Explanatory Statement:This measure would amend the St. Paul City Charter to require that all annexations to the City (unless mandated by State law), be approved by a majority vote of the electors of the City. The exact text of the Charter amendment would be as follows: "Chapter I, Section 3. BOUNDARIES. Section 3. BOUNDARIES. The corporate limits of the City shall include all territory encompassed by its boundaries as they now exist or hereafter are modified by a majority of the voters. Unless mandated by State Law, annexations, delayed or otherwise, to the City of St.Paul, may only be approved by a prior majority vote among the electorate. The City Recorder shall keep in the office at City Hall at least two copies of this Charter in each of which the City Recorder shall maintain an accurate, up-to-date description of the boundaries. The copies and descriptions shall be available for public inspection at any time during regular office hours of the City Recorder." Presently, the State law provides for methods by which the City can annex territory into the City. Traditionally, the City has annexed territory into the City with the consent of the property owner and the passage of an Ordinance by the City Council. The matter did not have to be submitted to a vote of the people of the City. This amendment would require the City to submit the matter to a vote of the electors of the City. In order for the territory to be annexed, there would have to be a favorable vote by a majority of the electors voting in the election. This amendment specifically states that it includes "annexations, delayed or otherwise." It is the intention that it includes all types of annexations. The provision specifically excludes any annexations mandated by State law, such as for a health hazard. Submitted by: Sam McKillip, Mayor City of St. Paul
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