Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2017/cite/412/full
Timestamp: 2020-08-06 09:29:28
Document Index: 52203481

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 5', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 5', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 5', 'art 13', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 9', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 5', 'art 13', 'art 20', 'art 9', 'art 2', 'art 14', 'art 7', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 4', 'art 7', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2']

﻿ Ch. 412 MN Statutes
CHAPTER 412. STATUTORY CITIES
412.01 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.011 [Repealed, 1969 c 1146 s 20]
412.012 [Repealed, 1959 c 686 s 14; Ex1959 c 75 s 1]
UNIQUE UTILITY SITUATIONS
412.013 ADDITIONAL POWERS.
412.014 POWER TO OPERATE TELEPHONE LINES.
1973 BASIC LAW
412.015 UNIFORM CODE OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.
412.016 APPLICATION; STATUTORY CITIES.
412.017 [Repealed, 1976 c 44 s 70]
412.018 CITIES UNDER GENERAL OR SPECIAL INCORPORATION ACTS.
412.02 CITY ELECTIONS; OFFICERS, TERMS, VACANCIES, CITY EMPLOYEES.
412.021 OFFICERS.
412.022 COUNCIL MAY PROVIDE FOUR-YEAR TERM.
412.03 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.031 [Repealed, 1973 c 123 art 2 s 4]
412.04 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.041 [Repealed, 1959 c 686 s 14; Ex1959 c 75 s 1]
412.05 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.051 [Repealed, 1959 c 686 s 14; Ex1959 c 75 s 1]
412.06 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.061 [Repealed, 1957 c 151 s 2]
412.07 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.071 [Repealed, 1959 c 686 s 14; Ex1959 c 75 s 1]
412.08 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.09 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.091 DISSOLUTION; PETITION; VOTE.
412.092 [Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]
412.093 DISSOLUTION SECURED BY CLAIMANTS.
412.10 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.101 [Repealed, 2001 c 135 s 3]
412.11 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.111 DEPARTMENTS, BOARDS.
412.12 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.121 ACTING MAYOR.
412.13 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.131 ASSESSOR; DUTIES, COMPENSATION.
412.14 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.141 TREASURER'S DUTIES.
412.15 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.151 DUTIES OF CLERK.
412.152 MAYOR; FIRE CHIEF; OFFICES NOT INCOMPATIBLE.
412.153 HOUSING AID TO ENSURE TIMELY PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICE.
412.16 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.161 [Repealed, 1973 c 34 s 7]
412.17 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.171 [Repealed, 1983 c 359 s 151]
412.18 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.181 MS 1971 [Repealed, 1973 c 123 art 2 s 4]
412.19 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.20 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.201 EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS.
412.21 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.211 GENERAL STATUTORY CITY POWERS.
412.22 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.23 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.231 PENALTIES.
412.24 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.241 COUNCIL TO CONTROL FINANCES.
412.25 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.251 ANNUAL TAX LEVY.
412.26 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.261 TAX ANTICIPATION CERTIFICATES.
412.27 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.28 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.281 [Repealed, 1978 c 787 s 7]
412.29 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.291 [Repealed, 1978 c 787 s 7]
412.30 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.31 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.311 CONTRACTS.
412.32 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.33 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.331 ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION.
412.34 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.341 COMMISSION; MEMBERSHIP, ORGANIZATION.
412.35 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.351 COMMISSION, JURISDICTION.
412.36 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
412.361 PUBLIC UTILITY; COMMISSION POWERS.
412.371 SEPARATE CITY FUND FOR EACH UTILITY.
412.381 REPORTS.
412.401 [Repealed, 1953 c 398 s 13]
412.411 [Repealed, 1953 c 398 s 13]
412.421 [Repealed, 1953 c 398 s 13]
412.431 [Repealed, 1953 c 398 s 13]
412.441 [Repealed, 1953 c 398 s 13]
412.451 [Repealed, 1953 c 398 s 13]
412.461 [Repealed, 1953 c 398 s 13]
412.471 [Repealed, 1953 c 398 s 13]
412.481 [Repealed, 1953 c 398 s 13]
PARKS, PARK BOARDS
412.491 PARKS; PARKWAYS; RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
412.501 CITY OF 1,000 MAY HAVE OR CONTINUE PARK BOARD; FORMALITIES.
412.511 ACQUISITION AND CONTROL OF PARK PROPERTY.
412.521 POWERS OF BOARD.
412.531 PARK FUNDS.
OPTIONAL PLANS TO GOVERN CITY
412.541 OPTIONAL PLANS.
412.561 APPLICABLE LAW; SAME RIGHTS, LIABILITIES, PROCEEDINGS.
412.572 CONVERSION TO OPTIONAL PLAN A.
412.581 OFFICERS.
412.591 DUTIES OF CLERK AND TREASURER; MAY BE COMBINED.
412.601 APPLICATIONS OF SECTIONS 412.601 TO 412.751.
412.611 COUNCIL-MANAGER PLAN.
412.621 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS.
412.631 COMPOSITION OF COUNCIL.
412.641 MANAGER; BASIS FOR CHOICE; RESIDENCY; TERM; PROBATION.
412.661 LIMIT ON COUNCIL POWERS.
412.671 CREATION OF DEPARTMENTS; DIVISIONS AND BUREAUS.
412.681 MANAGER RUNS CITY; OFFICES MAY BE JOINED OR ABOLISHED.
412.691 MANAGER IS PURCHASING AGENT; AUDIT AND APPROVAL.
412.701 BUDGETING.
412.711 CONSIDERATION OF BUDGET; TAX LEVY.
412.721 BUDGET ENFORCEMENT; PERSONAL LIABILITY.
412.731 MODIFICATION OF BUDGET.
412.741 DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS.
412.751 EMERGENCY DEBT CERTIFICATES.
412.761 [Repealed, 1967 c 289 s 18]
412.771 [Repealed, 1967 c 289 s 18]
412.781 [Repealed, 1967 c 289 s 18]
412.791 [Repealed, 1967 c 289 s 18]
412.801 [Repealed, 1967 c 289 s 18]
412.811 [Repealed, 1967 c 289 s 18]
412.821 [Repealed, 1967 c 289 s 18]
412.831 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER.
412.841 [Repealed, 1976 c 44 s 70]
412.851 VACATION OF STREETS.
412.871 FINES AND PENALTIES.
412.881 PRESIDENT AND RECORDER DEFINED.
412.891 INCONSISTENCY WITH CASH BASIS LAW.
412.901 APPLICATION.
412.911 [Expired]
412.921 [Repealed, 1959 c 686 s 14; Ex1959 c 75 s 1]
Any statutory city containing within its limits a plant for the concentration of taconite, either under construction or in operation, by resolution of its council may lease or purchase from the owners thereof sewer or water facilities or both and operate the same. Any such lease made by such city prior hereto, by action of the council, is hereby validated and such city may continue to provide sewer and water services to its inhabitants thereunder.
1957 c 72 s 1; 1959 c 686 s 12; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
Any statutory city heretofore or hereafter incorporated, in the territory of which previous to such incorporation telephone lines have been constructed and operated by a town as authorized by Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 237.33 to 237.40, is hereby authorized to continue to operate such telephone lines and the city shall have all the powers granted to towns and the council shall have all of the powers granted to boards of supervisors under Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 237.33 to 237.40.
1957 c 58 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 2015 c 21 art 1 s 75
It is the intention of Laws 1973, chapter 123, to simplify the statutes relating to municipal government by bringing the basic laws relating to all villages, boroughs and cities without home rule charters under a single code of statutes and to effect the transition with a maximum recognition of the desires of the citizens of such municipalities.
Subd. 3.Limitations upon uniform code.
The legislature does not intend by Laws 1973, chapter 123:
(1) to affect, alter, repeal, or otherwise modify any law of special application other than special or general acts of incorporation and amendments thereto;
(2) to modify the application of other statutory codes relating to municipal government; or
(3) to impose new substantive powers and duties on cities, villages or boroughs.
