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 o...
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