For the second time in three days, a group of citizens have made official their attempts to overturn a law.
Patrick Quirk, 712 S. West St., submitted the petition on the trio’s behalf.
Stillwater ordinance 2694, passed Aug. 21, outlaws more than three unrelated occupants in one dwelling.
The law requires property owners to obtain a permit from the city of Stillwater if more than three unrelated occupants live in the dwelling. Permits last three years.
Stillwater citizen Gene Boyce of 1115 Brown Ave., an official sponsor of the petition, said the issue should be left to a vote of the people.
"I think it would take some of the pressure off of the commissioners," he said. "The issue is too decisive." Boyce, who also is a rental property owner, said his reason for sponsoring the petition is the desire to see the people get a choice.
"I own some property," he said. "But I just think it should be left up to the people."
Quirk also drafted a referendum petition submitted Aug. 25 seeking to overturn an ordinance outlawing cars parked on grass.
City Attorney Mary Ann Karns said the first step in the initiative petition process is the submission of a referendum petition to the city clerk. Following the submission, the proponents must secure enough signatures to equal 25 percent of the number of voters in the last municipal election.
"I believe the number is 577," she said.
Karns said the proponents submit their petition to the city clerk.
"The city clerk then decides whether the petition is sufficient or not," she said. "If it is sufficient, an election is called and the people vote yes or no."
The commission is expected to acknowledge the petition at its next meeting, Sept. 11. The commission will not meet on Labor Day.
Loading ...
All Articles