Source: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/meetings/glossary
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 00:24:45+00:00

Document:
Parliamentary term connoting a refusal to vote either in support or in opposition to a motion or proposal. Abstentions may be counted for purposes of quorum, but not for the outcome of a particular decision.
The evidence of the ownership of property is typically contained within a document called an “abstract” which guarantees an unbroken 40-year chain of title.
With the unanimous approval or support of the Council, typically the election of officers or appointment of members to subordinate boards and commissions are made in this fashion.
The official termination or closing of proceedings.
Parliamentary term connoting favorable action on a recommendation or report on any matter or the passage (positive enactment) of a legislative measure.
An outline of matters to be presented during a specific meeting, usually structured according to an established order of business.
Parliamentary term connoting an alteration to a motion, either by addition, deletion, or substitution, that improves the pending question or provides a suitable alternative.
A specific sum of money allocated by formal action for expenditure by a specific entity, from a specific source, and for a specific purpose.
All actions of the City Council affirmed by the Mayor and, thus, deemed "official acts" of the City of Minneapolis pedning legal publication, as required pursuant to City Charter Article IV, §4.4(c).
A roadway that serves or is designed to serve heavy flows of traffic, which is used primarily as a street route for traffic between communities and/or other heavy traffic generating areas.
Charges applied to a property owner for improvements to streets, sewer, and/or water utilities, generally paid over a specified period.
The Council Member introducing a legislative measure; also known as the measure's sponsor.
A federal grant to be spent within general guidelines but not designated for a specific purpose.
Bonds secured by the “full faith and credit” of the issuing government and backed by taxing power.
Bond proceeds used to finance the purchase or construction of facilities or equipment to be leased to a private corporation. The bonds are backed by the revenue generated by the lease payment and ultimately by the credit of the corporation.
Bonds sold to investors to raise capital for development activities. Interest paid to bond purchasers is usually exempt from state and federal taxation, although TIF bonds can also be sold to investors with no interest exemption from state and federal taxes.
The city goverment's principle policy document, it is both an official statement of fiscal, economic, and social policies and a spending plan for a specific fiscal year. Pursuant to the City Charter, the Mayor is responsible for submitting a proposed budget by no later than August 15 each year.
A public record of the surveyed dimensions and value of land parcels used to record ownership and calculate taxes.
A federal grant of money for use in a narrowly defined functional area such as sewage treatment plants, housing, law enforcement or other activities.
Common term referring to the presiding officer of a meeting body.
The Mayor of the City of Minneapolis.
The legal document enacted pursuant to the Minnesota Constitution Article XII §4 and first adopted by public vote in November 1920 which establishes the City of Minneapolis as a municipal corporation of the first class within the State of Minnesota. The City Charter embodies the fundamental principles of the the municipal corporation; describes its legal parameters; defines its powers, duties, and boundaries; and guarantees certain rights to the people. It is analogous to the constitutions of the federal and state governments.
The legislative and chief policy–determinant body of the City of Minneapolis as provided pursuant to Article IV of the Minneapolis City Charter. The City Council is composed of thirteen members, each elected from separate wards of roughly equal population, serving concurrent four–year terms.
The official, published compilation of municipal law, policies and regulations, organized and arranged by subject matter.
A street which serves or is designed to serve as a traffic way for a neighborhood or as a feeder to a major roadway.
A formal expression of appreciation or gratitude or a tribute that is offered by the City Council.
A land use classification that describes commercial/retail business uses.
A collection of federal grant programs administered by HUD that awards funds to state and local units of government for qualifying housing and economic development efforts.
An annual accounting report that explains and analyzes the financial activity of the city.
A compilation of goals, policy statements, standards, programs, and maps for guiding the physical, social, and economic development of a community or region.
A use of property which may be appropriate within a specific zoning classification, but is not listed as a permitted use because conditions may be needed to ensure that no negative impacts result. The City may require any reasonable conditions contingent to permitting a conditional use.
A conflict arising from any interest, pecuniary or otherwise, that interferes with an individual's ability to properly perform his or her official duties, or one which creates the appearance of such a conflict.
The process of approving a mayoral appointment to certain executive (charter) departments.
