Charter Commission Agenda May 1, 2023
Charter Commission Meeting
May 01, 2023
7:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E.
Agenda
Call to Order
Roll Call
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1.Approval of April 3, 2023 Charter Commission Meeting Minutes
Administrative Matters
2.Meeting Room Change
3.Chapter No. 10, Franchises and Public Utilities
Old Business
4.Review of Chapter 4
New Business
5.Debrief from Joint Meeting with the Fridley CityCouncil
Future Meeting Topics/Communications
Adjournment
Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in
any City of Fridley services, programs, or activities. Hearing impaired persons who need an interpreter
or other persons who require auxiliary aids should contact the City at (763) 572-3450.
2
Jufn!2/
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:May 1, 2023 Meeting Type: Charter Commission
Submitted By:Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk
Title
Approval of April 3, 2023 Charter Commission Meeting Minutes
Background
Attached are the minutes fromApril 3, 2023
Recommendation
Staff recommend the approval of the April 3, 2023Charter Commission Meeting Minutes.
Attachments and Other Resources
April 3, 2023 Charter Commission Meeting Minutes
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
3
Jufn!2/
Charter Commissionand Fridley City Council
April 3, 2023
7:00 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE
Minutes
Call to Order
Vice Chair Granrooscalled the Charter Commission meeting to order at 7:10p.m.
Roll Call
Present: MohamedBarre
Gary Braam
Kelli Brillhart
Greg Gardner
Manuel Granroos
Nikki Karnopp
Steven Kisner
Ted Kranz
Rick Nelson(Remote participation. Experienced technical issues so did not participate.)
Oluwaseyi Olawore
Pam Reynolds
Val Rolstad
Avonna Starck
Absent: Donald Findell, Ibsen Gabriel
Others Present: Wally Wysopal, City Manager
Scott Lund, Mayor
David Ostwald, Councilmember
Tom Tillbury, Councilmember
Ann Bolkcom, Councilmember(Remote participation. Experienced technical issues so
did not participate.)
Melissa Moore, City Clerk
Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk
Approval of Agenda
Motionby CommissionerReynolds to amend the agenda to add a meeting opener by Wally Wysopal.
Seconded by Commissioner Kisner.
Upon a roll callvote,Barre, Braam, Brillhart, Gardner, Granroos, Karnopp, Kisner, Kranz, Olawore, Reynolds,
Rolstad and Stark all voting aye, Vice Chair Granroosdeclared the motion carried unanimously.
4
Jufn!2/
Charter Commission 4/3/2023 Minutes Page 2
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1. Approval February 6, 2023, Charter Commission Meeting Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Reynolds to approve the meeting minutes of March 6, 2023 as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner Karnopp.
Upon a roll call vote, Barre, Braam, Brillhart, Gardner, Granroos, Karnopp, Kisner, Kranz, Olawore, Reynolds,
Rolstad and Stark all voting aye, Vice Chair Granroos declared the motion carried unanimously.
New Business
1. Joint Meeting with the Fridley City Council (Council)
Mayor Lund asked the Commission if they feel comfortable with the amount of meetings they have
each year, noting that some Charter cities only hold meetings once a year, or quarterly. Vice Chair
Granroos stated that the Commission is comfortable with the amount of meetings. Other members
of the Commission also voiced support for continuing to meet eight times a year as it helps with the
work they do and to help in bringing new members up to speed.
Commissioner Braam asked if the Council would find value in setting a yearly meeting with the Charter
Commission. Councilmembers Ostwald and Tillbury said yes, they see a huge value in setting a yearly
meeting.
Motion by Commissioner Karnopp to set a yearly meeting between the Council and the Charter
Commission every April. Seconded by Commissioner Rolstad.
Upon a roll call vote, Barre, Braam, Brillhart, Gardner, Granroos, Karnopp, Kisner, Kranz, Olawore,
Reynolds, Rolstad and Stark all voting aye, Vice Chair Granroos declared the motion carried
unanimously.
Councilmember Ostwald asked if the HF1723 bill would have any bearing o
on Chapter 4, Nominations and Elections. Ms. Moore highlighted a few elements of HF1723 and
indicated that the bill would have no bearing on the chapter.
Commissioner Brillhart asked if the Council had heard anything from the Public regarding either
Chapter 4 or anything else pertaining to Charter. Mayor Lund said he does not have any feedback
and believes that many citizens do not realize the City is a Charter City and not a Statutory City. Mayor
Lund did say he would try to more often ask people when he is out and about if they have questions
about the election process or educate more on what the Charter is and what the Commission does.
Commissioner Olawore expressed desire to try to work more collaboratively with the Council and help
both groups move forward with their work.
5
Jufn!2/
Charter Commission 4/3/2023 Minutes Page 3
Commissioner Stark said it would be helpful if something
perspective, the Commission would appreciate someone from the Council or the City Manager to
come and share those items with the Commission. Commissioner Kisner added that such
collaboration would help move on from past difficulties and help the Commission be more strategic
and positive in its future work.
Future Meeting Topics/Communications
Commissioner Reynolds asked to remove the review of Chapters 5 and 7 from the list of future meeting
topics. Commissioner Reynolds asked about adding a review of Chapter 12. Ms. Moore stated she would
investigate
to the next meeting agenda.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Kranz to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Rolstad.
Upon a roll call vote, Barre, Braam, Brillhart, Gardner, Granroos, Karnopp, Kisner, Kranz, Olawore, Reynolds,
Rolstad and Stark all voting aye, Vice Chair Granroos declared the motion carried unanimously and the
meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
6
Jufn!3/
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:May 1, 2023 Meeting Type: Charter Commission
Submitted By:Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk
Title
Meeting Room Change
Background
In anticipation of a request to conduct a hybrid meeting (Zoom and in-person attendance), staff and
November 6 meetings.
