MINOT, N.D. (AP) - Minot’s City Council has approved a November ballot proposal to reduce the size of the group, though residents will consider it only if they reject another proposal in a June election.
A citizens group pushed for the June measure, which would reduce the council’s size from 14 members elected from wards to six council members elected at large, plus a voting mayor. Proponents believe it would ensure competitive races and force council members to look more broadly at city issues.
The council on Monday voted 12-2 to approve an alternative proposal. It would reduce the council from 14 members elected from seven city wards to eight members elected from four wards. The mayor would remain a non-voting position except in cases of a tie.
“What I am hearing is that the citizens would like a smaller number on the council, and I tend to agree with it. But I am also hearing that they want some ward representation,” said Alderwoman Miranda Schuler, who introduced the alternative resolution.
Citizen group spokesman Shaun Sipma isn’t happy with the council’s approval of an alternative proposal.
“Coming this close to the June election, we are disappointed that the council would take this type of action that, in a way, really muddied the issue,” he said.
Schuler said her plan is “less confusing” and also would ensure that each ward would include a portion of the Souris River Valley, which she said is important as the city continues efforts to improve flood protection following the June 2011 flood that caused an estimated $700 million in damage in Minot.
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This story has been corrected to show that the June measure would reduce the council size to six members, not five.
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