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City Council Regular Meeting — 02/13/06 DRAFT Minutes - Page 2$ Councilmember Pust noted that, in the past she had no� been supportive of the concept, but that through additzor�a� education, she had become more supportive and recognized the advantages for third party candidates. However, Councilmember Pust questioned �he timing, dissimilar to 2043, in the Council being asked ta consider an ordinance at this timc. Councilmember Maschka noted the proposal's failure in 2003 due to palitical re�sons, and questions the atmosphere at the legislature for another attempt. Mr. Kennedy expressed expeciations of a dif�erent legislative atmospher� at this time. Counci�member Ma�chka noted the continuing existence of opposition from strong lobbying groups. City Attorney Andersan expanded his legal comments and cautioned the City �'ram having such an ordinance on the books prior to legislation, in accardance with Minnesota Statute, Section 205.02, rela�ed ta primary, special and general elections and the differences specific �o Charter City provisions addressed in Section 205.065; and considerations of the Minnesota State Canstitution's Equal Proteciian ClauSe. Mayor Klausing polled the Council to determine a consensus. Counci�member Pust was not supportive of an ordinance, but was willing to consider a resalution of support. Councilmember Kough spoke against instant runoff elections; opining that primaries were important to voters. Councilmember Ihlan expressed her willingness to cansider the ordinance, noting that Ianguage regarding the effective date of such ordinance in Section 3 of the propased ordinance addressed the City Attorney's observations and co:�cerns. Councilmemb�r Maschka, while suppoi-tive of pursuing legislative innovations at a State level, que�tioned if this was the appropriate vehicl� to pursue such innova�ions.