A separate docket (agenda) composed only of matters deemed to be routine and non–controversial; the consent agenda is considered under a single motion. If a Council Member wishes to have further discussion on any matter listed on the consent agenda, it can be removed and set aside for further consideration.
A resident of a specific ward (or district) of the community.
The two-week period which culminates with the meeting of the full City Council at which time formal action is taken on all matters referred by its standing committees. The standing policy committees meet during the two-week period prior ro each regular meeting of the full City Council.
A person elected from one of the thirteen specific wards to represent its interests, needs, and priorities as a voting member of the City Council, the legislative body of the City of Minneapolis. Also referred to as Member.
The set of principles and corresponding regulations governing the organization and operation of the City Council and its committees and the introduction, consideration, and transaction of business. The City Council has adopted Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised as its parliamentary authority.
A supplement to the current edition of the Code of Ordinances, published annually, that identifies all new material that has beene codified.
A contract between two or more individuals, which constitutes a restriction of a particular use of a particular parcel or parcels.
Roadways maintained by MN DOT or a county department of transportation.
Formal discussion about a proposal or subject matter pending action by a decision-making body during a duly constituted meeting of its members.
A number expressing the relationship of the number of dwellings to an acre of land.
Changing a district from a higher to a lower intensity use.
A grant by a property owner for use of a strip of land by the public or any person for any specific purpose or purposes of construction and maintaining utilities and/or roadways.
The date an official act takes legal effect. The effective date is based on publication in the City’s official newspaper, pursuant to City Charter, Article IV, § 4.4 (d). The standard timeline for legal publication is eight days after final action by the City Council, unless a separate effective date is specified within the act.
The right of a governmental unit to take private lands for a public use or purpose upon payment of just compensation.
Legislation, by federal or state governments, which confer power upon the city government. In the adoption of a resolution, the enabling legislation, if any, is generally cited or referenced.
The date when an official act is approved by the Mayor, or, in the alternative, the date when the City Council approves an official act by overriding the Mayor’s veto on a two-thirds vote.
Analysis and evaluation of the potential effect of a project on the environment.
Created in 1984 pursuant to charter referendum, the Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of the City government. Members include the Mayor, the Council President and three Council Members (one of the minority party).
Includes a description of proposed street and/or utility improvements, a cost estimate for the project, project schedule, and a preliminary assessment roll.
Every legislative measure, proposal, or subject matter introduced to the City Council or referred to or from one of its standing committees is organized, presented, and tracked as a legislative file. Each file is assigned a unique number for tracking purposes, knows as its File Number.
Formal introduction, subsequent to notice, of a proposed legislative measure, after which the measure is generally referred to the proper standing committee having subject matter jurisdiction for public hearing and recommendation. Pursuant to City Charter, Article IV, § 4.4 (b), each ordinance must be given two separate readings before final action, except by unanimous consent of the full City Council.
The defined, twelve-month period for transaction and computation of budgetary and accounting purposes. In Minneapolis, the fiscal year runs concurrent with the calendar year (January to December).
A unit of measurement to account for the number of positions authorized to departments.
A meeting, or portion of a meeting, to investigate, gather information, and accept public testimony on a specific matter or matters pending consideration by the City Council or its standing committees.
Home-rule charter cities, such as Minneapolis, operate under a city charter as opposed to statutory cities, which operate under the statutory city code.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is a federal agency that administers several grant programs related to community development and affordable housing development.
The construction or re-construction of streets, sidewalks, sanitary sewer, water main, or storm sewer.
A list of new legislative measures that, pursuant to previous notice, are formally introduced, given a first reading, and referred to the standing committee(s) having subject-matter jurisdiction.
The record of acts, orders, and judgments made by the City Council. The journal provides a parliamentary chronology of all actions taken, including motions, amendments, and votes; all committee reports; the processing of all measures, from introduction through final action; and other proceedings.
That part of a comprehensive plan which deals with the interrelationship between the different land uses.
The purpose for which a specific measure is passed or adopted as well as the meaning of any specific provisions.
The function of reviewing and evaluating the performance of administrative agencies and departments.
Minnesota Statutes §477A.013, Financial assistance from the State of Minnesota for municipalities. Allocation of these funds are based on complex formulas considering population, household size, city tax capacity, employment per capita, and many other factors.
