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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, July 14, 2008 Page 10 Mr. Toogood opined that the draft ordinance needed further refinement to provide the most democratic process and to remove personalities; and encouraged Coun- cilmembers to come up with something that would serve the best interests of the community. John Goedeke, 1021 W Larpenteur Avenue, Mr. Goedeke concurred with Mr. Toogood on the need for the ordinance; how- ever, opined that the present process was more than adequate; and supported the integrity of the City Council, as citizen representatives, in appointing someone to serve for less than one year. Mr. Goedeke noted the $20,000 estimated cost for a special election; and spoke in support of an ordinance calling for a special elec- tion if the vacancy was for more than one year; and Council appointment if for less than one year. John Kysylyczyn, 3083 N Victoria Street Mr. Kysylyczyn provided a historical perspective from his time on the City Coun- cil and original intent of Councilmember Schroeder and himself for a one year standard, and Councilmember Kough's lack of support for that standard.. Mr. Kysylyczyn questioned the accuracy of the comments regarding odd/even year elections in the letter dated July 3, 2008 from Ramsey County Elections Manager Joseph Mansky regarding conducting special elections, and included in the staff report. Mayor Klausing clarified Mr. Mansky's comments by reading directly from them. Councilmember Roe concluded discussion by seeking additional public comment to Councilmembers in person, by phone, or a-mail; and potentially at future meet- ings when the ordinance is considered for adoption. Councilmember Roe refer- enced his survey sampling of other metropolitan communities and their use of special elections, noting that this information was available on the City's website, and encouraged citizens to perform their own research as well. Councilmember Ihlan noted the reference to even year elections in the ordinance, and school board elections in odd years. Councilmember Roe recognized Councilmember Ihlan's observations, and re- quested the original ordinance (page 2 of 6 of the report) no longer be included in future packets, as the ordinance revised on June 16, 2008 took its place. 11. Public Hearings 12. Business Items (Action Items) a. Consider Request to Perform a City Abatement for Unresolved City Code Violations at 511 Hilltop Avenue