Subd. 4.Liberal interpretation.
Laws 1973, chapter 123, shall be interpreted liberally to carry out the intention set forth in this subdivision.
1973 c 123 art 1 s 1-4
Subdivision 1.Application and definition.
This chapter applies to any city which has not adopted a home rule charter pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of this state. Such a city is defined as a "statutory city," and the term includes every city which was a village on January 1, 1974.
Subd. 2.Use of the term village.
Except as provided in Laws 1973, chapter 123, article 4, the term "village" shall not be applied to any municipal corporation operating under the authority of this chapter. In the next and subsequent editions of Minnesota Statutes, the revisor of statutes shall delete the term "village" from this chapter except where necessary to effect the provisions of Laws 1973, chapter 123, article 4.
1973 c 123 art 2 s 1
Subdivision 1.Termination of government under incorporation acts.
On July 1, 1975, any city incorporated under and governed by General Statutes 1894, sections 1045 to 1195, Laws of 1895, chapter 8, or Minnesota Statutes 1971, chapter 411; and the cities and borough of Belle Plaine, Special Laws 1868, chapter 36; Chaska, Special Laws 1891, chapter 2; Henderson, Special Laws 1891, chapter 3; St. Peter, Special Laws 1891, chapter 5; New Prague, Special Laws 1891, chapter 46; Shakopee, Special Laws 1875, chapter 6; and St. Charles, Special Laws 1879, chapter 57, shall cease to be governed by the general or special incorporation acts specified in this subdivision and will thenceforth be governed and controlled and derive their corporate legislative and other powers from the laws applicable to statutory cities generally and from such other special laws as may be applicable to them.
Subd. 3.Fiscal year; former cities.
In any city which was a statutory city or borough prior to 1973, and in which the fiscal year has not coincided with the calendar year, the calendar year shall become the fiscal year in 1976. The clerk, subject to the direction of the council, shall make such adjustments for accounts and reports during the transitional year as are necessary to provide the basis for accurate and comparable accounting and reporting.
1973 c 123 art 5 s 3 subds 2,3; art 5 s 4; 1974 c 406 s 103
412.02 MS 1945 [Repealed, 1949 c 119 s 110]
Subdivision 1.Officers elected.
The following officers shall be elected for the terms and in the years shown and in the cities described in the table.
Term Year Elected City Elected
Mayor Two or four Every two years except where four years is otherwise provided pursuant to statute Every statutory city
Clerk Four Every four years in year when treasurer is not elected Every statutory standard plan city in which there is no clerk-treasurer
Treasurer Four Every four years in year in which clerk is not elected Every statutory standard plan city in which there is no clerk-treasurer
Clerk- Treasurer Four Every four years in year in which one council member is elected Every statutory standard plan city where such office exists pursuant to subdivision 3
Three Council members Four Two every four years and one in alternative election Every statutory standard plan city with a council of five
Four Council members Four Two each election Every statutory optional plan city with a council of five
Five Council members Four Three every four years and two in alternative election Every statutory standard plan city with a council of seven
Six Council members Four Three each election Every statutory optional plan city with a council of seven
Subd. 1a.City council; city employees.
Neither the mayor nor any city council member may be employed by the city. For purposes of this subdivision, "employed" refers to full-time permanent employment as defined by the city's employment policy.
Terms of elective officers shall commence on the first Monday in January following the election at which the officer is chosen. All officers chosen and qualified as such shall hold office until their successors qualify.
Subd. 2a.Vacancy.
Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 2b, a vacancy in an office shall be filled by council appointment until an election is held as provided in this subdivision. In case of a tie vote in the council, the mayor shall make the appointment. If the vacancy occurs before the first day to file affidavits of candidacy for the next regular city election and more than two years remain in the unexpired term, a special election shall be held at or before the next regular city election and the appointed person shall serve until the qualification of a successor elected at a special election to fill the unexpired portion of the term. If the vacancy occurs on or after the first day to file affidavits of candidacy for the regular city election or when less than two years remain in the unexpired term, there need not be a special election to fill the vacancy and the appointed person shall serve until the qualification of a successor. The council must specify by ordinance under what circumstances it will hold a special election to fill a vacancy other than a special election held at the same time as the regular city election.
Subd. 2b.Inability or refusal to serve.
A vacancy in the office of mayor or council member may be declared by the council when the officeholder is unable to serve in the office or attend council meetings for a 90-day period because of illness, or because of absence from or refusal to attend council meetings for a 90-day period. If any of the preceding conditions occurs, the council may, after it has by resolution declared a vacancy to exist, fill the vacancy at a regular or special council meeting for the remainder of the unexpired term, or until the person is again able to resume duties and attend council meetings, whichever is earlier. When the person is again able to resume duties and attend council meetings, the council shall by resolution remove the temporary officeholder and restore the original officeholder.
Subd. 3.Clerk, treasurer combined; audit standards.
(a) In cities operating under the standard plan of government the council may by ordinance adopted at least 60 days before the next regular city election combine the offices of clerk and treasurer in the office of clerk-treasurer, but such an ordinance shall not be effective until the expiration of the term of the incumbent treasurer or when an earlier vacancy occurs. After the effective date of the ordinance, the duties of the treasurer and deputy treasurer as prescribed by this chapter shall be performed by the clerk-treasurer or a duly appointed deputy. The offices of clerk and treasurer may be reestablished by ordinance.
(b) If the offices of clerk and treasurer are combined as provided by this section and the city's annual revenue for all governmental and enterprise funds combined is more than the amount in paragraph (c), the council shall provide for an annual audit of the city's financial affairs by the state auditor or a public accountant in accordance with minimum auditing procedures prescribed by the state auditor. If the offices of clerk and treasurer are combined and the city's annual revenue for all governmental and enterprise funds combined is the amount in paragraph (c), or less, the council shall provide for an audit of the city's financial affairs by the state auditor or a public accountant in accordance with minimum audit procedures prescribed by the state auditor at least once every five years, which audit shall be for a one-year period to be determined at random by the person conducting the audit.
[Repealed, 1973 c 34 s 7]
[Repealed, 1983 c 359 s 151]
Subd. 6.Council increased or reduced.
The council may by ordinance adopted at least 60 days before the next regular city election submit to the voters of the city the question of whether the city council should be increased or reduced to seven or five members. The ordinance shall include a schedule of elections and terms to accomplish the change. The proposal shall be voted on at the next city general election and, if approved by a majority of those voting on the question, go into effect in accordance with the schedule.
1959 c 675 art 6 s 30; 1961 c 230 s 1; 1963 c 799 s 5; 1963 c 811 s 1; 1965 c 417 s 1-4; 1967 c 289 s 2; 1973 c 34 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; art 2 s 2; 1973 c 492 s 7; 1974 c 337 s 5; 1976 c 2 s 131; 1976 c 44 s 21; 1981 c 172 s 3,4; 1983 c 359 s 62; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 30 s 1,2; 1995 c 27 s 2; 1996 c 422 s 2,3; 1999 c 75 s 2; 1999 c 132 s 43; 2004 c 281 s 2; 2010 c 206 s 2
Upon the filing of the certificate with the secretary of state, if the vote is in favor of incorporation, the judges of election appointed by the chief administrative law judge of the state Office of Administrative Hearings or the county board as the case may be, shall fix a day at least 15 and not more than 30 days thereafter and a place for the holding of an election for officers. The judges shall also fix the time, not less than three hours, during which the polls shall remain open at the election and shall post a notice setting forth the time and place of such election in three public places in the city for at least ten days preceding the election.
Subd. 2.Officers to be elected.
There shall be elected at the election a mayor for a term expiring the first business day of January of the next odd-numbered year and four or six council members, for terms so arranged that half expire the first business day of January of the next odd-numbered year and half the first business day of January of the second odd-numbered year. No candidate for council member shall run for a particular term but the number of years in the term of each successful candidate shall be determined by the relative standing among the candidates for office, the longest terms going to the half of the elected candidates who received the highest number of votes. If the election occurs in the last four months of the even-numbered year, no election shall be held in the city on the annual city election day that year, and the next following year shall be disregarded in fixing the expiration of terms of officers chosen under this subdivision at the initial election.