Due to technical issues with the equipment in the Fireside Room, staff recommend the Commission no
longer conduct h
Chair Nelson approved the meetings to be held in the Emergency Operations Center of Fridley City Hall.
Recommendation
Attachments and Other Resources
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
7
Jufn!4/
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:May 1, 2023 Meeting Type:Charter Commission
Submitted By:Melissa Moore, City Clerk/Communications Manager
Brian Strand, Cable Administrator
Title
Chapter No. 10, Franchises and Public Utilities
Background
At itsApril meeting, the Commission asked staff to provide an update related to Chapter No. 10 of the
Charter.At this time staff need more time to research and compile a meaningful update on the matter
and will report back on the September agenda.
Recommendation
Attachments and Other Resources
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
8
Jufn!5/
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:May 1, 2023 Meeting Type:Charter Commission
Submitted By:Melissa Moore, City Clerk/Communications Manager
Title
Review of Chapter 4
Background
At its January meeting the Commission made a motion to begin review of Chapter 4, Nominations and
Elections.
The Commission asked for clarification from Melissa Moore, City Clerk,on the following items:
1. In Section 4.04 the Commission directed staff to make the change to the citation of Section 2.06 to
2.07.
Staff response: the last time Chapter 4 was revised was in 2013 and Chapter 2 was revised in 2017. Thus,
the reference toChapter 2 was outdated.
2. Generally, there was some confusion regarding motions, resolutions, and ordinances. This clarification
is given for informational purposes only:
A motion is a formal proposal by a member of a body to do something.
A resolution is a formal document to memorialize a decision or approval by a body.
An ordinance is a formal document to memorialize legislation passed by a body. In the City, some
ordinances are preceeded by a public hearing. All ordinances in the City must be heard at two City
Council meetings.
3. In Section 4.05 Commissioner Reynolds asked for the actions that would make someone ineligible to
work as an Election Judge be put into bullet format for ease of understanding.
Staff response: the working draft of Chapter 4 (Exhibit A) incorporates this change.Since coming to work
for the City in 2019, checking names of those who sign or circulate a Nominating Petition against the list
ince 2019 there have not been
any committees formed related to a referendum or recall.
4. Regarding Section 4.05 Commissioner Gardnerasked for more information on the requirements of a
Head Judge versus an Election Judge.
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
9
Jufn!5/
Staff response: this discussion points out a difference between what State law requires for election
workers, and what the Charter requires. In State law there is no differentiation between requirements of
Election Judges and Head Judges. The Charter, however, does draw a difference in that Head Judges
must be registered voters.
For an election the City proceeds with hiring Election Judges as employees. Therefore, Election Judges
and Head Judges must meet certain hiring criteria to be hired for each role. Contrary to the discussion
among the Commission at the March 7 meeting, the requirements for Head Judges include things like:
supervision experience, previous elections experience, ability to manage difficult situations and people,
ability to delegate tasks and manage complex processes.
5. The Commission discussed Section 4.06 and requested clarification from staff about how people file
for office.
Staff response: according to the Charter, anyone wishing to file for office may only do so by filing a
Nominating Petition (detailed in Section 4.07). In addition to the Nominating Petition, the candidate
filing packet provided by the City Clerk includes t
B). This is the standard form used State-wide to process candidate applications.
for counting (or not) write-in votes.
Staff response: if someone wishes to file for a City office, and they missed the normal application period,
they may file as a write-in candidate. This means their name does not appear on the ballot, but any vote
cast for them will be counted and submitted to the County Auditor.
As State law, and the Charter directs, staff only tally votes for those candidates who registered as a write-
in candidate. If a voter fills in the oval for a write-in candidate and writes a name in that field, the name
they write is printed on the closing statistics tape when voting is complete. After Election Day, the City
for registered write-in candidates. Those tallies are certified by the City Clerk and sent to the County
Auditor. The County Auditor then incorporates those vote totals for registered candidates into a
Statement of Canvass report. This report is then sent to the City, presented to the City Council, and
If the City Clerk were to tally all votes for any name put in the write-in field, this process would take an
entire day. Many voters write non-sensical things in the write-in field, such as Mickey Mouse. To require
the City Clerk to only tally the votes for registered write-in candidates makes it that the City is only
counting votes for legitimately registered candidates.
Chapter, Chair Nelson requested staff combine comments made
by the City Attorney and staff onto one document (Exhibit C). If the Commission would like to read the
comments separated, attached are D
E).
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
:
Jufn!5/
Recommendation
Staff recommend the Commission review Chapter 4 and discuss updates.
Attachments and Other Resources
!Exhibit A: Working draft of Chapter 4 (with directed changes through March 7)
!Exhibit B: Affidavit of Candidacy
!Exhibit C: Combined review of Chapter 4
!Exhibit D: Chapter 4 legal review
!Exhibit E: Chapter 4 staff review
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
21
Jufn!5/
Exhibit A: Working draft of Chapter 4 (with directed changes through March 7)
Fridley City Charter
Chapter 4. Nominations and Elections
Section 4.01. General Election Laws to Apply
Except as hereinafter provided, the general laws of the State of Minnesota pertaining to registration
of eligible voters and the conduct of primary and general elections shall apply for all municipal
elections of such officers office as are specified in this Charter. The Council shall, through ordinances
duly adopted in compliance with such state laws and this Charter, adopt suitable and necessary
regulations for the conduct of such elections.