A federal program that provides a specific amount of funds to local police departments based on crime rate to subsidize special enforcement activities.
The chief elected official of the City of Minneapolis, elected from a single district comprising the entire geographic boundary and the entire population of the city. Pursuant to City Charter, Article VII, § 7.1 (b), the Mayor is charged with general oversight of the City enterprise and its operations.
The financing plan prepared and presented by the Mayor which outlines strategies to fund ongoing operations and activities of the City of Minneapolis.
Official Convention and Visitor’s Association.
A meeting that is a continuation of a previous meeting.
A non-public meeting for considering quasi-judicial functions involving disciplinary procedures, strategy for labor negotiations, and litigation strategy with legal counsel.
A scheduled meeting that follows set with dates and times according to an adopted calendar.
Any meeting other than a regular, adjourned, or emergency meeting. Written notice, posted and mailed/delivered a minimum of three days before the meeting, is required. No other business may be transacted other than as designated in the call for the special meeting.
A regional planning organization appointed by the Governor of Minnesota which operates a regional transit system, collects and treats wastewater, produces population forecasts, distributes funding for several funding programs, produces regional planning documents, reviews local planning documents, and manages regional aviation transportation systems.
A way to describe a parcel of land by starting at a known point and describing the bearings and distances of the line forming the boundaries of the property.
Minnesota Department of Transportation is responsible for funding and maintaining highway and aviation infrastructure.
Parliamentary term connoting a formal proposal for certain action.
A separate legal entity composed jointly of Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis which owns and operates the historic City Hall/Courthouse Building.
A use of land, building, or structures lawfully existing when a zoning ordinance or amendment is passed by the City Council, where the existing use does not comply with all regulations of the new ordinance or amendment.
Conditions of property or uses that pose a threat to public safety, general welfare, diminish property values, or conflict with lawful uses of other properties.
The loyalty oath required under Minnesota law and the Minneapolis City Charter which must be subscribed to by all elected officials and certain appointed officers prior to assuming the office or position and performing official duties.
MN Statute 471.705 covers all meetings that transact official public business (if a quorum is present) to discuss, decide, or receive information. Votes are required to be recorded and all printed material is to be available for public review.
The framework within which all matters and measures are presented for consideration by the City Council; it includes: Call to Order; Reports of Standing Committees; Reports of Special Committees; Introduction & Referral Calendar; Resolutions; Motions; Unfinished Business; New Business; Announcements; and Adjournment.
An official act of legislative character which is general or permanent in nature and is intended to have the effect and force of law, generally prescribing penalty provisions for any violation. An ordinance is comparable to a municipal statute.
The first convening of the City Council in January following a general municipal election at which time the Members elect a President and other officers and organize themselves for the transaction of business.
Grants and other financial assistance received by a governmental entity to transfer to, or spend on behalf of, a secondary recipient.
A map or drawing which graphically delineates the boundary of a land parcel for identification and record of title, which is recorded as a legal document.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA or PCA) is a state agency which monitors environmental quality, offers technical and financial assistance, enforces environmental regulations, finds and cleans up spills or leaks, and conduct environmental education.
The Council Member elected by City Council to serve as its presiding officer.
A legal requirement giving citizens an opportunity to comment on issues.
Land owned or operated by municipalities, school district, county, state, or other governmental unit.
Any action or existence of any activity that unreasonably annoys, injures or endangers the general health, safety, welfare or public peace such that the comfortable enjoyment of life or property is disrupted or which is offensive or has a blighting influence on the community.
Parliamentary term referring to the minimum number of Members who must be in attendance to constitute a public meeting for the transaction of business.
An intermission within a meeting without closing, or adjourning, the official proceeding.
A parliamentary mechanism that allows any question previously acted upon to be returned for additional or further consideration. The motion must be made by a Member who voted in the prevailing side of the first motion, and accepted by a majority of those present and voting.
The process of redrawing political boundaries to ensure equity in representation.
Parliamentary action to revoke or annul a prior legislative enactment.
Parliamentary action to nullify effect of any prior action that is not a legislative enactment; legislative enactments are repealed.
A land use classification that describes activities related to dwellings.
A written expression of policy or policy intent, or the opinion or will of the municipal corporation as determined by the Mayor and City Council which is administrative and not legislative in character.