Subd. 5.Initial salaries.
After the qualification of its members, the council may by ordinance fix the salaries of the mayor and council members. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 415.11, subdivision 2, the ordinance shall not become effective for at least ten days after publication in the official newspaper; and if, before the end of that time a petition asking for an election on the ordinance signed by voters equal to ten percent of the number of voters at the incorporation election is filed with the clerk, the ordinance shall not become effective until it is approved by a majority of the votes cast on the question at a regular or special election.
1949 c 119 s 5; 1951 c 378 s 1; 1959 c 686 s 13; 1965 c 417 s 5; 1965 c 856 s 1; 1967 c 289 s 3; 1973 c 34 s 2; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1974 c 337 s 6,7; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1983 c 359 s 63; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 30 s 3; 2003 c 2 art 5 s 8; 2008 c 196 art 2 s 7
The council may, by ordinance, establish a four-year term or reestablish a two-year term for the office of mayor commencing with the ensuing term, except that in a standard plan city which establishes a four-year term for mayor, the first mayor to serve a four-year term shall be elected at the first election when the clerk is not to be elected. In any case the ordinance shall not affect the term of the mayor elected in the year in which it is adopted unless it is adopted at least four weeks before the closing date for the filing of affidavits of candidacy for such election.
1967 c 289 s 16; 1969 c 238 s 1; 1973 c 34 s 3; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1976 c 44 s 22; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 64
Whenever a number of voters equal to one-third of those voting at the last preceding city election petition the chief administrative law judge of the state Office of Administrative Hearings to dissolve the city, a special election shall be called to vote upon the question. Before the election, the chief administrative law judge shall designate a time and place for a hearing in accordance with section 414.09. After the hearing, the chief administrative law judge shall issue an order which shall include a date for the election, a determination of what town or towns the territory of the city shall belong to if the voters favor dissolution, and other necessary provisions. The ballots used at such election shall be substantially in the following form: "Shall the city of ... be dissolved?" If a majority of those voting on the question favor dissolution, the clerk shall file a certificate of the result with the chief administrative law judge, the secretary of state, and the county auditor of the county in which the city is situated. Six months after the date of such election, the city shall cease to exist. Within such six months, the council shall audit all claims against the city, settle with the treasurer, and other city officers, and apply the assets of the city to the payment of its debts. If any debts remain unpaid, other than bonds, the city clerk shall file a schedule of such debts with the county treasurer and the council shall levy a tax sufficient for their payment, the proceeds of which, when collected, shall be paid by the county treasurer to the creditors in proportion to their several claims until all are discharged. The principal and interest on outstanding bonds shall be paid when due by the county treasurer from a tax annually spread by the county auditor against property formerly included within the city until the bonds are fully paid. All city property and all rights of the city shall, upon dissolution, inure in the town or towns designated as the legal successor to the city. If the city territory goes to more than one town, surplus cash assets and unsold city property shall be distributed as provided by the order for the election.
1949 c 119 s 12; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1985 c 30 s 1; 1986 c 444; 2003 c 2 art 5 s 9; 2008 c 196 art 2 s 8; 2014 c 264 s 29
Whenever a duly incorporated city has, for two consecutive years, failed to hold city elections as provided by law and one or more bonds or claims against the city remain unpaid, any bondholder or claimant may proceed to secure dissolution of the city and payment of the bonds and claims in accordance with this section.
Subd. 2.Sheriff's certificate.
Such claimant may apply to the sheriff of the county in which the city lies for a certificate directed to the district court stating that the sheriff has been unable to find more than two members of the city council residing within the city. On finding that the facts so warrant, the sheriff shall execute such a certificate and deliver it to the claimant.
Subd. 3.Proceedings before district court.
Within 30 days after receiving the sheriff's certificate, the claimant may petition the district court for a formal dissolution of the city and the liquidation of its affairs, attaching the certificate to the petition. The court shall thereupon issue an ex parte order providing for a hearing on the dissolution of the city and the liquidation of the affairs of the city, and limiting the time within which bonds and claims against the city shall be filed with the court. The court shall order such published notice to be given of the hearing and of the time when bonds and claims must be filed, and shall provide for such other notice to parties interested as it may deem proper.
Subd. 4.Determination by court.
At the time and place specified, the court shall hear the evidence of all parties interested and consider the validity of bonds and claims against the city filed within the time specified in the court order. If it determines that the city has ceased to function and it is not in the public interest for the city to continue in existence, it shall order the city dissolved on the day fixed in the order. At the same time, or at a subsequent time fixed by the court, it shall examine, adjust and allow, in whole or in part, all bonds and claims filed within the time prescribed, and shall appoint the county auditor of the county in which the former city was situated as receiver to make the necessary tax levies, pay the bonds and claims allowed by the court, collect any debts owing to the city, and generally to liquidate the affairs of the city. A copy of the court's order shall be sent to the county auditor.
The court shall provide for the spreading of a tax levy on all the taxable property within the former city over such period of years, not exceeding 30, as the court directs, taking into account the amount of the bonds and claims and the total taxable net tax capacity of the property to be taxed.
Subd. 6.Collection and disposition of taxes.
The county auditor shall spread a levy against the property in the former city in accordance with the order of the court. The county treasurer shall deposit the proceeds of such tax, when collected, in a special account in the county treasury. After paying the cost of the dissolution proceedings, the county auditor shall apply the proceeds of the tax after each tax apportionment to the payment of principal and interest of outstanding bonds of the city until all such bonds and interest thereon shall have been paid in full. Thereafter the county auditor shall apply the proceeds of the tax after each tax apportionment to the various other creditors in proportion to their several claims until all have been discharged, but interest on any such claim shall be allowed and paid only from the date of the court order allowing such claim.
Subd. 7.Property and rights of statutory city.
All city property and all rights of the city shall upon dissolution inure in the town as the legal successor to the city. If the city lies in more than one town, surplus cash assets shall be distributed to the respective towns in proportion to the net tax capacity of that portion of the city lying in each; and the court shall determine the disposition of other unsold city property in such cases.
1959 c 433 s 1-7; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 719 art 5 s 84; 1989 c 329 art 13 s 20
The council may create departments and advisory boards and appoint officers, employees, and agents for the city as deemed necessary for the proper management and operation of city affairs. The council may prescribe the duties and fix the compensation of all officers, both appointive and elective, employees, and agents, when not otherwise prescribed by law. The council may require any officer or employee to furnish a bond conditioned for the faithful exercise of duties and the proper application of, and payment upon demand of, all moneys officially received. Unless otherwise prescribed by law, the amount of the bonds shall be fixed by the council. The bonds furnished by the clerk and treasurer shall be corporate surety bonds. The council may provide for the payment from city funds of the premium on the official bond of any officer or employee of the city. The council may, except as otherwise provided, remove any appointive officer or employee when in its judgment the public welfare will be promoted by the removal. This provision does not modify the laws relating to veterans preference or to members of a city police or fire civil service commission or public utilities commission.
1949 c 119 s 14; 1951 c 378 s 4; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1983 c 359 s 65; 1986 c 444
At its first meeting each year the council shall choose an acting mayor from the council members. The acting mayor shall perform the duties of mayor during the disability or absence of the mayor from the city or, in case of vacancy in the office of mayor, until a successor has been appointed and qualifies.
1949 c 119 s 15; 1969 c 9 s 83; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1986 c 444
The city assessor, if there is one, shall assess and return as provided by law all property taxable within the city, if a separate assessment district, and the assessor of the town within which the city lies shall not include in the return any property taxable in the city. Any assessor may appoint a deputy assessor as provided in section 273.06. The assessor may be compensated on a full-time or part-time basis at the option of the council, and mileage at the rate paid other city officers for each mile necessarily traveled in going to and returning from the county seat of the county to attend any meeting of the assessors of the county legally called by the county auditor, and also for each mile necessarily traveled in making the return of assessment to the proper county officer and in attending sectional meetings called by the county assessor, except when mileage is paid by the county. In addition to other compensation, the council may allow the assessor mileage at the same rate per mile as paid other city officers for each mile necessarily traveled in assessment work.