Section 4.02. Regular Municipal Elections
On the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, municipal general elections shall be held,
at such place or places as the City Council may designate by resolution. General municipal elections
shall be held every even numbered year. The Council may divide the City into as many voting
precincts as it may from time to time deem necessary. Each ward shall constitute at least one (1)
voting precinct and no precinct shall be in more than one (1) ward. At least fifteen (15)14 days' notice
shall be given by the City Clerk of the time and places of holding such election, and of the officers
offices to be elected, by posting a notice thereof in at least one (1) public place in each voting precinct
and by publishing a notice thereof at least once in the official newspaperOfficial Publication of the
City, but failure to give such notice shall not invalidate such election.
Section 4.03. Primary Elections
There shall be a primary election, on the date established by Minnesota State LawStatute (M.S.), for
the selection of two (2) nominees for each elective office at the regular municipal election, unless
only two (2) nominees file for each elective office. Primary municipal elections shall be held every
even numbered year, if necessary.
Section 4.04. Special Elections
The Council may by resolution order a special election, fix the time of holding the same, and provide
all means for holding such special election, provided that three (3) weeks' published notice shall be
given of said special election. The procedure at such elections shall conform as nearly as possible
to that herein provided for other municipal elections and Minnesota Election LawsState law. Special
elections for vacancies in the City Council shall be held in accordance with provisions of Section
2.062.07.
Section 4.05. Judges of Election
The Council shall at least twenty-five (25) days before each municipal election appoint two (2) three
eligible voters for each voting precinct to be election judgesElection Judges and one (1) registered
voter to be head election judgeHead Election Judge;, or as many election judgesElection Judges as
22
Jufn!5/
Exhibit A: Working draft of Chapter 4 (with directed changes through March 7)
may be determined by the city clerkCity Clerk. No person signing or circulating a petition of
nomination of candidate for election to office or any member of a committee petitioning for a
referendum or recall shall be eligible to serve as a judge of such election.A person is ineligible to
serve as an Election Judge if they:
!Signed a Nomination Petition;
!Circulated a Nomination Petition; or
!Was a member of a committee petitioning for a referendum or recall.
Pursuant to M.S. § 204B.19, the City may establish additional requirements that are not inconsistent
with State law and which relate to the ability of an individual to perform the duties of an Election
Judge.
Section 4.06. Nominations by Petition
The mode of nomination of all elective officers provided for by this Charter shall be by petition. The
name of any eligible voter of the City shall be printed upon the ballot whenever a petition as
hereinafter prescribed shall have been filed in that person's behalf with the City Clerk. Such petition
shall be signed by at least ten (10) registered voters qualified to vote for the office in question. No
elector shall sign more than one petition for any office for which there is an election. Should such a
case occur, the signature shall be void as to the petition or petitions last filed. All nomination petitions
shall be filed with the City Clerk in accordance with Minnesota State StatutesState law. Each petition,
when presented, must be accompanied by a ten dollar ($10.00) filing fee.
Section 4.07. Nomination Petitions
The signatures to the nomination petition need not all be appended to one (1) paper, but to each
separate paper there shall be attached a notarized affidavit of the circulator stating:
(1) the number of signers of such paper;
(2) that each signature appended thereto was made in the circulator's presence; and
(3) that it is the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be.
With each signature there shall be the printed name, birth year, and address of the signer, giving the
street and number or other description sufficient to identify the same. The nominee shall indicate by
an endorsement upon the petition acceptance of the office if elected thereto. The form of the
nomination petition shall be substantially as follows:
NOMINATION PETITION
We, the undersigned, registered voters of the City of Fridley, hereby nominate _____, whose residence
is __________, for the office of __________, to be voted for at the election to be held on the ____ day of
__________, _____; and we individually certify that we are registered voters and that we have not signed
other nomination petitions of candidates for this office.
Printed Name Birth Year Address Signature
23
Jufn!5/
Exhibit A: Working draft of Chapter 4 (with directed changes through March 7)
__________ , being duly sworn, deposes and says, "I am the circulator of the foregoing petition paper
containing signatures and that the signatures appended thereto were made in my presence and are
the genuine signatures of the persons whose names they purport to be."
Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____ day of __________, _____.
This petition, if found insufficient by the City Clerk, shall be returned to __________, at Number ____
Street.
I hereby indicate my willingness to accept the office of __________if duly elected thereto.
Section 4.08. Write-In Candidates
A candidate for any city City office who wants write-in votes for the candidate to be counted must
file a written request with the filing office for the office sought no later than the seventh (7th) day
before the primary, general or special municipal election. The city clerkCity Clerk shall provide the
form to make the request.
Section 4.09. Canvass of Elections and Taking of Office
If more than two candidates filed for office, the Council must meet and canvass the primary election
returns on the third calendar day after any primary election. The two candidates for each office who
receive the highest number of votes shall be nominees for the office named. Their names shall be
certified by the city City clerk Clerk to the county auditor who shall place them on the municipal
general election ballot without partisan designation. The Council shall meet and canvas the general
(regular) election or special election returns between the third and tenth calendar days after any
regular or special election, shall make full declaration of the results, and file a statement thereof with
the City Clerk. Said statement shall be made a part of the minutes. This statement shall include:
(a) the total number of votes cast;
(b) the total number of individuals registered before 7:00 am on election Election day
Day and the total number of individuals registering on election Election dayDay;
(c) the total votes cast for each candidate, with a declaration of those who are elected;
(d) a true copy of the ballots used;
(e) the names of the judges of election; and
(f) such other information as may seem pertinent.
The City Clerk shall forthwith notify all persons elected of the fact of their election, and the persons
elected shall take office at the time provided for by Section 3.01, upon taking, subscribing and filing
with the City Clerk the required oath of office.
