnesota state statutes pertaining to the adoption of the
new boundaries shall also apply. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
Section 2.0506. DISQUALIFICATION FOR APPOINTIVE OFFICE.
No incumbent member of the Council shall be appointed acting or permanent City Manager, nor
shall any member hold any other paid municipal office or employment under the City; and no former
member shall be appointed to any paid office or employment under the City until one (1) year after
leaving office. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
09-06-2016 DRAFT
Section 2.06 07. VACANCIES IN THE COUNCIL.
1.A vacancy in the council shall be deemed to exist:
in case of the failure of any elected person elected thereto to qualify on or before
the date of the second regular meeting of the new council;
by reason of the death; resignation or removal from office;
continuous absence from the City for more than three (3) months;
failure to attend any council meetings for three (3) consecutive months;
abandonment of office;
conviction of a felony of any such person whether before or after their
qualification; or
by ceasing to be a resident of the city or the ward from which elected.
In each such case, within thirty (30) days the council shall by resolution declare a
vacancy to exist. (Ref. Ord. 1289)
2.If a vacancy is declared to exist, the Council shall, within 30 days, appoint by majority vote a
qualified person to assume the office until the next general election. If the Council cannot
agree on an appointment within the required timeframe, the Mayor shall appoint a qualified
person to fill the position. The term of office to be filled at the next general election shall be
for the unexpired portion of the term or for a full term depending on the timeframe when the
vacancy has been declared to exist.
3. If the Mayor's position is declared vacant, the Councilmember-at-Large shall serve as Mayor
until the end of the Mayor's term. The Councilmember at Large shall then be declared
vacant and it shall be filled as defined in Section 2.06.2. of the City Charter. (Ref. Ord.
1289)
4. If at any time the membership of the Council is reduced to less than three (3) members, the
City Manager shall order a special election to be held not less than thirty (30) days nor more
than sixty-five (65) days from the time the multiple vacancies occurred. A period of eight
(8) to twelve (12) consecutive working days shall be designated for the purpose of filing
nomination petitions in accordance with Section 4.06. The winner(s) of the special election
shall be by a plurality of votes cast for each office, regardless of the number of candidates
and shall take office immediately upon certification by the board of canvass and shall fill the
unexpired terms of said offices. (Ref. Ord 1989)
5. If the position of City Manager is vacant, the City Clerk shall order such an election. If the
position of City Clerk is also vacant, the Chief Judge of District Court of the State of
Minnesota within whose jurisdiction the corporate offices of the City of Fridley lie shall
order such an election. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
09-06-2016 DRAFT
Section 2.0708. SALARIES AND EXPENSES.
The Mayor and each Councilmember shall receive reasonable remuneration or salary, the annual
amount and payment of which shall be prescribed by ordinance duly adopted on or before November
1st of the year preceding payment of the same. When authorized by the Council, its members shall
be remunerated for their reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the City's business. The
City Manager and all subordinate officers and employees of the City shall receive such reasonable
compensation as may be fixed by the Council. (Ref. Ord. 1034)
FRIDLEY CITY CHARTER
CHAPTER 10. FRANCHISES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES
Section 10.01. DEFINITION OF FRANCHISES.
The word "franchise" as used in this Charter shall be construed to include all privileges granted to
any person, firm, association or corporation in, over, upon or under any of the highways or public
places of the City, whether such privileges have been or shall hereafter be granted either by the City
or by the State of Minnesota.
Section 10.02. FRANCHISE ORDINANCES.
The Council may grant franchises by ordinance adopted by an affirmative vote of at least four (4)
members of the Council, but in no case shall a franchise be granted by an emergency ordinance, nor
within twenty (20) days after a public hearing thereon as provided for in Section 10.09, or later than
sixty (60) days after such public hearing. Franchise rights shall always be subject to the superior
right of the public to the use of streets and public places. All corporations, co-partnerships, persons
or other entity desiring to make an especially burdensome use of the streets or public places
inconsistent with the public's right in such places, or desiring the privilege of placing in, over, upon
or under any street or public place any permanent or semi-permanent fixtures for the purpose of
constructing or operating street or other railways, or for telephoning or telegraphing or transmitting
electricity, or transporting by pneumatic tubes, or for furnishing to the City or its inhabitants or any
portion thereof transportation facilities, water, light, heat, power, or any other public utility, or for
any other purpose, may be required to obtain a franchise before proceeding to make such use of the
streets or public places or before proceeding to place such fixtures in such places. Every ordinance
granting or extending any franchise shall contain all the terms and conditions of the franchise. A
franchise shall be without any validity whatever until it has been unconditionally accepted in all its
terms, and such acceptance, properly executed by the grantee, has been filed with the City Clerk.
