HF 1305

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 02/16/2017 02:17pm

A bill for an act
relating to the Metropolitan Council; requiring council members to regularly
communicate with elected officials in their district; amending Minnesota Statutes
2016, section 473.123, subdivision 4.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 473.123, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Chair; appointment, officers, selection; duties and compensation.

(a) The
chair of the Metropolitan Council shall be appointed by the governor as the 17th voting
member thereof by and with the advice and consent of the senate to serve at the pleasure
of the governor to represent the metropolitan area at large. Senate confirmation shall be as
provided by section 15.066.

The chair of the Metropolitan Council shall, if present, preside at meetings of the council,
have the primary responsibility for meeting with local elected officials, serve as the principal
legislative liaison, present to the governor and the legislature, after council approval, the
council's plans for regional governance and operations, serve as the principal spokesperson
of the council, and perform other duties assigned by the council or by law.

(b) The Metropolitan Council shall elect other officers as it deems necessary for the
conduct of its affairs for a one-year term. A secretary and treasurer need not be members
of the Metropolitan Council. Meeting times and places shall be fixed by the Metropolitan
Council and special meetings may be called by a majority of the members of the Metropolitan
Council or by the chair. The chair and each Metropolitan Council member shall be reimbursed
for actual and necessary expenses.

(c) Each member of the council shall attend and participate in council meetings and meet
regularly with local elected officials and legislative members from the council member's
district. Each council member shall serve on at least one division committee for
transportation, environment, or community development.

(d) In the performance of its duties the Metropolitan Council may adopt policies and
procedures governing its operation, establish committees, and, when specifically authorized
by law, make appointments to other governmental agencies and districts.

new text begin (e) Each member of the council shall regularly communicate with elected officials in
the member's district to better understand the unique issues of the district. Each member
shall rely on the input received so as to act in the best interests of the member's district.
new text end