24
Jufn!5/
Filing # ______________
Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
Cash/Check # _________
AFFIDAVIT OF CANDIDACY
Amount____________
Instructions
All information on this form is available to the public. Information providedwill be published on the Secretary of State’s website. If filing for
partisan office and not a major party candidate, you must file both an affidavit of candidacy and a nominating petition. (Minn. Stat. 204B.03)
Candidate Information
Name and Office
Candidate Name(as it will appear on the ballot)
District #
Office Sought
For Partisan Office, Provide Political Party or Principle
For Judicial Office, Provide Name of Incumbent
ResidenceAddress
Do not complete if residence address is to be private and checkbox below is marked.All address and contact information is optional for federal,
judicial, county attorney, and county sheriff office candidates.
Street Address
StateZip Code
City
My residence address is to be classified as private data.I certify a police report has been submitted or I have an order for protection
my family’s safety, I have attached a separate form listing my residence address.
Campaign Address and Contact
Candidate Phone Number (Required)
Campaign Contact Address (Required for those who have checked the box above):
Street Address
State
Zip Code
City
Website
Email
Affirmation
For all offices, I swear (or affirm) that this is my true name or the name by which I am generally known in the community.
If filing for a state or local office, I also swear (or affirm) that:
I am eligible to vote in Minnesota;
I have not filed for the same or any other office at the upcoming primary or general election(except as provided in M.S. 204B.06, subd. 1 (2) );
I am, or will be on assuming office, 21 years of age or more;
I will have maintained residence in this district for at least 30 days before the general election; and
If a major political party candidate, I either participated in the party’s most recent precinct caucuses or intend to vote for a majority of that
party’s candidates at the next general election.
If filing for one of the following offices, I also swear (or affirm) that I meet the requirements listed below:
United States Senator – I will be an inhabitant of this state when elected and I will be at least 30 years old and a citizen of the United States for
not less than nine years on the next January 3rd, or if filled at special election, within 21 days after the election.
United States Representative – I will be an inhabitant of this state when elected and I will be at least 25 years old and a citizen of the United
States for not less than seven years on the next January 3rd, or if filled at special election, within 21 days after the election.
Governor or Lieutenant Governor – I will be at least 25 years old on the first Monday of the next January and a resident of Minnesota for not
less than one year on election day. I am filing jointly with
Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judge, District Court Judge, or County Attorney – I am learned in the law and licensed to practice law
in Minnesota. My Minnesota attorney license number is
and a copy of my license is attached.
State Senator or State Representative – I will be a resident of Minnesota not less than one year and of this district for six months on the day of
the general or special election.
County Sheriff – I am a licensed peace officer in Minnesota. My Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training license number is
and a copy of my license is attached.
School Board Member –I have not been convicted of an offense for which registration is required under Minn. Stat. 243.166.
County, Municipal, School District, or Special District Office – I meet any other qualifications for that office prescribed by law.
Candidate Signature_____________________________________________________ Date_______________
Subscribed and sworn to before me this _________day of ______________________________, 20________.
_______
Notary public or other officer empowered to take and certify acknowledgement(Notary stamp)
White Copy – Filing OfficerYellow Copy – CFPD BoardPink Copy – Public InformationGoldenrod Copy – CandidateRev.
25
Jufn!5/
Exhibit C
Section Language As Is City Attorney Comments City Staff Comments
4.01 GENERAL ELECTION LAWS TO APPLY. This section could be removed.
The City is required to follow all
Except as hereinafter provided, the general laws of the State laws pertaining to
State of Minnesota pertaining to registration of eligible elections.
voters and the conduct of primary and general elections
shall apply for all municipal elections of such officers as
are specified in this Charter. The Council shall, through
ordinances duly adopted in compliance with such state
laws and this Charter, adopt suitable and necessary
regulations for the conduct of such elections.
Section Language As Is City Attorney Comments City Staff Comments
4.02 REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. The statute requires only two Timing and day of election is
weeks (14 days) published notice required by M.S. 205.07 subd. 1.
On the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, and 10 days' posted notice The
municipal general elections shall be held, at such place or notice must also be posted in the Requirements for wards and
places as the City Council may designate by resolution. City Clerk's office for public voting precincts is required by
General municipal elections shall be held every even inspection. M.S. 204B.14 subd. 1 and M.S.
numbered year. The Council may divide the City into as 204B.14 subd. 3(f).
many voting precincts as it may from time to time deem Should say "offices" to be filled
necessary. Each ward shall constitute at least one (1) and also "all propositions or
Requirements for notifications is
voting precinct and no precinct shall be in more than one questions to be voted upon". The
in M.S. 205.16 subds. 1-3.
(1) ward. At least fifteen (15) days' notice shall be given notice should also give the
by the City Clerk of the time and places of holding such location of each polling place.
election, and of the officers to be elected, by posting a This is per Minnesota Statutes
notice thereof in at least one (1) public place in each Section 205.16, subdivision 1.
voting precinct and by publishing a notice thereof at least
once in the official newspaper of the City, but failure to The statute does not say this.
give such notice shall not invalidate such election.
26
Jufn!5/
Exhibit C
Section Language As Is City Attorney Comments City Staff Comments
4.03 PRIMARY ELECTIONS. M.S. 205.065 Subd. 1 requires a
primary for the purpose of
There shall be a primary election, on the date established nominating candidates to a City
by Minnesota State Law, for the selection of two (2) General Election in August of
nominees for each elective office at the regular municipal even numbered years.
election, unless only two (2) nominees file for each
M.S. 205.065 Subd. 4 establishes
elective office. Primary municipal elections shall be held
a threshold for when a Primary
every even numbered year, if necessary.
would be triggered. If no more
than twice the number of
candidates file for the number
of seats open, then no Primary
is required.
Section Language As Is City Attorney Comments City Staff Comments
4.04 SPECIAL ELECTIONS. Statute only requires a motion, Timing and notifications
not a resolution (although Charter required are addressed by M.S.