1949 c 119 s 16; 1951 c 166 s 1; 1965 c 186 s 2; 1969 c 9 s 84; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1976 c 44 s 24; 1986 c 444; 2014 c 308 art 9 s 82
The treasurer shall receive and safely keep all moneys belonging to the city, including moneys received in operations of any municipal liquor dispensary maintained by the city, and shall promptly enter in a book provided for the purpose an account of all moneys received and disbursed as treasurer, showing the source and objects thereof with the date of each transaction. The treasurer shall pay out money only upon the written order of the mayor and clerk, or such other officers of independent boards or commissions as are authorized to issue orders in the case of board or commission operations. Such orders when paid and canceled shall be retained as treasurer's vouchers. Such accounts and vouchers shall be exhibited to the council upon its request. The treasurer shall deliver to a successor all books, papers and money belonging to the city. The treasurer shall immediately after the close of the calendar year make out and file with the clerk for public inspection a report of balances, receipts and disbursements by funds for the year. The treasurer may, with the consent of the council appoint a deputy treasurer for whose acts the treasurer shall be responsible and whom the treasurer may remove at pleasure. In case of the treasurer's absence from the city or disability, the council may appoint a deputy treasurer, if there is none, to serve during such absence or disability. The deputy may discharge any of the duties of the treasurer.
1949 c 119 s 17; 1951 c 378 s 5; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1986 c 444
Subdivision 1.Listed; fees; deputy; absence.
The clerk shall give the required notice of each regular and special election, record the proceedings thereof, notify officials of their election or appointment to office, certify to the county auditor all appointments and the results of all city elections. The clerk shall keep (1) a minute book, noting therein all proceedings of the council; (2) an ordinance book to record at length all ordinances passed by the council; and (3) an account book to enter all money transactions of the city including the dates and amounts of all receipts and the person from whom the money was received and all orders drawn upon the treasurer with their payee and object. Ordinances, resolutions, and claims considered by the council need not be given in full in the minute book if they appear in other permanent records of the clerk and can be accurately identified from the description given in the minutes. The clerk shall act as the clerk and bookkeeper of the city, shall be the custodian of its seal and records, shall sign its official papers, shall post and publish such notices, ordinances and resolutions as may be required and shall perform such other appropriate duties as may be imposed by the council. For certified copies, and for filing and entering, when required, papers not relating to city business, the clerk shall receive the fees allowed by law to town clerks; but the council may require the clerk to pay such fees into the city treasury. With the consent of the council, the clerk may appoint a deputy for whose acts the clerk shall be responsible and whom the clerk may remove at pleasure. In case of the clerk's absence from the city or disability, the council may appoint a deputy clerk, if there is none, to serve during such absence or disability. The deputy may discharge any of the duties of the clerk, except that deputy shall not be a member of the council.
Subd. 2.Delegation; audit.
The council by ordinance may delegate all or part of the clerk's bookkeeping duties to another officer or employee. The officer or employee who by ordinance is made responsible for the clerk's bookkeeping duties shall furnish a fidelity bond conditioned for the faithful exercise of duties. The council may provide for the payment from city funds of the premium on the official bond. If the bookkeeping functions of the clerk are delegated to the city treasurer, the council shall provide for an annual audit of the city's financial affairs in accordance with the minimum procedures prescribed by the state auditor. A copy of the ordinance shall be provided to the state auditor.
1949 c 119 s 18; 1951 c 378 s 6; 1953 c 735 s 3; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1984 c 384 s 1; 1986 c 444
The offices of mayor of a statutory city and the fire chief of an independent nonprofit firefighting corporation serving the city are not incompatible offices and a person may concurrently hold both offices if all of the following conditions exist:
(1) the mayor does not appoint the fire chief;
(2) the mayor does not set the salary or benefits of the fire chief;
(3) neither officer performs functions that are inconsistent with the other's;
(4) neither officer in the officer's official capacity contracts with the other; and
(5) the mayor does not approve the fidelity bond of the fire chief.
1997 c 23 s 1
Statutory cities may expend public funds to acquire or lease residential property for housing or otherwise provide housing assistance in the city for one or more volunteer firefighters or ambulance personnel. The expenditure may only be made to attract and retain the qualified personnel necessary to ensure that a city has timely public safety and related service. A city may make the expenditure only after the need for the expenditure has been established and approved at a public hearing.
2001 c 19 s 1
MS 1949 [Repealed, 1953 c 49 s 2]
MS 1965 [Repealed, 1967 c 289 s 18]
The city council in a standard plan city shall consist of the mayor, the clerk, and the three or five council members. In optional plan cities, except those cities having a larger council under Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 412.023, subdivision 4, the council shall consist of the mayor and the four council members. A majority of all the members shall constitute a quorum although a smaller number may adjourn from time to time.
1949 c 119 s 22-26; 1967 c 289 s 6; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1976 c 44 s 26; 1981 c 219 s 1; 1984 c 543 s 46,47; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 30 s 4,5; 1997 c 7 art 1 s 135; 2004 c 182 s 30; 2016 c 158 art 1 s 182
Every contract, conveyance, license, or other written instrument shall be executed on behalf of the city by the mayor and clerk, with the corporate seal affixed, and only pursuant to authority from the council.
1949 c 119 s 27; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
Every city shall be a municipal corporation having the powers and rights and being subject to the duties of municipal corporations at common law. Each shall have perpetual succession, may sue and be sued, may use a corporate seal, may acquire, either within or without its corporate limits, such real and personal property as the purposes of the city may require, by purchase, gift, devise, condemnation, lease or otherwise, and may hold, manage, control, sell, convey, lease, or otherwise dispose of such property as its interests require. The powers listed in this act are not exclusive and other provisions of law granting additional powers to cities or to classes of cities shall apply except where inconsistent with this chapter.
1949 c 119 s 28; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
Subd. 6.Public ways and grounds.
Subd. 7.Lighting.
The council shall have power by ordinance to license and regulate baggage wagons, dray drivers, taxicabs, and automobile rental agencies and liveries. An ordinance to license or regulate taxicabs or small vehicle passenger service must meet the requirements under section 221.091, subdivision 2.
(c) The council may establish a community health board as defined in section 145A.02, subdivision 5, with all the powers of such boards under the general laws.
1949 c 119 s 29; 1955 c 270 s 1; 1961 c 230 s 2, 3; 1967 c 289 s 7; 1973 c 35 s 69; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1975 c 30 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 309 s 24; 1988 c 719 art 5 s 84; 1989 c 329 art 13 s 20; 1Sp1989 c 1 art 20 s 26; 1990 c 480 art 9 s 17; 1990 c 493 s 1; 1991 c 52 s 5; 1994 c 412 s 5; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 74; 2013 c 143 art 14 s 65; 2014 c 291 art 7 s 28, 29; 2016 c 96 s 3
The council of any city may employ public accountants on a monthly or yearly basis for the purpose of auditing, examining, and reporting upon the books and records of account of such city. For the purpose of this section, "public accountant" means a certified public accountant or a certified public accounting firm licensed in accordance with chapter 326A. All expenditures for these purposes shall be within the statutory limits upon tax levies in such cities.
(1186-5, 1186-6, 1186-7) 1937 c 215 s 1-3; 1953 c 535 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1992 c 592 s 7; 2001 c 109 art 2 s 7; 2010 c 191 s 8
The council shall have the power to declare that the violation of any ordinance shall be a penal offense and to prescribe penalties therefor. No such penalty shall exceed a fine of $1,000 or imprisonment in a city or county jail for a period of 90 days, or both, but in either case the costs of prosecution may be added.
