NEW ULM — Anti-nepotism language was formally removed from the City Charter following a public hearing Tuesday.

Last year, the city discussed convening the Charter Commission to look at changes to the charter; specifically to the section regarding incompatible offices. This section is commonly known as the nepotism clause.

The ordinance prevented anyone with a relative working for the city who held elected office. The nepotism clause was an obscure regulation that had not been enforced by the city until recent years, and many deemed it too strict.

Upon review, the Charter Commission agreed on the nepotism language and chose to remove the language, but added a section on conflict of interest. The conflict of interest language required any elected official who had a conflict of interest on a specific issue to refrain from voting on or participating in any action or decision regarding the matter.

The League of Women Voters New Ulm went on record in support of the recommendations made by the commission.

Councilor Les Schultz made the motion approving the second consideration of the amendments to the city charge with a second from Councilor David Christian.

Also at the meeting, the council approved amendments to the list of city departments, procedures for voting on resolutions, deadline for budget presentation, procedures for liens and certification for unpaid utility services.