City Council Meeting Date: March 12, 2026
To: Charter Commissioners
From: CC Linstroth, Charter Commission Chair
Title
Discussion on Charter Amendment Approval Process.
Body
Action Requested:
The Charter Commission is asked to discuss a proposed informal process intended to ensure all Commissioners have an opportunity to provide input prior to a vote on proposed Charter amendments to be forwarded to the City Council.
Summary Report:
Charter cities will find it necessary to update or otherwise modify their city charters to reflect current needs and expectations. Amendments must originate through one of the several ways that are provided in statute:
1. Amendment by proposal.
a. Charter Commission - A charter commission can propose amendments to the city charter at any time.
b. Citizen Petition - A charter commission must propose amendments upon receiving a petition signed by a number of registered voters equal to 5% of the total votes cast at the previous state general election in the city.
2. Amendment by ordinance.
a. City Council - The City council can propose an amendment by ordinance.
b. Charter Commission - The charter commission can recommend that the city council amend the city charter by ordinance.
The most common form of amendments that have occurred with Northfield Charter amendments are by ordinance initiated by the Charter Commission (2.b. above). In accordance with State Statute 410.12, Subd.7, a proposed amendment initiated by the Charter Commission may be forwarded to the City Council upon approval by a majority vote of the Commissioners present. Approval by the City Council, however, requires unanimous support. The League of Minnesota Cities Handbook Chapter 4 The Home Rule Charter City included in the Charter Commission Handbook provides more context.
I am proposing that the Charter Commission implement an informal process designed to ensure that all Commissioners have the opportunity to participate and provide input prior to a vote on forwarding a proposed amendment to the City Council. The intent of the proposed process is not to change the Commission’s voting threshold, but rather to promote full participation whenever practicable.
To support this objective, the following options may be utilized when a vote on a proposed amendment is anticipated:
1. Remote Participation
Commissioners who are traveling or otherwise unable to attend a meeting in person may participate remotely when a vote on a proposed amendment to the City Council is scheduled.
Members who wish to appear remotely are asked to provide notice to the Chair and staff at least six days prior to the meeting.
2. Special Meeting(s)
If one or more Commissioners are unable to attend a meeting at which a vote is anticipated on forwarding a proposed amendment to the City Council, the Commission may consider scheduling a special meeting.
If necessary, the Chair will coordinate with staff to identify a suitable date and time for such a meeting.
3. Commissioner Feedback
If a Commissioner is unable to attend a meeting-either in person or remotely-at which a vote is anticipated on forwarding a proposed amendment to the City Council, the Commissioner may submit written comments to the Chair in advance of the meeting.
Such written input may be included in the meeting agenda packet or read into the record by the Chair to ensure the Commissioner’s perspective is shared with the full Commission prior to the vote. Written comments would not constitute a vote and would not alter quorum or voting requirements.
Alternative Options:
The Charter Commission may choose to maintain its current practice, whereby a majority vote of the Commissioners present is sufficient to forward a proposed amendment to the City Council, without implementing additional informal participation measures.
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
March 12, 2026 Discuss a formal process for voting on proposed Charter amendments.