as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/02/2015 01:17pm
A bill for an act
relating to the Metropolitan Council; modifying the membership of the
nominating committee; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 473.123,
subdivision 3.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 473.123, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
(a) Sixteen members must be
appointed by the governor from districts defined by this section. Each council member
must reside in the council district represented. Each council district must be represented
by one member of the council.
(b) In addition to the notice required by section 15.0597, subdivision 4, notice of
vacancies and expiration of terms must be published in newspapers of general circulation
in the metropolitan area and the appropriate districts. The governing bodies of the statutory
and home rule charter cities, counties, and towns having territory in the district for which
a member is to be appointed must be notified in writing. The notices must describe the
appointments process and invite participation and recommendations on the appointment.
(c) deleted text begin The governor shall create a nominating committee, composeddeleted text end new text begin A committeenew text end of
seven metropolitan citizens deleted text begin appointed by the governor, todeleted text end new text begin shallnew text end nominate persons for
appointment to the council from districts. Three of the committee members must be local
elected officialsnew text begin appointed by the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, one must be a
county commissioner appointed by the Association of Minnesota Counties, and three must
be appointed by the governornew text end . Following the submission of applications as provided under
section 15.0597, subdivision 5, the nominating committee shall conduct public meetings,
after appropriate notice, to accept statements from or on behalf of persons who have applied
or been nominated for appointment and to allow consultation with and secure the advice
of the public and local elected officials. The committee shall hold the meeting on each
appointment in the district or in a reasonably convenient and accessible location in the part
of the metropolitan area in which the district is located. The committee may consolidate
meetings. Following the meetings, the committee shall submit to the governor a list of
nominees for each appointment. The governor is not required to appoint from the list.
(d) Before making an appointment, the governor shall consult with all members of
the legislature from the council district for which the member is to be appointed.
(e) Appointments to the council are subject to the advice and consent of the senate as
provided in section 15.066.
(f) Members of the council must be appointed to reflect fairly the various
demographic, political, and other interests in the metropolitan area and the districts.
(g) Members of the council must be persons knowledgeable about urban and
metropolitan affairs.
(h) Any vacancy in the office of a council member shall immediately be filled
for the unexpired term. In filling a vacancy, the governor may forgo the requirements
of paragraph (c) if the governor has made appointments in full compliance with the
requirements of this subdivision within the preceding 12 months.
new text begin
This section applies in the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota,
Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington.
new text end