Terms limits for Minot City Council members will be on the table for the new council that will seat two new members next week.

Council member Shannon Straight, who did not seek re-election and will be stepping down, asked the council at its meeting Monday to consider term limits.

“I think that we can do better to build public trust, for citizen engagement. And that’s why I feel that term limits are a good local step,” Straight said. “Maybe this is just another way to possibly just make our democracy a little bit better.”

“Elections are the best tool for creating turnover in these seats, and I think turnover is desirable,” said council member Josh Wolsky, who also will step down next week. “I would suggest that they are not necessarily the only tool.”

Wolsky moved to draft an ordinance for consideration in August. The ordinance would be similar to one in Fargo, which caps service at three terms.

“If this gets people involved, I’m all for it,” council member Paul Pitner said of term limits. “If we can get people engaged in the process and engaged in the decisions that are made, engaged in the direction of our community, I’m all for it, and I have no problem discussing that at the August meeting.”

Council member Lisa Olson voiced concern about moving too quickly.

“If the community has thoughts on this, it should come from the community. It should be grassroots,” she said. “If that sentiment is out there, we’ll certainly hear it.”

She also spoke about her research indicating term limits make it more difficult for women and minorities to run for office.

“I would like to see a little more diversity, and I just feel that this would be a roadblock or a stumbling block for either women or minorities to be encouraged to run,” Olson said.

Mayor Shaun Sipma noted then turnover that already occurs. He listed only two mayors in more recent years who have served more than three terms – 12 years – in Minot.

“But I’m interested to see what comes out of the discussion, if nothing else,” Sipma said. “I would like to see more engaged people in the community stepping forward, whether it be the city council or mayor.”

Council member Stephan Podrygula spoke against term limits, although he voted for the motion to discuss an ordinance in August. Only Olson voted against the motion.

“I think we should have the courage to bring up ideas that have the potential for really improving our community, or moving in the other direction. At least, we should be talking about these things,” Podrygula said of his vote.

However, he added, his opposition is based on elections being the most efficient way to determine how long people serve and because of the value of experience on a board.

“My ultimate argument against term limits is that it deprives the people of a choice,” he said. “The voice of people deserves to be heard, and I think it can be heard and should be heard through the normal election process.”