1949 c 119 s 30; 1969 c 735 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1977 c 355 s 1; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 72
The council shall have full authority over the financial affairs of the city, and shall provide for the collection of all revenues and other assets, the auditing and settlement of accounts, and the safekeeping and disbursement of public money.
1949 c 119 s 31; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
The council shall make its annual tax levy by resolution. The following taxes may be levied as authorized:
(1) a tax for the payment of principal and interest on outstanding obligations of the city as provided by sections 475.61, 475.73, and 475.74;
(2) a tax for the payment of judgments as authorized by section 465.14;
(3) a tax to provide musical entertainment to the public in public buildings or on public grounds;
(4) a tax for band purposes as authorized by section 449.09;
(5) a tax for the support of a municipal forest, as authorized by section 459.06;
(6) a tax for advertising purposes, as authorized by section 469.189;
(7) a tax for forest fire protection in any city in a forest area, as authorized by section 88.04;
(8) a tax for the utilities fund in any city whose utilities are under the jurisdiction of a public utilities commission. The tax shall be levied for the purpose of paying the cost of the utility service or other services supplied to the city;
(9) a tax for the support of a public library, as authorized by section 134.07;
(10) a tax for firefighters' relief association purposes as authorized by sections 424A.092, subdivision 4, 424A.093, subdivision 5, or other statutes; and
(11) other special taxes authorized by law.
1949 c 119 s 32; 1951 c 104 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1973 c 389 s 2; 1973 c 773 s 1; 1976 c 2 s 138; 1976 c 239 s 114; 1977 c 429 s 63; 1980 c 509 s 157; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 1 s 60; 1987 c 291 s 218; 1988 c 719 art 5 s 84; 1989 c 277 art 4 s 44; 1Sp1989 c 1 art 5 s 28; 1994 c 505 art 4 s 1; 2013 c 111 art 5 s 80
At any time after the first day of the year following the making of an annual tax levy, the council may issue certificates of indebtedness in anticipation of the collection of taxes levied for any fund and not yet collected. The total of all certificates issued against any fund for any year with interest thereon until maturity, together with all orders outstanding against the fund, shall not exceed the total current taxes for the fund uncollected at the time of issuance plus the cash on hand in the fund. If certificates are issued against the anticipated tax levy for any fund, any unpaid orders outstanding against the fund shall be redeemed from the proceeds of the certificates. All tax anticipation certificates shall be negotiable and shall be payable to the order of the payee and shall have a definite due date but may be payable on or before that date. No certificate shall be issued to become due and payable later than the 1st day of April of the year following the year of issuance. Certificates shall be sold for not less than par and accrued interest and shall bear interest at a rate not to exceed seven percent per annum, payable at maturity or at such earlier times as the council may determine. Each certificate shall state upon its face the fund for which the proceeds of the certificate shall be used, the total amount of the certificates so issued against the fund, and the total amount embraced in the tax levy for that fund. They shall otherwise be issued on such terms and conditions as the council may determine. The proceeds of the taxes assessed on account of the fund against which tax-anticipation certificates are issued and the full faith and credit of the city shall be irrevocably pledged for the redemption of the certificates in the order of issuance against the fund.
1949 c 119 s 33; 1953 c 735 s 4; 1967 c 761 s 3; 1971 c 25 s 79; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
Subdivision 1.Lowest responsible bidder.
Except as provided in sections 471.87 to 471.89, no member of a council shall be directly or indirectly interested in any contract made by the council. Whenever the amount of a contract for the purchase of merchandise, materials or equipment or for any kind of construction work undertaken by the city is estimated to exceed the amount specified by section 471.345, subdivision 3, the contract shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder, after notice has been published once in the official newspaper at least ten days in advance of the last day for the submission of bids. If the amount of the contract exceeds $1,000, it shall be entered into only after compliance with section 471.345.
Subd. 2.Best value alternative.
1949 c 119 s 38; 1951 c 378 s 11; 1951 c 379 s 5; 1953 c 735 s 5; 1957 c 429 s 1; 1965 c 175 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1976 c 44 s 27; 1992 c 380 s 2; 2007 c 148 art 3 s 24
Any statutory city may by ordinance expressly accepting the provisions of sections 412.331 to 412.391 establish a public utilities commission with the powers and duties set out in those sections. Any water, light, power and building commission now in existence in any statutory city shall hereafter operate as a public utilities commission under sections 412.321 to 412.391.
1949 c 119 s 43; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
The commission shall consist of three members appointed by the council. No more than one member may be chosen from the council membership. Each member shall serve for a term of three years and until a successor is appointed and qualified except that of the members initially appointed in any city, one shall serve for a term of one year, one for a term of two years, and one for a term of three years. Residence shall not be a qualification for membership on the commission unless the council so provides. A vacancy shall be filled by the council for the unexpired term.
Subd. 2.Rules; officers, salary.
The commission shall adopt rules for its own proceedings which shall provide among other things for at least one regular meeting by the commission each month. It shall annually choose a president from among its own members. It shall also appoint a secretary for an indefinite term. The secretary need not be a member of the commission and may be the city clerk. No member of the commission shall receive a salary except as fixed by the council. The secretary shall receive a salary fixed by the commission.
1949 c 119 s 44; 1951 c 378 s 12; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1986 c 444
The council shall, in the ordinance establishing the commission, decide which of the following public utilities shall be within the commission's jurisdiction: (1) the city water system; (2) light and power system, including any system then in use or later acquired for the production and distribution of steam heat; (3) gas system; (4) sanitary or storm sewer system or both, including the city sewage disposal plant; (5) public buildings owned or leased by the city; (6) district heating system. As used subsequently in sections 412.351 to 412.391, the term "public utility" means any water, light and power, gas or sewer system, or public buildings thus placed by ordinance under the jurisdiction of the public utilities commission. Any public utility not placed under the jurisdiction of the public utilities commission by the ordinance establishing the commission may be placed under the jurisdiction of the commission by an amendment to the original ordinance.
1949 c 119 s 45; 1951 c 378 s 13; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1981 c 334 s 3
Subdivision 1.Contract; bid provisions apply.
The commission shall have power to extend and to modify or rebuild any public utility and to do anything it deems necessary for its proper and efficient operation; and it may enter into necessary contracts for these purposes. The provisions of section 412.311 relating to advertisement for bids shall apply to contracts of the public utilities commission.
Subd. 2.Hire, direct, fix pay for personnel.
The commission shall have power to employ all necessary help for the management and operation of the public utility, prescribe duties of officers and employees and fix their compensation.
Subd. 3.Buy fuel, supplies, wholesale energy.
The commission shall have power to buy all fuel and supplies, and it may purchase wholesale electric energy, steam heat, hot water energy, gas or water, as the case may be, for municipal distribution.
Subd. 4.Fix rates; adopt service rules.
The commission shall have power to fix rates and to adopt reasonable rules and regulations for utility service supplied by the municipally owned public utilities within its jurisdiction.
Subd. 5.Relations, finances with city.
The commission shall have power to enter into agreements with the council for payments by the city for utility service, compensation for the use by either the commission or the city of buildings, equipment, and personnel under the control of the other, payments to the city in lieu of taxes, transfers of surplus utility funds to the general fund, and also agreements on other subjects of relationships between the commission and the council.
1949 c 119 s 46; 1953 c 735 s 6; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1981 c 334 s 4
Subdivision 1.For all utility money in and out.
A separate fund or a separate account shall be established in the city treasury for each utility. Into this fund or account shall be paid all the receipts from the utility and from it shall be paid all disbursements attributable to the utility.
Subd. 2.Must audit like city.
The commission shall, in the same manner as the council under section 412.271, subdivision 1, and to the same extent, audit claims to be paid from the public utilities fund. The secretary of the commission shall draw an order upon the treasurer for the proper amount allowed by the commission.
Subd. 3.Checks paid like city.
Upon counter signature by the president of the commission and presentation orders shall be paid by the treasurer.
