02-13-23-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 9, 2023 36 Mayor Grant stated he understood the law and noted the City Attorney just stated the City Code was not inconsistent with State law. He explained the City can determine how they go about meeting State Statute and this was the manner in which the Council has acted for years. He believed Councilmember Fabel wanted to change the Statute because he had three votes on the Council. Councilmember Fabel indicated the problem was the actions of the Mayor were beyond his authority. He stated the Mayor used his privilege in a manner that was beyond one Councilmember. He explained the Mayor's privilege was used in an effort to undo the power that all of the other Councilmembers have. For this reason, an action was brought forward to amend City Code. Mayor Grant reported he has not undone any City elections. MOTION: Councilmember Fabel moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to direct staff to move forward amending the City's Ordinance as proposed for Chapter 2 Subsections 220.01 and 220.03. Mayor Grant asked if other communities manage committee and commission appointments. City Attorney Jamnik reported there were a wide variety of options. He stated some discuss appointments at a meeting and others have carryovers. He indicated there was not a best practice or a majority way in which appointments were made. He explained he understood some cities have a mayor and administrator that solicit input from other councilmembers with the council ratifying the proposal. He stated Arden Hills' City Code was a little unique in the mayor proposing with the appointment subject to review and approval by the Council. Mayor Grant reiterated that current City Code was not out of alignment with State Statute. Councilmember Fabel indicated he would like to put City Code in alignment with State Statute and with other cities so that the Mayor is required to cooperate with the other Councilmembers as one person with one vote. Councilmember Holden questioned where the cooperation was from the three new Councilmembers. She reported she was never asked what committee she would like to serve on. Mayor Grant called the question. A roll call vote was taken. The motion to direct staff to move forward amending the Citv's Ordinance as proposed for Chapter 2 Subsections 220.01 and 220.03 carried 3-2 (Councilmember Holden and Mayor Grant opposed). A. Appointing 2023 City Council Liaisons for Commissions and Committees and Mayor Pro-Tem Mayor Grant reported this item was addressed previously by the Council. He asked what action should be taken on this item.