HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Memo from the Legal Department dated January 6, 2016 cary MEMO
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To: Honorable Mayor Ann Campbell and City Council Members
From: Jessica D. Spoden, Assistant City Attorney
Date: January 6, 2016
Subject: Section 1.6 Code Amendment
The Ames Municipal Code General Provisions chapter has a provision that setting the
penalty for misdemeanors. That code section is Section 1.6. This ordinance was first
enacted in 1956 and was modeled directly on the Iowa Code penalty for that category of
criminal offenses.
In the intervening years since enactment of the misdemeanor penalty ordinance, the
State law has undergone several revisions. The City has updated this provision to
remain consistent with State law, however, the City failed to amend this provision in
2006 after the State legislature changed the maximum fine for simple misdemeanors
from $500 to $625. Making the standard inside the city again consistent in all respects
with that which applies outside the city would eliminate confusion for law enforcement
and misdemeanant defendants.
In the past, the Council has indicated a desire to remain consistent with State law fine
amounts. Therefore, staff is bringing this code amendment for passage on first reading.
Legal Department 515.239.5146 —,in 515 Clark Ave.
515.239.5142 f,c Ames,IA 50010
www.CityofArnes.org
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