A management tool that systematically tracks and reports performance.
An invitation to contractors, companies, or agencies to contract to provide a service or materials to the City. A RFP may be open to sleeved bidders or to all.
A memorandum from a department to initiate action by City Council.
The area on, below, or above any real property in which the City has an interest including, but not limited to, any street, road, highway, alley, sidewalk, parkway, park, or any other place, area, or real property owned by or under the control of the City.
A voting method in which a Member and his or her vote on a specific question are registered in the official record. Under a roll call vote, the clerk calls each Member’s name aloud and Members vote by responding when their name is called: aye (affirmative); nay (negative); or abstain. At the conclusion of the roll call, the clerk announces the total number voting on each side of the question. The presiding officer is always called last in a roll call. This voting method is also called voting by the Yeas & Nays.
The rank of Members based on their continuous length of service in office.
The minimum horizontal distance between a structure and the lot line, road, highway, high watermark, or another structure.
Standing Committees consider legislation and other matters and study specific areas of concern and report findings and recommendations to the full City Council.
The division or re-division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land into two or more lots either by platting or metes and bounds description.
)TIF is a development tool utilized by government agencies to encourage development that otherwise would not be financially feasible. Financing is secured by the anticipated incremental increase in tax revenue, resulting from the redevelopment of an area.
Notices and public hearings required by the State of Minnesota to disclose how property taxes are determined, address any disputes to property evaluation, explain City Budget appropriations, and encourage public participation in setting spending priorities.
The removal of an easement from a property, generally in reference to a utility and drainage easement.
The waiving of the provisions of the zoning chapter in instances where the strict enforcement would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration. Self-imposed hardships are never eligible for variances.
Authority of the Mayor to disapprove action by the City Council. The Council can override the Mayor's veto by a two–thirds vote.
A voting method in which Members orally declare their position on a specific question and the presiding officer determines the majority and declares the outcome. In contrast to a roll call vote, the record reflects only whether a question passes or fails and not individual votes of the Members. Voice votes are the standard voting method used in committee; roll call votes are the standard voting method in the full City Council.
The formal declaration by a Member registering support, opposition, or abstention with regard to a specific proposal or question under consideration.
A specific territory, or area, within the City that is represented by a Council Member. There are thirteen wards in the City of Minneapolis.
The area drained by the natural and artificial drainage system.
A document, adopted by the City Council, that defines zoning classifications within the city and prescribes the regulations associated with structural and architectural designs of the buildings and the use of those buildings within each zoning classification.
A zoning district may be either a primary district or an overlay district. The current districts are outlined briefly below. For more information on the definitions and requirements associated with each district, please consult the Municipal Code, Title 20.
A primary district is any of several residence, office residence, commercial, downtown, or industrial districts. All property within the city is included within a primary zoning district. In the municipal code, these districts are described in chapters 546-550.
An overlay district is any of several additional districts established by the zoning regulations that may be more or less restrictive than the primary zoning district. Where a property is located within an overlay district, it is subject to the provisions of both the primary zoning district and the overlay district. Where the provisions are in conflict, the overlay district governs. In the city’s municipal code, these districts are described in chapter 551.
The accounts of the City are organized by fund types. A “fund” is a grouping of related accounts that is used to maintain control over resources that have been segregated for specific activities or objectives.
The operations of each fund are monitored with a separate set of self-balancing accounts that comprise its assets, liabilities, fund equities, revenues and expenditures/expenses. Following is a listing and description of all City funds.
The General Fund is the general operating fund of the City. It is used to account for all financial resources except those that are required to be accounted for in another fund.
This fund is used to account for the operation, maintenance and construction projects related to the water delivery system. This fund also accounts for the operations related to the billings for water, sewage and solid waste fees.
This fund will be used to account for the operation, maintenance and construction projects related to the sanitary sewer system.
This fund will be used to account for the operation, maintenance and construction projects related to the stormwater utility system.
This fund is used to account for the revenues and expenses for solid waste collection, disposal and recycling activities.
This fund is used to account for the operation, maintenance and construction of the City's parking facilities as well as on-street parking and the Municipal Impound Lot.
This fund is used to account for operation, maintenance and construction of projects related to the Park Board, especially golf courses.
