(A) General rule. Words and phrases shall be taken in their plain, or ordinary and usual sense. However, technical words and phrases having a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be understood according to their technical import.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this code, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. The definitions of CITY CLERK, CLERK and TREASURER shall apply to all sections of the code that reference City Clerk-Treasurer.
CHARTER. The Charter of the City of Columbia Heights.
CITY, MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, or MUNICIPALITY. The City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and all the territory lying within its boundaries over which it has jurisdiction.
CITY CLERK. The Columbia Heights City Clerk.
CLERK. The Columbia Heights Licensing Clerk.
CODE, THIS CODE or THIS CODE OF ORDINANCES. This municipal code as modified by amendment, revision, and adoption of new chapters, articles, or sections.
COUNCIL. The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights.
COUNTY. Anoka County, Minnesota.
HEALTH AUTHORITY or HEALTH OFFICER. Anoka County Health Department.
MANAGER. The Columbia Heights City Manager.
MAY. The act referred to is permissive.
MAYOR. The Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights.
MONTH. A calendar month.
OATH. An affirmation in all cases in which, by law, an affirmation may be substituted for an oath, and in such cases the words SWEAR and SWORN shall be equivalent to the words AFFIRM and AFFIRMED. All terms shall mean a pledge taken by the person and administered by an individual authorized by state law.
OFFICER, OFFICE, EMPLOYEE, COMMISSION, or DEPARTMENT. An officer, office, employee, commission, or department of this municipality unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
PERSON. Extends to and includes an individual, person, persons, firm, corporation, copartnership, trustee, lessee, or receiver. Whenever used in any clause prescribing and imposing a penalty, the terms PERSON or WHOEVER as applied to any unincorporated entity shall mean the partners or members thereof, and as applied to corporations, the officers or agents thereof.
PRECEDING or FOLLOWING. Next before or next after, respectively.
SHALL. The act referred to is mandatory.
SIGNATURE or SUBSCRIPTION. Includes a mark when the person cannot write.
STATE. The State of Minnesota.
TREASURER. The Columbia Heights Finance Director.
WRITTEN. Any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by printing or otherwise.
YEAR. A calendar year, unless otherwise expressed.
(`77 Code, § 1.201) (Am. Ord. 1535, passed 9-8-08)