C. Discussion Regarding Council Vacancy
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Web Site
WW'1I.ci. chanhassen. mn .us
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor & City Council
FROM:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager \LA _
()~\.(.
,
January 14,2008
DA TE:
SUBJ:
Discussion Regarding Council Seat Vacancy
BACKGROUND
Council Member Craig Peterson announced his resignation effective
December 25,2007. The basis for his resignation is that he was appointed to the
Metropolitan Council Board to represent District #4. Staff has prepared a report
outlining the next steps and potential options in filling the vacant council seat.
OPTIONS
1. The City Council is not required to fill the vacancy.
2. If the Council chooses to fill the vacancy, we could advertise as we have
done in the past; similar to our Commission vacancies. Then, it would be
a simple majority vote of the City Council. In case of a tie vote, the Mayor
shall make the appointment. There is no need for a special election
because there is less than two years remaining in Council Member
Peterson's term.
3. The City Council has the authority to just appoint someone to fill the
remaining one-year term.
RECOMMENDA TION
Staff would recommend advertising and filling the vacancy at this time. The
timetable that staff would propose is as follows:
1. Advertise in the Chanhassen Villager (January 17th & 24th) and the City's
website, with a deadline of February 1, 2008 (see Attachment #2 for
proposed ad).
ATTACHMENTS
1. Minnesota Statute on City Council Seat Vacancy
2. Proposed Advertisement for City Council Seat Vacancy
The City of Chanhassen · A growing community with clean lakes, quality schools, a charming downtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A great place to live, work, and play.
G:\admin\tG\CounciJ Vacancy Memo J -14-08.doc
M.S. 412.02, Subd. 2a:
Subd. 2a. Vacancy. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 2b, a vacancy in an office
shall be filled by council appointment until an election is held as provided in this subdivision. In
case of a tie vote in the council, the mayor shall make the appointment. If the vacancy occurs
before the first day to file affidavits of candidacy for the next regular city election and more than
two years remain in the unexpired term, a special election shall be held at or before the next
regular city election and the appointed person shall serve until the qualification of a successor
elected at a special election to fill the unexpired portion of the term. If the vacancy occurs on or
after the first day to file affidavits of candidacy for the regular city election or when less than two
years remain in the unexpired term, there need not be a special election to fill the vacancy and the
appointed person shall serve until the qualification of a successor. The council must specify by
ordinance under what circumstances it will hold a special election to fill a vacancy other than a
special election held at the same time as the regular city election.
Chanhassen City Council
VACANCY
The City of Chanhassen is seeking applications from
interested citizens who desire to serve as a Council
member. The term will expire on December 31, 2008.
The city seeks indivduals from all parts of our
community who wish to bring energy, intelligence,
and commitment to leading our growing city and to
addressing its issues.
A letter of interest and resume should be submitted to
City Hall, 7700 Market Boulevard, P.O. Box 147,
Chanhassen, MN 55317 by 4:30 p.m. on Friday,
February 1,2008. Any questions about the specific
responsibilities of the position may be directed to the
Mayor, any Council member, or the City Manager.
CALL
952-227-1119