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City of Northfield MN
File #: 25-009    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Information/Discussion Item Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 12/17/2024 In control: City Council
On agenda: 1/7/2025 Final action:
Title: Oath of Office - Council Members.
Attachments: 1. 1 - SUPPLEMENTAL 1 - City Council Supplemental Agenda Background Memo No. 1 for January 7, 2025
Date Ver.Action ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsVideo
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City Council Meeting Date: January 7, 2025

To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator

From: Lynette Peterson, City Clerk

Subject:
TITLE
Oath of Office - Council Members.

BODY
Action Requested:
None.

Summary Report:
Section 4.1 of the City Charter requires that at the first meeting in January newly elected members of the council be administered the oath of office as the first order of business and will begin their official duties at that time. Mayor Erica Zweifel along with Council Members Brad Ness, Chad Beumer and Peter Dahlen will be sworn into office. The following is a reference to the City Charter provision:

City Charter
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.


Alternative Options:
Minnesota Statutes ?358.08 provide for an affirmation in lieu of the oath of office as follows:

358.08 AFFIRMATION IN LIEU OF OATH.
If any person of whom an oath is required shall claim religious scruples against taking the same, the word "swear" and the words "so help you God" may be omitted from the foregoing forms, and the word "affirm" and the words "and t...

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