1949 c 119 s 47; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1986 c 444
The accounting officer of the commission shall make such monthly or annual statements of operation as the commission may require. A copy of each such report shall be filed in the office of the city clerk. An annual financial report shall be made and a copy filed with the clerk at the close of the calendar year and shall be included as part of the annual financial report or statement of the clerk in conformity with section 471.697 or 471.698. The cost of publication of any other official statement required by law to be published shall be paid from public utility funds.
1949 c 119 s 48; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 90
Any statutory city may establish, improve, ornament, maintain, and manage parks, parkways, and recreational facilities and by ordinance protect and regulate their use.
1949 c 119 s 61; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
The council of any city of more than 1,000 population may by ordinance establish a park board and it may by ordinance adopted by unanimous vote of all members of the council abolish any board thus established. Any park board now in existence in any city shall hereafter operate as a park board under this chapter until abolished as provided in this section. The park board shall consist of three, five, seven or nine members as determined by resolution or ordinance of the council, appointed by the mayor with the consent of the council. If the board consists of three members, one member of the original board shall serve for a term of one year, one for a term of two years, and one for a term of three years. If the board consists of five members, one member of the original board shall serve a term of one year, two for a term of two years and two for a term of three years. If the board consists of seven members, two members of the original board shall serve a term of one year, two for a term of two years and three for a term of three years. If the board consists of nine members, three members of the original board shall serve a term of one year, three for a term of two years and three for a term of three years. After the terms of the original board members expire, members shall be appointed for terms of three years. The number of members may be increased or decreased within the permitted three, five, seven or nine members by subsequent resolution or ordinance. The resolution or ordinance shall include a provision for maintaining staggered terms for board members, provided that if the number of members is reduced the reduction shall be effected in such a manner that all incumbent members are permitted to serve their full terms.
No action to change the size of the board shall be taken except upon a two-thirds vote of all the members of the city council, and no such action shall be taken until at least three years after establishment of the board or until at least three years after the last resolution or ordinance modifying the size of the board. Vacancies shall be filled for the remainder of the original terms. Each member shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. Members shall serve without compensation unless the council authorizes compensation. Any member may be removed by the mayor with the consent of the council for cause after a hearing. The board shall choose one of its members as chair and may select a secretary either from among its own members or otherwise and fix the secretary's compensation at not to exceed $500 per year. The board may adopt and from time to time amend rules of procedure. It shall make quarterly reports of its activities to the council. The city attorney, if there is one, shall act as attorney for the board. An annual statement of its receipts and disbursements shall be filed with the clerk immediately after the close of the calendar year and shall be included as part of the annual financial report or statement of the clerk in conformity with section 471.697 or 471.698.
1949 c 119 s 62; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1975 c 179 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 21 s 1; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 91
Either the park board or the council may acquire land for park purposes but the park board shall have full, absolute, and exclusive control over all property set aside for park purposes.
1949 c 119 s 63; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
In order to carry out the general powers granted in section 412.511, the park board shall have the powers granted in the following subdivisions.
Subd. 2.Employment.
The park board may employ necessary personnel and fix their compensation.
Subd. 3.Construction; contracts.
The park board may construct roadways, paths, buildings, fountains, docks, boathouses, bathhouses, refreshment booths, amusement halls, pavilions, and other necessary structures and improvements in parks. The board may, with the consent of the council, make contracts and leases for the construction and operation of these facilities for terms not exceeding ten years. Every such contract and lease shall provide that the structure shall be operated for the public use and convenience, and that the charges shall be reasonable and it shall reserve to the park board power to prescribe reasonable rules and regulations from time to time for the conduct of the privilege.
Subd. 4.Purchase of supplies; equipment, and services.
The park board may purchase all necessary materials, supplies, equipment, and services.
The park board shall maintain, beautify, and care for park property.
Subd. 6.Permit club to use navigable waters; limitations.
The park board may lease to private clubs the privilege of occupying limited areas in the bed of any navigable lake adjacent to a park for clubhouse purposes for not more than ten years. No clubhouse shall be so located as to interfere with navigation. Every such lease shall reserve to the board full power and authority to make from time to time reasonable rules and regulations with respect to the use of the leased property. The lessee shall have power to retain the clubhouse for the use of its own members and guests.
Subd. 7.Entertainment.
The park board may provide musical and free entertainment for the general public.
Subd. 8.Ice.
The park board may regulate the taking of ice from any pond, lake, or other body of water in any park.
Subd. 9.Additional powers.
The park board may perform whatever other acts are reasonable, necessary and proper to carry out the powers granted in section 412.511.
1949 c 119 s 64; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
Subdivision 1.Establishment, transfer; tax levies.
For the purpose of carrying out the powers of the park board there shall be established in the city treasury a special fund to be called a park fund. The council may transfer to the park fund the money it deems necessary for park purposes. No later than September 1 of each year the park board shall present to the council in the detail the council requires its estimate of the financial needs of the board for the ensuing fiscal year. In any county having a population of more than 200,000 the council of any city, whether having a park board or not, may annually levy a tax on all taxable property in the city for park purposes. The proceeds of this tax shall be placed in the park fund.
Subd. 2.Audit; withdrawals.
The park board shall, in the same manner as the council under section 412.271, subdivision 1, and to the same extent, audit claims to be paid from the park fund. The secretary of the board shall draw an order upon the treasurer for the proper amount allowed by the board. Upon counter signature by the president of the commission and presentation, orders shall be paid by the treasurer.
1949 c 119 s 65; 1951 c 378 s 14; 1971 c 462 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1973 c 773 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 277 art 4 s 45; 1994 c 505 art 7 s 1
Subdivision 1.Optional Plan A.
Any statutory city may provide for the appointment of its clerk and treasurer, or clerk-treasurer and the election of an additional council member as hereinafter provided in this chapter. These departures from the standard form of government are referred to hereafter as Optional Plan A.
Subd. 2.Optional Plan B.
Any statutory city of more than 1,000 population may provide for the council-manager plan of government hereinafter provided in this chapter and referred to as Optional Plan B.
[Repealed, 1967 c 289 s 18]
Subd. 4.Adoption or abandonment; standard form.
Any one of such plans may be adopted or abandoned in a city by following the procedures set forth in section 412.551. Until the adoption of an optional plan, and except as provided in section 412.572, every city shall operate under the standard form of government earlier provided in this chapter under which the voters elect the treasurer, if there is one, and a council consisting of a mayor, three or five council members, and the clerk or clerk-treasurer.
1949 c 119 s 66; 1965 c 417 s 6,7; 1967 c 289 s 8,9; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 30 s 6
Subdivision 1.Consistent laws apply.
All laws of the state applicable to a city before the adoption of an optional plan and not inconsistent with the provisions relating to such plan shall apply to and govern the city after the adoption of any optional plan.
Subd. 2.Ordinances, resolutions.
Any ordinance or resolution in effect at the time of adoption of such plan shall continue in effect until duly amended or repealed, notwithstanding the adoption of such optional plan.
Subd. 3.Same rights, liabilities, proceedings; exception.
No valid and legally subsisting right or liability and no judicial proceeding shall be affected by any such change of government, unless otherwise provided.
1949 c 119 s 72; 1967 c 289 s 11; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
Subdivision 1.Assumption of Plan A.
Except as otherwise provided by this section, on January 1, 1970, every statutory city operating under the standard plan of government shall assume the Plan A form of government as prescribed by chapter 412 in the same manner as if the change to Optional Plan A form of government had been approved by the voters in the manner prescribed by that chapter.
Subd. 2.Referendum on petition.
Prior to January 1, 1970, the city council may, and upon petition therefor signed by voters equal in number to at least 15 percent of the electors voting at the last previous city election, shall, submit to the voters at a regular or special election the question of adopting Optional Plan A. Subdivision 1 shall not be effective in any city where such an election is held unless a majority of the votes cast on the question in such an election are in the affirmative. If the majority of votes cast on the question are not in the affirmative, such a city shall remain a standard plan city. The question on assuming Optional Plan A shall be that provided by section 412.551, subdivision 2.
Subd. 3.After January 1, 1970.