The Council may by resolution order a special election, fix can be more restrictive). 205.10.
the time of holding the same, and provide all means for
I assume this needs to be
holding such special election, provided that three (3) May want to mention that the
updated to Section 2.07
weeks' published notice shall be given of said special special election must be on a
(Vacancies in the Council)
election. The procedure at such elections shall conform subject that the voters are
section of the Charter.
as nearly as possible to that herein provided for other authorized by law or charter to
municipal elections and Minnesota Election Laws. Special pass judgment.
elections for vacancies in the City Council shall be held in
accordance with provisions of Section 2.06. A special election can only be
held on certain dates (see
Minnesota Statutes Section
205.10, subdivision 3a). A charter
city cannot designate additional
dates in its charter.
27
Jufn!5/
Exhibit C
Notice requirements are the same
as for general elections (two
weeks notice), but I suppose the
charter can require more notice.
Section Language As Is City Attorney Comments City Staff Comments
4.05 JUDGES OF ELECTION. State law requires at least four Required by M.S. 204B.21.
election judges for each precinct
The Council shall at least twenty-five (25) days before (unless the precinct has less than
each municipal election appoint two (2) eligible voters for 500 registered voters, then only 3
each voting precinct to be election judges and one (1) are required). One of the four
registered voter to be head election judge; or as many election judges should be
election judges as may be determined by the city clerk. appointed the head election
No person signing or circulating a petition of nomination judge for that precinct.
of candidate for election to office or any member of a
There are additional requirements
committee petitioning for a referendum or recall shall be
for election judges that are set
eligible to serve as a judge of such election.
forth in Minnesota Statutes
Section 204B.19. These
requirements are not listed in the
statutory requirements but the
statute does say that a city may
establish additional requirements
that are not inconsistent with the
statute and which relate to the
ability of an individual to perform
the duties of an election judge.
28
Jufn!5/
Exhibit C
Section Language As Is City Attorney Comments City Staff Comments
4.06 NOMINATIONS BY PETITION. I thought that this was a little
strange (that the council
The mode of nomination of all elective officers provided members/mayor must be
for by this Charter shall be by petition. The name of any nominated for office by petition),
eligible voter of the City shall be printed upon the ballot but Minnesota Statutes Section
whenever a petition as hereinafter prescribed shall have 410.16 seems to allow for it ("the
been filed in that person's behalf with the City Clerk. Such charter commission may provide
petition shall be signed by at least ten (10) registered that all elective city officers,
voters qualified to vote for the office in question. No including mayor and members of
elector shall sign more than one petition for any office for the council, shall be elected at
which there is an election. Should such a case occur, the large or otherwise").
signature shall be void as to the petition or petitions last
filed. All nomination petitions shall be filed with the City
Clerk in accordance with Minnesota State Statutes. Each
petition, when presented, must be accompanied by a ten
dollar ($10.00) filing fee.
Section Language As Is City Attorney Comments City Staff Comments
4.07 NOMINATION PETITIONS.
The signatures to the nomination petition need not all be
appended to one (1) paper, but to each separate paper
there shall be attached a notarized affidavit of the
circulator stating:
(1) the number of signers of such paper;
(2) that each signature appended thereto was made
in the circulator's presence; and
(3) that it is the genuine signature of the person
whose name it purports to be.
29
Jufn!5/
Exhibit C
With each signature there shall be the printed name, birth
year, and address of the signer, giving the street and
number or other description sufficient to identify the
same. The nominee shall indicate by an endorsement
upon the petition acceptance of the office if elected
thereto. The form of the nomination petition shall be
substantially as follows:
NOMINATION PETITION
We, the undersigned, registered voters of the City of
Fridley, hereby nominate _____, whose residence is
__________, for the office of __________, to be voted for at
the election to be held on the ____ day of __________, _____;
and we individually certify that we are registered voters
and that we have not signed other nomination petitions
of candidates for this office.
Printed Birth Address Signature
Name Year
__________ , being duly sworn, deposes and says, "I am the
circulator of the foregoing petition paper containing
signatures and that the signatures appended thereto
were made in my presence and are the genuine
signatures of the persons whose names they purport to
be."
Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____ day of
__________, _____.
2:
Jufn!5/
Exhibit C
This petition, if found insufficient by the City Clerk, shall
be returned to __________, at Number ____ Street.
I hereby indicate my willingness to accept the office of
__________if duly elected thereto.
Section Language As Is City Attorney Comments City Staff Comments
4.08 WRITE-IN CANDIDATES
A candidate for any city office who wants write-in votes
for the candidate to be counted must file a written
request with the filing office for the office sought no later
than the seventh (7th) day before the primary, general or
special municipal election. The city clerk shall provide the
form to make the request.
Section Language As Is City Attorney Comments City Staff Comments
4.09 CANVASS OF ELECTIONS AND TAKING OF OFFICE. The same office? The Commission could consider
If more than two candidates filed for office, the Council removing this Section. All of this
The statute also allows the results
must meet and canvass the primary election returns on is restated from M.S. 205.185.
to be canvassed on the second
the third calendar day after any primary election. The two The City must comply with
day (Minn. Stat. 205.065, subd. 5).
candidates for each office who receive the highest certifying election results at a
number of votes shall be nominees for the office named. Board of Canvass meeting.
This statement is not required by
Their names shall be certified by the city clerk to the
the statute, but the Charter can
county auditor who shall place them on the municipal
require it.
general election ballot without partisan designation. The
Council shall meet and canvas the general (regular)
election or special election returns between the third and
tenth calendar days after any regular or special election,
shall make full declaration of the results, and file a
statement thereof with the City Clerk. Said statement
shall be made a part of the minutes. This statement shall
include:
31
Jufn!5/
Exhibit C
(a) the total number of votes cast;
the total number of individuals registered before 7:00
am on election day and the total number of individuals
registering on election day;
(c) the total votes cast for each candidate, with a
declaration of those who are elected;
(d) a true copy of the ballots used;
(e) the names of the judges of election; and
(f) such other information as may seem pertinent.
