2005 CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE

The 2005 Charter Review Committee met on November 20, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. with Chairman Leary presiding. Members present were Mrs. Greenwood, Mrs. Malone, Dr. Miller, and Mr. Scheller. Mr. Jones and Mrs. Merritt was absent. Mrs. McDowell was also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Dr. Miller and unanimously carried.

DISCUSSION - FORM OF GOVERNMENT

Mr. Leary reminded members that during their meeting of October 26, 2006, Mr. DePrima (City Manager for the City of Dover) and Mr. Wontorek (City Manager for the City of Lewes) gave a presentation regarding form of government. As a result of the information provided, although members had already voted regarding the form of government issue, it was the consensus of members that the matter be discussed further.

As requested, members were provided the four (4) historic forms of City Government as provided by the National League of Cities, which provided an explanation and characteristics of the various forms of governments, including Mayor-Council, Council-Manager, Commission, and Representative Town Meeting. In addition, members were provided organizational charts from other municipalities depicting their form of government. Organizational charts were provided for both the Mayor-Council (City of Minneapolis, Minnesota) and Council-Manager (Hagerstown, Maryland) Forms of Government.

Information was also provided from the National League of Cities regarding the distinction between those jurisdictions that have either “weak” or “strong” mayors. It was noted that most “strong” mayors are in the mayor-council form of government and are directly elected by the citizens. Most “weak” mayors are mayors in a council-manager form of government and are elected by and from the council.

Mrs. Malone felt that the committee would benefit from hearing from other Mayors and City Managers.

Noting that the holiday season is approaching, Mr. Scheller stated that his interest is with cities that may have already gone through this process and talking with those committee members, suggesting the possible use of video-conferencing. He suggested that contact should be made with those jurisdictions that are the same size as Dover and have a different form of government.

Mrs. Mitchell, Treasurer/Finance Director, offered to develop a list of cities that are similar in size to the City of Dover and have a different form of government to provide to members for their review.

In addition, Mr. Leary offered to talk with Mr. O’Connor, the previous City Manager for the City of Dover, to get his thoughts on the subject matter.

City Clerk’s Office Note: Following the meeting, Mr. Leary contacted the City Clerk’s Office and suggested that no further action be taken by the committee until the final review of all recommendations. All members were contacted by Mrs. McDowell and the majority agreed.

Without objection, Mr. Leary adjourned the meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:45 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas J. Leary, Chairman

TJL/tm/jg

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