SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Senate Local Government Committee had first reading of the so-called Hartford bill that revises the voting authority of a councilor.
State Senator Scott Feigan (R-Dell Rapids) says the measure also addresses the Hartford council’s turbulent last month where the body has been decimated by resignations.
Feigan says the orginal six member council is now down to three. He says legally they can't do any business. An amendment approved today in committee says that a quorum exists of those members actually in the position. Feigan says that should allow the Hartford Council to continue working.
The measure also addresses an incident last November when council president Doyle Johnson voted twice to break a tie. Once in his own position and again as acting mayor over a recall petition against Mayor Bill Campbell. Johnson contended that state law confers powers of the mayor on the council president in the absence of the mayor.
Senate Bill 64 states "No alderman may vote as mayor to break a tie."
The committee will consider action on the bill next Wednesday.
Senate Bill 65 places the burden of deciding whether a recall petition has valid signatures with a city's finance officer. The officer would then decide if the petition would go to the council.