The City Clerk shall forthwith notify all persons elected of
the fact of their election, and the persons elected shall
take office at the time provided for by Section 3.01, upon
taking, subscribing and filing with the City Clerk the
required oath of office.
32
Jufn!5/
Exhibit D
FRIDLEY CITY CHARTER
CHAPTER 4. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 4.01. GENERAL ELECTION LAWS TO APPLY.
Except as hereinafter provided, the general laws of the State of Minnesota pertaining to registration
of eligible voters and the conduct of primary and general elections shall apply for all municipal
elections of such officers as are specified in this Charter. The Council shall, through ordinances duly
adopted in compliance with such state laws and this Charter, adopt suitable and necessary
regulations for the conduct of such elections. (Ref. Ord. 857)
Section 4.02. REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.
On thefirst Tuesday after the first Monday in November, municipal general elections shall be held,
Commented \[SSJ1\]: The statute requires only
at such place or places as the City Council may designate by resolution. General municipal elections
two weeks (14 days) published notice and 10
shall be held every even numbered year. The Council may divide the City into as many voting
days' posted notice The notice must also
be posted in the City Clerk's office for
precincts as it may from time to time deem necessary. Each ward shall constitute at least one (1)
public inspection..
voting precinct and no precinct shall be in more than one (1) ward. At least fifteen (15) days' notice
Commented \[SSJ2\]: Should say "offices" to
shall be given by the City Clerk of the time and places of holding such election, and of the officers to
be filled and also "all propositions or
questions to be voted upon". The notice
be elected, by posting a notice thereof in at least one (1) public place in each voting precinct and by
should also give the location of each
polling place. This is per Minnesota
publishing a notice thereof at least once in the official newspaper of the City, but failure to give such
Statutes Section 205.16, subdivision 1.
notice shall not invalidate such election. (Ref. Ord 1252)
Commented \[SSJ3\]: The statute does not say
this.
Section 4.03. PRIMARY ELECTIONS.
Commented \[SSJ4\]: There are also other
notice requirements in the statute. Not
sure if the Commission wants to mention
There shall be a primary election, on the date established by Minnesota State Law, for the selection
them or not (Secretary of State, Auditor,
etc.). There is also a sample ballot
of two (2) nominees for each elective office at the regular municipal election, unless only two (2)
requirement (posting and publication) in
nominees file for each elective office. Primary municipal elections shall be held every even numbered
the statute.
year, if necessary. (Ref Ord 1269)
Commented \[SSJ5\]: Statute only requires a
motion, not a resolution (although Charter
can be more restrictive).
Section 4.04. SPECIAL ELECTIONS.
Commented \[SSJ6\]: May want to mention that
the special election must be on a subject
that the voters are authorized by law or
The Council may by resolution order a special election, fix the time of holding the same, and provide
charter to pass judgment.
all means for holding such special election, provided that three (3) weeks' published notice shall be
Commented \[SSJ7\]: A special election can
given of said special election. The procedure at such elections shall conform as nearly as possible
only be held on certain dates (see
Minnesota Statutes Section 205.10,
to that herein provided for other municipal elections and Minnesota Election Laws. Special elections
subdivision 3a). A charter city cannot
designate additional dates in its charter.
for vacancies in the City Council shall be held in accordance with provisions of Section 2.06 (Ref. Ord.
Commented \[SSJ8\]: Notice requirements are
1034, 1305)
the same as for general elections (two
weeks notice), but I suppose the charter
can require more notice.
Section 4.05. JUDGES OF ELECTION.
Commented \[SSJ9\]: State law requires at
least four election judges for each
The Council shall at least twenty-five (25) days before each municipal election appoint two (2) eligible
precinct (unless the precinct has less than
500 registered voters, then only 3 are
voters for each voting precinct to be election judges and one (1) registered voter to be head election
required). One of the four election judges
judge; or as many election judges as may be determined by the city clerk. No person signing or should be appointed the head election judge
for that precinct.
Adopted 04-22-2013
FR520-8-851182.v2
33
Jufn!5/
Exhibit D
circulating a petition of nomination of candidate for election to office or any member of a committee
Commented \[SSJ10\]: There are additional
petitioning for a referendum or recall shall be eligible to serve as a judge of such election. (Ref. Ord.
requirements for election judges that are
592, Ord. 873, 1230, 1305)
set forth in Minnesota Statutes Section
204B.19. These requirements are not listed
in the statutory requirements but the
Section 4.06. NOMINATIONS BY PETITION.
statute does say that a city may establish
additional requirements that are not
inconsistent with the statute and which
relate to the ability of an individual to
The mode of nomination of all elective officers provided for by this Charter shall be by petition. The
perform the duties of an election judge.
name of any eligible voter of the City shall be printed upon the ballot whenever a petition as
Commented \[SSJ11\]: I thought that this was
hereinafter prescribed shall have been filed in that person's behalf with the City Clerk. Such petition
a little strange (that the council
members/mayor must be nominated for office
shall be signed by at least ten (10) registered voters qualified to vote for the office in question. No
by petition), but Minnesota Statutes
elector shall sign more than one petition for any office for which there is an election. Should such a
Section 410.16 seems to allow for it ("the
charter commission may provide that all
case occur, the signature shall be void as to the petition or petitions last filed. All nomination petitions
elective city officers, including mayor and
members of the council, shall be elected at
shall be filed with the City Clerk in accordance with Minnesota State Statutes. Each petition, when
large or otherwise").
presented, must be accompanied by a ten dollar ($10.00) filing fee. (Ref. Special Election 4/12/60,
General Election 11/3/64, Ord. 825, Ord. 857, Ord. 921,)
Section 4.07. NOMINATION PETITIONS.