Nothing in this section shall prevent an Optional Plan A city from abandoning such plan in the manner provided in section 412.551. Nothing in this section shall prevent any standard plan city from adopting an optional plan after January 1, 1970.
1967 c 289 s 17; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
In any city operating under Optional Plan A except a city having a larger council under Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 412.023, subdivision 4, the council shall be composed of five or seven members consisting, except during the initial period of its operation as provided in section 412.571, of the mayor and four or six council members and, except as provided in that section, the clerk and treasurer or clerk-treasurer shall be appointed by the council for indefinite terms.
1949 c 119 s 74; 1965 c 417 s 11; 1967 c 289 s 13; 1974 c 337 s 11; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 30 s 9; 1997 c 7 art 1 s 136; 2016 c 158 art 1 s 183
Subdivision 1.Clerk not on council; transition.
The clerk shall perform all the duties imposed on the clerk in cities generally but shall not be a member of the council, except that when Optional Plan A is first adopted in any city, the incumbent clerk shall continue to be a member of the council until the expiration of the term.
Subd. 1a.If treasurer, duties unchanged.
The duties of the treasurer if that office exists shall not be affected by adoption of Optional Plan A.
Subd. 2.Combining, uncombining clerk-treasurer.
Cities operating under Optional Plan A may, by an ordinance effective after the expiration of the term of the incumbent treasurer at the date of adoption of Optional Plan A, combine the offices of clerk and treasurer in the office of clerk-treasurer and thereafter the duties of the treasurer as prescribed by this chapter shall be performed by the clerk-treasurer. The offices of clerk and treasurer may be reestablished by ordinance.
Subd. 3.Audit standards if combined.
1949 c 119 s 75; 1961 c 230 s 4; 1965 c 417 s 12; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1973 c 492 s 14; 1986 c 444; 1994 c 546 s 2; 1995 c 27 s 3; 2004 c 281 s 3; 2010 c 191 s 9
Sections 412.601 to 412.751 shall apply only to statutory cities operating under Optional Plan B.
1949 c 119 s 76; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
The form of government provided in Optional Plan B shall be known as the council-manager plan. The council shall exercise the legislative power of the city and determine all matters of policy. The city manager shall be the head of the administrative branch of the government and shall be responsible to the council for the proper administration of all affairs relating to the city.
1949 c 119 s 77; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
Subdivision 1.Limit on boards; powers of council.
In any such city there shall be no community health board as defined in section 145A.02, subdivision 5, library board, park board, public utilities commission, or any other administrative board or commission, except for the administration of a function jointly with another political subdivision. The council shall itself be and perform the duties and exercise the powers of the community health board and shall govern and administer the library, parks, and utilities as fully as other municipal functions for the administration of which no independent boards are authorized by statute for cities generally. The council may, however, create boards or commissions to advise the council with respect to any municipal function or activity or to investigate any subject of interest to the city.
Subd. 2.Transition to city manager; civil service commission.
Any such boards and commissions in existence in any city when Optional Plan B is adopted shall continue to operate in all respects as formerly until the qualification of the first city manager, at which time they shall cease to exist and their powers shall be vested in the city council. Any existing civil service commission shall not be affected by the change. After abandonment of the plan in any such city and the establishment of the standard plan or Optional Plan A, any board or commission authorized by statute in cities generally may be established in the same manner as in other cities.
1949 c 119 s 78; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1987 c 309 s 24; 2015 c 21 art 1 s 109
In any city operating under Optional Plan B, the council shall, except as provided in repealed sections 412.023, subdivision 4, and 412.571, be composed of a mayor and four or six council members.
1949 c 119 s 79; 1967 c 289 s 14; 1974 c 337 s 12; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 30 s 10; 1997 c 7 art 1 s 137
Subdivision 1.Appointed by council.
The city manager shall be chosen by the council solely on the basis of training, experience, and administrative qualifications and need not be a resident of the city at the time of appointment.
Subd. 1a.Probationary year, then due process.
The manager shall be appointed for an indefinite period and may be removed by the council at any time, but after having served as manager for one year the city manager may demand written charges and a public hearing on the charges before the council prior to the date when final removal takes effect.
Subd. 1b.Hearing demand, procedure.
A demand for written charges and a hearing must be made within seven days of notification of the council's intent to remove the city manager. The council shall set a date and a reasonable time for a public hearing, which must be held within 30 days of the demand and may not be reconvened or recessed until a further date, absent approval of the council. The council shall notify the city manager within five days of the hearing, of the council's decision to retain or remove the city manager. The decision of the council is final.
Subd. 1c.Suspension; temporary replacement.
Pending such hearing and removal, the council may suspend the manager, with or without pay, at the council's discretion, from office. The council may designate some properly qualified person to perform the duties of the manager during absence or disability.
Subd. 2.When first manager appointed.
As soon as practicable after the adoption of Optional Plan B in any city, the council shall appoint the first manager under subdivisions 1 to 1c.
1949 c 119 s 80; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1986 c 444; 1993 c 315 s 14
Neither the council nor any of its members shall dictate the appointment of any person to office or employment by the manager, or in any manner interfere with the manager or prevent the manager from exercising judgment in the appointment of officers and employees in the administrative service; but this shall not be construed to prohibit the council from passing ordinances for establishing a merit system governing city employment. Except for the purpose of inquiry, the council and its members shall deal with and control the administrative service solely through the manager, and neither the council nor any of its members shall give orders to any subordinate of the manager, either publicly or privately.
1949 c 119 s 82; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1986 c 444
The council may create such departments, divisions, and bureaus for the administration of the affairs of the city as may seem necessary, and from time to time may alter their powers and organization. It may, in conjunction with the manager, prepare a complete administrative code for the city and enact it in the form of an ordinance, which may be amended from time to time by ordinance.
1949 c 119 s 83; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
There shall be a clerk, a treasurer, and such other officers subordinate to the manager as the council may create by ordinance. The clerk shall be subject to the direction of the manager and shall have such duties in connection with the keeping of the public records, the custody and disbursement of the public funds, and the general administration of the city's affairs as shall be ordained by the council. The clerk may be designated to act as secretary of the council. The treasurer shall have the powers and perform the duties imposed upon treasurers under the laws relating to cities generally. The council may by ordinance abolish offices which have been created by ordinance and it may combine the duties of various offices as it may deem fit. The council may provide for the performance by the manager of the duties of any officer except the treasurer.
1949 c 119 s 84; 1955 c 867 s 6; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1986 c 444
The manager shall be the chief purchasing agent of the city. All purchases for the city and all contracts shall be made or let by the manager when the amount of the purchase or contract does not exceed $20,000 unless a lower limit is provided by the city council; but all claims resulting therefrom shall be audited and approved by the council as provided in section 412.271. All other purchases shall be made and all other contracts let by the council after the recommendation of the manager has first been obtained. All contracts, bonds, and instruments of every kind to which the city is a party shall be signed by the mayor and the manager on behalf of the city and shall be executed in the name of the city.
1949 c 119 s 85; 1959 c 526 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1992 c 380 s 3; 2004 c 278 s 5
The manager shall prepare the estimates for the annual budget. The budget shall be by funds and shall include all the funds of the city, except the funds made up of proceeds of bond issues, utility funds, and special assessment funds, and may include any of such funds at the discretion of the council. The estimates of expenditures for each fund budgeted shall be arranged for each department or division of the city under the following heads: (1) ordinary expenses (for operation, maintenance, and repairs); (2) payment of principal and interest on bonds and other fixed charges; (3) capital outlays (for new construction, new equipment, and all improvements of a lasting character). Ordinary expenses shall be subdivided into: (a) salaries and wages, with a list of all salaried offices and positions, including the salary allowance and the number of persons holding each; (b) other expenses, with sufficient detail to be readily understood. All increases and decreases shall be clearly shown. In parallel columns shall be added the amounts granted and the amounts expended under similar heads for the past two completed fiscal years and the current fiscal year, actual to date and estimated for the balance of the year. In addition to the estimates of expenditures, the budget shall include for each budgeted fund a statement of the revenues which have accrued for the past two completed fiscal years with the amount collected and the uncollected balances together with the same information, based in so far as necessary on estimates, for the current fiscal year, and an estimate of the revenues for the ensuing fiscal year. The statement of revenues for each year shall specify the following items: sums derived from (a) taxation, (b) fees, (c) fines, (d) interest, (e) miscellaneous, not included in the foregoing, (f) sales and rentals, (g) earnings of public utilities and other public service enterprises, (h) special assessments, and (i) sales of bonds and other obligations. Such estimates shall be printed or typewritten and there shall be sufficient copies for each member of the council, for the manager, for the clerk, and three, at least, to be posted in public places in the city. The estimates shall be submitted to the council and shall be made public. The manager may submit with the estimates such explanatory statement or statements as the manager may deem necessary, and during the first three years of operation under Optional Plan B the manager shall be authorized to interpret the requirements of this section as requiring only such comparisons of the city's finances with those of the previous government of the city as may be feasible and pertinent.
