A proposed resolution calling for the Duluth School District to put the red plan to a vote has angered some on the Duluth City Council, who said they will call for an unusual vote during tonight's agenda session to have it taken off Monday night's council agenda.
City Council President Roger Reinert said he's spoken with "several" councilors who support such a vote, but would not name them.
"They don't think the council should be sticking its nose into the school district's business," Reinert said. "They [also] don't want to have hours of discussion for a vote that at best will be ceremonial."
Earlier in the week, red plan critic Garry Krause authored the resolution, which would be non-binding and only symbolic if passed. Numerous people have e-mailed the council since then in support and opposition of the resolution.
Reinert said there are three scenarios under which an ordinance or resolution could be removed from a council agenda. It could be removed from the authoring councilor, by the council president or by a two-thirds majority of the nine-member council.
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Reinert said he supports removing it from the agenda but would not take the action himself.
It's highly unusual for the council to vote during an agenda session, when it normally uses the time to get information on a resolution or ordinance. However, City Attorney Bryan Brown said it is within council rules to vote on removing the resolution.
In the seven years he's been on the council, Jim Stauber said he can't remember that happening and believed it would be inappropriate to do so tonight.
"We need to have advanced notice to let the public know we're going to vote on something," he said. "If the public wants to talk about this, let them talk."