The signatures to the nomination petition need not all be appended to one (1) paper, but to each
separate paper there shall be attached a notarized affidavit of the circulator stating:
(1) the number of signers of such paper;
(2) that each signature appended thereto was made in the circulator's presence; and
(3) that it is the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be.
With each signature there shall be the printed name, birth year, and address of the signer, giving the
street and number or other description sufficient to identify the same. The nominee shall indicate by
an endorsement upon the petition acceptance of the office if elected thereto. The form of the
nomination petition shall be substantially as follows:
Commented \[SSJ12\]: May want to require that
NOMINATION PETITION
this be on each page of the petition.
Commented \[MM13R12\]: This introductory
We, the undersigned, registered voters of the City of Fridley, hereby nominate _____, whose residence
paragraph should be on each page of the
petition.
is __________, for the office of __________, to be voted for at the election to be held on the ____ day of
__________, _____; and we individually certify that we are registered voters and that we have not signed
other nomination petitions of candidates for this office.
Printed Name Birth Year Address Signature
__________ , being duly sworn, deposes and says, "I am the circulator of the foregoing petition paper
containing signatures and that the signatures appended thereto were made in my presence and are
Adopted 04-22-2013
FR520-8-851182.v2
34
Jufn!5/
Exhibit D
the genuine signatures of the persons whose names they purport to be."
Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____ day of __________, _____.
This petition, if found insufficient by the City Clerk, shall be returned to __________, at Number ____
Street.
I hereby indicate my willingness to accept the office of __________if duly elected thereto. (Ref. Ord.
857, 1305).
Section 4.08. WRITE-IN CANDIDATES
A candidate for any city office who wants write-in votes for the candidate to be counted must file a
written request with the filing office for the office sought no later than the seventh (7th) day before
the primary, general or special municipal election. The city clerk shall provide the form to make the
request. (Ref Ord 1305)
Section 4.09. CANVASS OF ELECTIONS AND TAKING OF OFFICE.
Commented \[SSJ14\]: The same office?
If more than two candidates filed for office, the Council must meet and canvass the primary election
returns on the third calendar day after any primary election. The two candidates for each office who Commented \[SSJ15\]: The statute also allows
the results to be canvassed on the second
receive the highest number of votes shall be nominees for the office named. Their names shall be
day (Minn. Stat. 205.065, subd. 5).
certified by the city clerk to the county auditor who shall place them on the municipal general election
ballot without partisan designation. The Council shall meet and canvas the general (regular) election
or special election returns between the third and tenth calendar days after any regular or special
election, shall make full declaration of the results, and file a statement thereof with the City Clerk.
Commented \[SSJ16\]: This statement is not
Said statement shall be made a part of the minutes. This statement shall include:
required by the statute, but the Charter
can require it.
(a) the total number of votes cast;
(b) the total number of individuals registered before 7:00 am on election day and the
total number of individuals registering on election day;
(c) the total votes cast for each candidate, with a declaration of those who are elected;
(d) a true copy of the ballots used;
(e) the names of the judges of election; and
(f) such other information as may seem pertinent.
The City Clerk shall forthwith notify all persons elected of the fact of their election, and the persons
elected shall take office at the time provided for by Section 3.01, upon taking, subscribing and filing
with the City Clerk the required oath of office. (Ref. Ord. 1269, 1305)
Adopted 04-22-2013
FR520-8-851182.v2
35
Jufn!5/
Exhibit E
FRIDLEY CITY CHARTER
CHAPTER 4. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 4.01. GENERAL ELECTION LAWS TO APPLY.
Except as hereinafter provided, the general laws of the State of Minnesota pertaining to
registration of eligible voters and the conduct of primary and general elections shall apply for all
municipal elections of such officers as are specified in this Charter. The Council shall, through
ordinances duly adopted in compliance with such state laws and this Charter, adopt suitable and
necessary regulations for the conduct of such elections. (Ref. Ord. 857)
Commented \[MM1\]: This section could be
removed. The City is required to follow all
State laws pertaining to elections.
Section 4.02. REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.
Or the section could say
On the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, municipal general elections shall be held,
at such place or places as the City Council may designate by resolution. General municipal
elections shall be held every even numbered year. The Council may divide the City into as many
Commented \[MM2\]: Required by M.S. 205.07
subd. 1.
voting precincts as it may from time to time deem necessary. Each ward shall constitute at least
one (1) voting precinct and no precinct shall be in more than one (1) ward. At least fifteen (15)
Commented \[MM3\]: Required by M.S. 204B.14
subd. 1 and M.S. 204B.14 subd. 3(f).
days' notice shall be given by the City Clerk of the time and places of holding such election, and of
the officers to be elected, by posting a notice thereof in at least one (1) public place in each voting
precinct and by publishing a notice thereof at least once in the official newspaper of the City, but
failure to give such notice shall not invalidate such election. (Ref. Ord 1252)
Commented \[MM4\]: Required by M.S. 205.16
subds. 1-3.
Section 4.03. PRIMARY ELECTIONS.
There shall be a primary election, on the date established by Minnesota State Law, for the selection
of two (2) nominees for each elective office at the regular municipal election, unless only two (2)
nominees file for each elective office. Primary municipal elections shall be held every even
numbered year, if necessary. (Ref Ord 1269)
Commented \[MM5\]: M.S. 205.065 Subd. 1
requires a primary for the purpose of
nominating candidates to a City General
Election in August of even numbered years.
Section 4.04. SPECIAL ELECTIONS.