This fund is used to account for the operations of the public terminal facility located on the Mississippi River.
This fund is used to account for the operations of the City's asphalt plant and paving products laboratory. The paving products laboratory provides in lab and on-site testing and soil boring services to ensure quality control of asphalt and soils for projects.
This fund is used to account for business information services, central mailing and printing services, and the City's telecommunication operations.
This fund is used to account for the physical management and maintenance of fire stations, police precinct buildings, the Minneapolis Public Service Center, and various other City office locations, except for the City Hall/County courthouse building, which is accounted for in the Municipal Building Commission Special Revenue Fund.
This fund is used to account for the ownership and operation of radio communications equipment and a fleet of motorized equipment and vehicles. The fund operates as a rental agent to various departments to support the construction and maintenance of city infrastructure, fire protection services, and police services.
This fund is used to account for the centralized procurement, warehousing, and distribution of stocked inventory items, and the purchase of special goods and services.
This fund is used to account for administrative costs employee benefit programs. The fund also accounts for occupational health services, severance payments to employees who have retired or resigned and who meet minimum eligibility requirements, a tort liability program, and a workers' compensation program.
This fund is used to account for park employees’ medical, dental, and life insurance benefit programs and the programs' administrative costs. The fund also accounts for occupational health services, severance payments to employees who have retired or resigned and who meet minimum eligibility requirements, a tort liability program, and a workers' compensation program. The Park Board also has an internal service fund for charges within its programs.
Special revenue funds are used to account for the proceeds of revenue sources that are restricted by legal and regulatory provisions to finance specific activities. The City has thirty-four Special Revenue Funds, including community and economic development funds. These funds are used to account for the City’s planning and community development goals, most of which are financed through property tax increment financing.
This fund is a holding fund for various finance plan revenues to be used for future cost relating to the acquisition and capital maintenance of the downtown sports, entertainment and health complex.
This fund is used to account for the operations of the Board of Estimate and Taxation which issues and sell bonds, and establishes the maximum levies for the City, its boards and commissions.
This fund is used to account for the federal grants received under the Federal Community Development Block Grant provisions. Convention Center. This fund is used to account for the ownership, maintenance, and operation of the Minneapolis Convention Center, and the proceeds of the local sales and use tax.
This fund is a holding fund for parking and sales tax revenues to be used for future capital maintenance needs of the existing Convention Center.
This fund is used to account for the tax levy proceeds and other sources of revenue for the Minneapolis Employee Retirement Fund (MERF), Minneapolis Firefighters’ Relief Association (MFRA), and Minneapolis Police Relief Association (MPRA) retirement programs for some city employees.
This fund is used to account for all federal grants, except for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which is accounted for in a separate fund.
This fund is used to account for grants received from the State of Minnesota, Hennepin County, local government units, and private funds.
This fund is used to account for the cost of operating and maintaining the City Hall/County Court House building.
This fund is used to account for the revenues and expenditures related to federal and state administrative forfeitures and the revenues and expenditures related to the regulation of lawful gambling in the City.
This fund is used to account for revenue and expenditures related to the cost of operating and maintaining the Minneapolis Parks system.
This fund is used to account for the capital project activities of the department of Community Planning and Economic Development.
This fund is used to account for the capital project activities of the MBC, a component unit of the City of Minneapolis.
This fund is used to account for capital acquisition, construction, and improvement projects including bridge construction, sidewalk construction, street construction, energy conservation projects, infrastructure projects, and many Business and Information Services (BIS) projects.
This fund is used to account for the capital project activities of the Park Board.
This fund is used to account for the debt service activities of CPED and includes the Arena Acquisition Project (Target Center) Series A and B bonds, Tax Increment Bonds of 1990, and Tax Increment Revenue Notes.
This fund is used to account for the debt of projects supported by property tax increments, transfers of sales tax revenues from the Convention Center Special Revenue Fund for related debt, and a state grant relating to the completion of the Convention Center.
This fund is used to account for General Obligation Bonds supported by a property tax levy, Management Information System debt supported by the City's General Fund, Great River Road Bonds, Edison Hockey, Community Health, Xcel Power-Revenue, and Section 108 HUD Revenue Notes.
This fund is used to account for debt supported by special assessments with the exception of the Park Diseased Tree debt.

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