1949 c 119 s 86; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1986 c 444; 1990 c 426 art 1 s 45
The budget shall be the principal item of business at a regular monthly meeting of the council and the council shall hold adjourned meetings from time to time until all the estimates have been considered. The meetings shall be so conducted as to give interested citizens a reasonable opportunity to be heard. The budget estimates shall be read in full and the manager shall explain the various items thereof as fully as may be deemed necessary by the council. The annual budget finally agreed upon shall set forth in detail the complete financial plan of the city for the ensuing fiscal year for the funds budgeted and shall be signed by the majority of the council when adopted. It shall indicate the sums to be raised and from what sources and the sums to be spent and for what purposes according to the plan indicated in section 412.701. The total sum appropriated shall be less than the total estimated revenue by a safe margin. The council shall adopt the budget by a resolution which shall set forth the total for each budgeted fund and each department with such segregation as to objects and purposes of expenditures as the council deems necessary for purposes of budget control. The council shall also adopt a resolution levying whatever taxes it considers necessary within statutory limits for the ensuing year for each fund. The tax levy resolution shall be certified to the county auditor in accordance with law. At the beginning of the fiscal year, the sums fixed in the budget resolution shall be and become appropriated for the several purposes named in the budget resolution and no other.
1949 c 119 s 87; 1953 c 735 s 8; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1990 c 426 art 1 s 46
It shall be the duty of the manager to enforce strictly the provisions of the budget. The manager shall not approve any order upon the treasurer for any expenditure unless an appropriation has been made in the budget resolution, nor for any expenditure covered by the budget resolution unless there is a sufficient unexpended balance left after deducting the total past expenditures and the sum of all outstanding orders and encumbrances. No officer or employee of the city shall place any order or make any purchase except for a purpose and to the amount authorized in the budget resolution. Any obligation incurred by any person in the employ of the city for any purpose not authorized in the budget resolution or for any amount in excess of the amount therein authorized shall be a personal obligation upon the person incurring the expenditure.
1949 c 119 s 88; 1953 c 735 s 9; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1986 c 444
After the budget resolution has been adopted the council shall have no power to increase the amounts fixed in the budget resolution, by the insertion of new items or otherwise, beyond the estimated revenues unless the actual receipts exceed the estimates and then not beyond the actual receipts. The council may at any time by resolution approved by a four-fifths vote of all the members of the council reduce the sums appropriated for any purpose by the budget resolution or authorize the transfer of sums from unencumbered balances of appropriations in the budget resolution to other purposes.
1949 c 119 s 89; 1953 c 735 s 10; 1974 c 337 s 13
The provisions of section 412.271 shall apply to cities operating under Optional Plan B except that orders shall be signed by the mayor and manager and no order shall be marked not paid for want of funds and except as otherwise provided in this section. Every resolution or motion authorizing a disbursement and every order shall specify the purpose for which the disbursement is made and indicate the fund from which it is to be paid. No order shall be issued until there is money to the credit of the fund from which it is to be paid sufficient to pay the order together with all then outstanding encumbrances upon the fund. The manager shall specify on each contract requiring the payment of money by the city the particular fund out of which the same is to be paid, and shall cause a suitable notation to that effect to be made on each such contract. The council may by ordinance make further regulations for the safekeeping and disbursement of the funds of the city.
1949 c 119 s 90; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
If in any year the receipts from taxes or other sources should from some unforeseen cause become insufficient for the ordinary expenses of the city or if any calamity or any other public emergency should subject the city to the necessity of making extraordinary expenditures, the council may authorize the sale by the city treasurer of emergency debt certificates to run not to exceed two years and to bear interest at not more than seven percent per year. A tax sufficient to redeem all such certificates at maturity shall be levied as part of the budget for the following year. The authorization of an issue of such emergency debt certificates shall be given by an ordinance approved by all the members of the council.
1949 c 119 s 91; 1974 c 337 s 14
The council shall, annually at its first meeting of the year, designate a legal newspaper of general circulation in the city as its official newspaper, in which shall be published such ordinances and other matters as are required by law to be so published and such other matters as the council may deem it advisable and in the public interest to have published in this manner.
1949 c 119 s 100; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
The council may by resolution vacate any street, alley, public grounds, public way, or any part thereof, on its own motion or on petition of a majority of the owners of land abutting on the street, alley, public grounds, public way, or part thereof to be vacated. When there has been no petition, the resolution may be adopted only by a vote of four-fifths of all members of the council. No vacation shall be made unless it appears in the interest of the public to do so after a hearing preceded by two weeks' published and posted notice. The council shall cause written notice of the hearing to be mailed to each property owner affected by the proposed vacation at least ten days before the hearing. The notice must contain, at minimum, a copy of the petition or proposed resolution as well as the time, place, and date of the hearing. In addition, if the street, alley, public grounds, public way, or any part thereof terminates at, abuts upon, or is adjacent to any public water, written notice of the petition or proposed resolution must be served by certified mail upon the commissioner of natural resources at least 60 days before the hearing on the matter. The notice to the commissioner of natural resources does not create a right of intervention by the commissioner. At least 15 days prior to convening the hearing required under this section, the council or its designee must consult with the commissioner of natural resources to review the proposed vacation. The commissioner must evaluate:
The commissioner must advise the city council or its designee accordingly upon the evaluation. After a resolution of vacation is adopted, the clerk shall prepare a notice of completion of the proceedings which shall contain the name of the city, an identification of the vacation, a statement of the time of completion thereof, and a description of the real estate and lands affected thereby. The notice shall be presented to the county auditor who shall enter the same in the transfer records and note upon the instrument, over official signature, the words "entered in the transfer record." The notice shall then be recorded with the county recorder. Any failure to file the notice shall not invalidate any vacation proceedings.
1949 c 119 s 102; 1953 c 735 s 12; 1957 c 383 s 1; 1967 c 289 s 15; 1969 c 9 s 85; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1973 c 494 s 11; 1976 c 181 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 183 s 4; 1990 c 433 s 2; 2005 c 4 s 105; 2005 c 117 s 2
All fines, forfeitures, and penalties recovered for the violation of any statute or ordinance to which the city is entitled by law shall be paid into the city treasury. Every court or officer receiving such moneys, shall make return thereof under oath in accordance with law, and be entitled to duplicate receipts for the amounts paid. One of the receipts shall be filed with the city clerk.
1949 c 119 s 104; 1967 c 62 s 2; 1974 c 337 s 15
Whenever the term "president" or "president of the council" is used in a statute applying to any statutory city, the term means the mayor of the city and the term "recorder" as so used means the clerk.
1949 c 119 s 105; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
Any provision in this chapter inconsistent with any provision of Laws 1929, chapter 208, Laws 1933, chapter 211, Laws 1937, chapter 356, or Laws 1943, chapter 526, shall not apply to any city to which any such act applies.
1949 c 119 s 106; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2
This chapter shall apply to every statutory city, irrespective of the law under which it was originally incorporated.
1949 c 119 s 109; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2