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City of Northfield MN
File #: 26-139    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Information/Discussion Item Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 2/2/2026 In control: Charter Commission
On agenda: 3/12/2026 Final action:
Title: Discussion on Proposed Amendment to Charter Section 4.1.
Attachments: 1. 1 - Charter Section 4.1 link, 2. 2 - Charter Section 4.1 City Attorney Memo and Draft Amendment Language for Review or Consideration, 3. 3 - Charter Section 4.1 Questions, 4. 4 - Charter Section 4.1 Email Communications
Date Ver.Action ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsVideo
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City Council Meeting Date: March 12, 2026

To: Charter Commissioners

From: CC Linstroth, Charter Commission Chair

Title
Discussion on Proposed Amendment to Charter Section 4.1.

Body
Action Requested:
The Charter Commission is asked to continue discussion on proposed amendments to Charter Section 4.1.

Summary Report:
The Charter Commission is asked to continue discussion on proposed amendments to Charter Section 4.1. The current wording of Section 4.1 is provided below and attached (attachment #1).

Section 4.1. - Council Meetings.
At its first meeting in January, the council shall meet at the usual place and time for the holding of council meetings. At this time any newly elected members of the council including the mayor shall, as the first order of business, be administered the oath of office and shall assume their duties. Thereafter, the council shall meet at such time as may be prescribed by resolution. Such a resolution shall remain in force until modified by the council. The mayor or any three members of the council may call special meetings of the council upon at least twelve hours notice to each member and such public notice as shall be prescribed by ordinance in compliance with the laws of Minnesota. Public notice of all meetings of the council and its committees shall be given as prescribed by ordinance, and any citizen shall have access to the minutes and records thereof at all reasonable times.
(Ord. No. 739, ? 4.1, 11-6-2000; Ord. No. 781, 3-17-2003)

At the January 7, 2025 City Council meeting, a new Mayor, two new Council members, and one re-elected Council member were sworn into office. One Council member was absent from the meeting. As a result, only three continuing Council members were present at the start of the meeting (before the oath of office was to be administered).

Prior to the meeting, the agenda order was adjusted and the meeting was called to order, followed immediately by the administration of the oath of office. No ad...

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