HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-12 Charter Commission Work Session Agenda Packet CITY OF CORCORAN
*Includes Materials - Materials relating to these agenda items can be found in the House Agenda Packet by
Door.
Corcoran City Council and Charter Commission
Work Session Agenda
November 12, 2020 - 5:30pm
1. Call to Order / Roll Call
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Discussion on Implementing a Ward System*
4. Adjournment
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Due to the COVID-19 health pandemic, the City Council’s regular meeting place is not available and is
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Council may participate by telephone or other electronic means.
Agenda Item 3.
Page 1 of 3
CITY OF CORCORAN
8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340
763.420.2288 – Office 763.420.6056 – Fax
E-mail - general@ci.corcoran.mn.us / Web Site - www.ci.corcoran.mn.us
MEMO
Meeting Date: November 12, 2020
To: City Council and Charter Commission
From: Jessica Beise, Administrative Services Director; Brad Martens, City
Administrator
Re: Discussion of Implementing a Ward System
______________________________________________________________________
For several years, the Charter Commission has discussed the potential for creating a
ward system in Corcoran. The Charter Commission would again like to discuss this
topic and has invited the City Council to participate as well in the discussion. The goal is
to understand the pros and cons of a potential transition and whether or not the City
Council supports a change.
Currently the Mayor and all Councilmembers are elected “at large”. Staff has
researched wards and spoken with neighboring cities to understand some of the
considerations for creating a ward system which are shared below.
A ward is not defined by statute, but generally represents an election district within a city
for council election. Each ward elects its own councilmember to represent the interests
and concerns of that ward. State statute requires the following:
• Population: Each ward must be as equal in population as practicable.
• Territory: Each ward must be composed of compact, contiguous territory.
• Residency of councilmember: Each councilmember must be a resident of the
ward for which elected. However, a change in boundaries may not disqualify a
councilmember from serving the remainder of their term.
The following information outlines several considerations for moving toward a ward
system:
Agenda Item 3.
Page 2 of 3
Number of Wards
The number of wards would be at the discretion of the Charter Commission and
Council.
At-Large Membership
The Charter Commission and Council should consider if at-large membership would be
considered with the creation of wards. In addition to the ward member, at-large
membership would be a representative of the entire committee. The Mayor would serve
as an at-large member.
Availability of Interested Persons
Another consideration is if the City has an adequate number of persons interested in
serving on the City Council. With a ward system it could limit the number of persons
who could serve in a given area.
Limitations of Precinct Boundary Changes
Beginning January 1, 2020, the City is not able to move precinct boundaries or establish
wards until May of 2021. Additionally, the wards would have to be reestablished or
adjusted following the legislative redistricting in 2022. These requirements are in place
due to the census is being completed and redistricting is taking place.
Population Growth
With the growth of eastern Corcoran, the City will have to consider growth in creating
wards. As the certain parts of the City grow, the population may inadvertently be larger
than other ward due to growth.
Administrative Considerations
To create a ward system, the City Clerk will need to work with a mapping specialist to
create options for wards that are contiguous and similarly sized. The City Clerk will have
to present the options to the City Council and make ordinance and Charter
amendments. The City Clerk will have to every ten years reexamine the population and
make changes to the ward system. Additional election ballots would likely be created
due to five school districts and ward boundaries not likely following the five school
district boundaries.
Geographical Considerations
As the City’s population is growing, the City is developing from east to west. The City
will have to consider if the boundaries will include agricultural areas and suburban
development. Wards must be similar in population which may make for larger wards
geographically if rural areas are in one ward.
Agenda Item 3.
Page 3 of 3
Process Considerations
An ordinance establishing a ward system can be approved by the City Council and the
Charter Commission after a public hearing is held. This does not require a vote of the
public. However, it is subject to a referendum request within 60 days of approval. Other
options to establish wards would be to amend the Charter or place on the ballot at a
general or special election.
City Council and Charter Commission action:
Discuss the option of establishing a ward system. If supportive, the Charter Commission
would need to take formal action at a separate meeting.
Attachment:
None