M.S. 205.065 Subd. 4 establishes a
threshold for when a Primary would be
The Council may by resolution order a special election, fix the time of holding the same, and
triggered. If no more than twice the number
provide all means for holding such special election, provided that three (3) weeks' published notice of candidates file for the number of seats
open, then no Primary is required.
shall be given of said special election. The procedure at such elections shall conform as nearly as
possible to that herein provided for other municipal elections and Minnesota Election Laws.
Commented \[MM6\]: Required by M.S. 205.10.
Special elections for vacancies in the City Council shall be held in accordance with provisions of
Section 2.06 (Ref. Ord. 1034, 1305)
Commented \[MM7\]: I assume this needs to be
updated to Section 2.07 (Vacancies in the
Council) section of the Charter.
Section 4.05. JUDGES OF ELECTION.
The Council shall at least twenty-five (25) days before each municipal election appoint two (2)
eligible voters for each voting precinct to be election judges and one (1) registered voter to be
head election judge; or as many election judges as may be determined by the city clerk. No
Commented \[MM8\]: Required by M.S. 204B.21.
person signing or circulating a petition of nomination of candidate for election to office or any
member of a committee petitioning for a referendum or recall shall be eligible to serve as a judge
of such election. (Ref. Ord. 592, Ord. 873, 1230, 1305)
Adopted 04-22-2013
36
Jufn!5/
Exhibit E
Section 4.06. NOMINATIONS BY PETITION.
The mode of nomination of all elective officers provided for by this Charter shall be by petition.
The name of any eligible voter of the City shall be printed upon the ballot whenever a petition as
hereinafter prescribed shall have been filed in that person's behalf with the City Clerk. Such
petition shall be signed by at least ten (10) registered voters qualified to vote for the office in
question. No elector shall sign more than one petition for any office for which there is an election.
Should such a case occur, the signature shall be void as to the petition or petitions last filed. All
nomination petitions shall be filed with the City Clerk in accordance with Minnesota State Statutes.
Each petition, when presented, must be accompanied by a ten dollar ($10.00) filing fee. (Ref.
Special Election 4/12/60, General Election 11/3/64,Ord. 825, Ord. 857, Ord. 921,)
Section 4.07. NOMINATION PETITIONS.
The signatures to the nomination petition need not all be appended to one (1) paper, but to each
separate paper there shall be attached anotarized affidavit of the circulator stating:
(1) the number of signers of such paper;
(2) that each signature appended thereto was made in the circulator's presence; and
(3) that it is the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be.
With each signature there shall be the printed name, birth year, and address of the signer, giving
the street and number or other description sufficient to identify the same. The nominee shall
indicate by an endorsement upon the petition acceptance of the office if elected thereto. The
form of the nomination petition shall be substantially as follows:
NOMINATION PETITION
We, the undersigned, registered voters of the City of Fridley, hereby nominate _____, whose
residence is __________, for the office of __________, to be voted for at the election to be held on the
____ day of __________, _____; and we individually certify that we are registered voters and that we
have not signed other nomination petitions of candidates for this office.
Printed Name Birth Year Address Signature
__________ , being duly sworn, deposes and says, "I am the circulator of the foregoing petition paper
containing signatures and that the signatures appended thereto were made in my presence and
are the genuine signatures of the persons whose names they purport to be."
Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____ day of __________, _____.
This petition, if found insufficient by the City Clerk, shall be returned to __________, at Number ____
Street.
I hereby indicate my willingness to accept the office of __________if duly elected thereto. (Ref. Ord.
857, 1305).
Adopted 04-22-2013
37
Jufn!5/
Exhibit E
Section 4.08. WRITE-IN CANDIDATES
A candidate for any city office who wants write-in votes for the candidate to be counted must file a
written request with the filing office for the office sought no later than the seventh (7th) day before
the primary, general or special municipal election. The city clerk shall provide the form to make
the request. (Ref Ord 1305)
Section 4.09. CANVASS OF ELECTIONS AND TAKING OF OFFICE.
If more than two candidates filed for office, the Council must meet and canvass the primary
election returns on the third calendar day after any primary election. The two candidates for each
office who receive the highest number of votes shall be nominees for the office named. Their
names shall be certified by the city clerk to the county auditor who shall place them on the
municipal general election ballot without partisan designation. The Council shall meet and canvas
the general (regular) election or special election returns between the third and tenth calendar days
after any regular or special election, shall make full declaration of the results, and file a statement
thereof with the City Clerk. Said statement shall be made a part of the minutes. This statement
shall include:
(a) the total number of votes cast;
(b) the total number of individuals registered before 7:00 am on election day and the
total number of individuals registering on election day;
(c) the total votes cast for each candidate, with a declaration of those who are elected;
(d) a true copy of the ballots used;
(e) the names of the judges of election; and
(f) such other information as may seem pertinent.
The City Clerk shall forthwith notify all persons elected of the fact of their election, and the persons
elected shall take office at the time provided for by Section 3.01, upon taking, subscribing and
filing with the City Clerk the required oath of office. (Ref. Ord. 1269, 1305)
Commented \[MM9\]: The Commission could
consider removing this Section. All of this
is restated from M.S. 205.185. The City
must comply with certifying election
results at a Board of Canvass meeting.
Adopted 04-22-2013
38
Jufn!6/
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:May 1, 2023 Meeting Type: Charter Commission
Submitted By:Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk
Title
Debrief from Joint Meeting with the Fridley City Council
Background
The Fridley Charter Commission met with theFridley City Council on April 3, 2023.
As a result of that meeting, and to comply with State law, the Council will be asked to approve Resolution
No. 2023-38 (attached) on April 24, 2023.
Recommendation
Staff recommendsthe Commission discuss the April 3, 2023 meeting with the Fridley City Council, and
direct staff on any additional follow-up it may deem necessary.
Attachments and Other Resources
City Council Resolution No. 2023-38 and Agenda Report
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
39