(A) General rule. Words and phrases shall be taken in their plain, 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.
(1) Statutory. For purposes of this code, the terms defined in M.S. §§ 645.44 and 645.45, as they may be amended from time to time, have the meanings given them by those sections; and terms defined by statutes, rules or regulations, and ordinances adopted by reference have the meanings given them therein.
(Prior Code, § 105.03)
(2) Definitions; internal. Terms defined in other sections of this code have the meanings given them by those sections.
(Prior Code, § 105.05)
(3) Statutory rules. It is the intent of the City Council that the rules and canons of construction, presumptions and miscellaneous provisions relating to statutory construction contained in M.S. Ch. 645, as it may be amended from time to time, apply to this code and govern its interpretation, and that all questions of meaning, construction and interpretation of this code be resolved by application of the rules contained in M.S. Ch. 645, as it may be amended from time to time. The provisions of M.S. Ch. 645, as it may be amended from time to time, are hereby adopted by reference and are as much a part of this code as if fully set forth herein.
(Prior Code, § 105.09)
(4) General definitions. For the purpose of this code, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CHARTER. The Charter of the City of Wabasha.
CITY. The City of Wabasha, Minnesota. The term CITY, when used in this code, may also be used to refer to the City Council and its authorized representatives.
CLERK. The Wabasha City Clerk.
CODE, THIS CODE or THIS CODE OF ORDINANCES. This city code as modified by amendment, revision and adoption of new titles, chapters or sections.
COUNCIL. The City Council of the City of Wabasha.
COUNTY. The County of Wabasha, Minnesota.
HEALTH AUTHORITY. The Health Officer.
MAY. The act referred to is permissive.
MAYOR. The Wabasha City Mayor.
MONTH. A calendar month.
OATH. An affirmation in all cases in which, by law, an affirmation may be substituted for an oath and, in those 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 the city unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
OWNER. In the case of personal property, a person, other than a lienholder, having the property in or title to personal property. In the case of real property, the term means the fee owner of land or the beneficial owner of land whose interest is primarily one of possession and enjoyment in contemplation of ultimate ownership. The term includes, but is not limited to, vendees under a contract for deed and mortgagors.
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.
SUBCHAPTER. A division of a chapter, designated in this code by a heading in the chapter analysis and a capitalized heading in the body of the chapter, setting apart a group of sections related by the subject matter of the heading. Not all chapters have SUBCHAPTERS.
UTILITIES COMMISSION. The Water, Light and Power Commission.
WRITTEN. Any representation of words, letters or figures, whether by printing or otherwise.
YEAR. A calendar year, unless otherwise expressed.
(Prior Code, § 105.01)