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CHAPTER 6 <br /> 7. 90-day absence rule <br /> Minn.Stat.§412.02,subd.2b. A vacancy in the office of mayor or councilmember may be declared by the <br /> council when the office holder is unable to serve in the office or to attend <br /> council meetings for a 90-day period because of illness, or because of <br /> absence from or refusal to attend council meetings. If any of the preceding <br /> conditions occur,the council may, by resolution,declare a vacancy and then <br /> fill it at a regular or special council meeting. The appointed councilmember <br /> will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term,or until the absent <br /> councilmember is again able to resume duties and attend council meetings, <br /> whichever is earlier. When the absent councilmember is able to resume duties <br /> and attend council meetings,the council shall,by resolution,remove the <br /> temporary office holder and restore the original office holder. <br /> 8. Qualifying for a second or incompatible office <br /> See LMC information memo, If an officer accepts a second office that is incompatible with the first,the <br /> Official Conflict of Interest for <br /> more information. first office is automatically vacated. (Section J of this chapter discusses <br /> incompatible offices in more detail.) <br /> 9. Expiration of elected term <br /> Minn.Stat.§412.02,subd.2. Generally,the vacancy occurring at the conclusion of an incumbent's term of <br /> office is filled immediately by the successor. If no one has been elected,the <br /> incumbent fills the office until the council appoints a successor and that <br /> person qualifies for the office. <br /> 10. Habitual drunkenness <br /> Minn.Stat.§351.07. State law provides that the habitual drunkenness of any person holding office <br /> is good cause for removal from office. <br /> F. Filling vacancies <br /> Minn.Stat.§412.02,subd.2a. While a council might identify and declare the facts giving rise to a vacancy, <br /> A.G.Op.59a-30(July 24, for all practical purposes they occur automatically and are not based upon any <br /> 1996). removal action. Because the council must fill vacancies in elective offices,it <br /> See"Vacancies on a Statutory should determine whether a vacancy exists.After investigating the facts,the <br /> City Council,"Minnesota <br /> Cities,Oct.2000. council should pass a resolution declaring a vacancy and then fill it as soon as <br /> possible. <br /> Minn.Stat.§412.02,subd.2a. State law provides that statutory city councils make the appointment to fill a <br /> vacancy, except in the case of a tie vote when the mayor makes the <br /> A.G.Op.471-M(Oct.30, appointment.That means all members of the council,including the mayor, <br /> 1986). can vote on the appointment. And as long as at least a quorum of the council <br /> is present,a majority vote of those present is sufficient to make the <br /> appointment. <br /> HANDBOOK FOR MINNESOTA CITIES This chapter last revised 08/30/2012 6:7 <br />