Section 10.03. COST OF PUBLICATION OF FRANCHISE.
The grantee shall bear the cost of publication of the franchise ordinances and shall deposit sufficient
cash to guarantee the publication before the ordinance is passed.
Section 10.04. POWER OF REGULATION RESERVED.
The City shall have the right and power to regulate and control the exercise by a corporation, co-
partnership, person or other entity, of any franchise, however acquired, and whether such franchise
has been heretofore granted by the City of Fridley or by the State of Minnesota, or shall hereafter be
granted by the City or by the State of Minnesota. (Ref. Ord. 592)
Section 10.05. RATES AND CHARGES.
Every public utility or franchisee making use of the streets or public places within the City shall
give courteous, efficient and adequate service at reasonable rates. A reasonable rate shall be
construed to be one which will, with efficient management, normally yield a fair return on all
property used and useful in furnishing service to the City and its inhabitants. This shall not be
construed as a guaranty of a return and in no case shall there be any return upon franchise value.
Within these limits the determination of maximum rates, fares, or charges to be charged by any
public utility or franchisee for service rendered to the City or any person, persons, firm or
corporation within the City, shall be made, if possible, by direct negotiations between the public
utility or franchisee and the Council. In case of failure to reach an agreement by this method within
a reasonable time the Council may, in its discretion, agree to submit to arbitration on such terms as
it may deem feasible or upon such terms as the franchise provides for, the fixing of rates, fares, or
charges by the public utility or franchisee; provided, however, that the rates, fares, or charges so
fixed by arbitration shall not be binding on the City for more than five (5) years. (Ref. Ord. 625)
Section 10.06. PROVISIONS OF FRANCHISES.
Every Franchise shall contain among other things, provisions, relating to the following:
1. The term of the franchise granted, which shall not exceed twenty-five (25) years.
2. Rates, fares and charges to be charged by the public utility or franchisee in compliance with
the terms and provisions of Section 10.05.
3. The rights reserved to the City in connection with the erection of poles, masts or other
fixtures in the streets or public places and the attachment of wires thereto, the laying of
tracks in or of pipes or conduits under the streets or public places, and the placing in the
streets or other public places of any permanent or semi-permanent fixtures or equipment by
the public utility or franchisee.
4. The prompt repair by the public utility or franchisee of all damages to the public streets,
alleys and public property occasioned by the acts or omissions of the public utility or
franchisee.
5. The rights of the City to have access to all books, records, and papers of the public utility or
franchisee which in any way deal with, affect or record its operations within and pertaining
to the City and pertaining to property and equipment used and useful in furnishing service to
the City and its inhabitants.
6. The power and the right of the City to submit to arbitration the fixing of any rates, fares or
charges to be made by the public utility or franchisee.
7.The right of the public utility or franchisee to receive upon condemnation proceedings
brought by the City to acquire the public utility or franchisee compensation for its franchise
or the value thereof, if any. (Ref. Ord. 625)
Section 10.07. FURTHER PROVISIONS OF FRANCHISES.
The enumeration and specification or particular matters which must be provided for in every
franchise or renewal or extension thereof shall not be construed as impairing the right of the City to
insert in any such franchise or renewal or extension thereof such other and further conditions and
restrictions as the Council may deem proper to protect the City's interests, nor shall anything
contained in this Charter limit any right or power possessed by the City over existing franchises.
Section 10.08. RENEWALS OR EXTENSION OF FRANCHISES.
Every extension, renewal or modification of any existing franchise or of any franchise granted
hereunder shall be subject to the same limitations and granted in the same manner as a new
franchise.
Section 10.09. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
Before any franchise ordinance is adopted or any rates, fares or charges to be charged by the public
utility or franchisee are fixed, there shall be a public hearing by the Council in regard thereto.
Notice of such public hearing shall be given by published notice at least once in the official
newspaper not less than twenty (20) days prior to the date of such public hearing. Additional notice
of such public hearing may be given in such manner as the Council shall determine. (Ref. Ord.
625)