2005 CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE

The 2005 Charter Review Committee met on September 21, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. with Chairman Leary presiding. Members present were Mrs. Greenwood, Mr. Jones, Mrs. Malone, Mrs. Merritt (arrived at 7:21 p.m.), and Mr. Scheller. Dr. Miller was absent. Mrs. McDowell was also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Jones and unanimously carried.

ARTICLE II - MAYOR AND COUNCIL, SECTION 7 - NOMINATION PETITIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR COUNCIL AND MAYOR

During the committee’s initial review of the City Charter (meeting of October 20, 2005) and as noted during their meeting of June 1, 2006, members recommended that Section 7 be moved from the City Charter to the City Code.

Mr. Leary stated that depending on the recommendation of members with regards to the election date (Sections 6 and 8), it may be necessary to change the nominating petition requirements and questioned if there was any desire to make any amendments in this regard.

Mrs. Malone advised members that currently, when elected to office, new members are responsible for adopting a budget that has been considered for several months prior to its adoption. She felt that there should be more time allotted for new members to become acclimated with the budget before being required to take action on its adoption.

Responding, Mr. Leary stated that the Consent Decree includes an April election date; however, he reminded members that Council may request an amendment to the Consent Decree. It was his opinion that the committee could make recommendations that, if and when members of Council request such an amendment, certain items be considered for possible amendments.

Mrs. Malone moved to recommend a thorough examination of the election date to provide new members time to review the budget prior to adoption and to increase voter participation, if and when the Consent Decree is negotiated. The motion was seconded by Mr. Jones and unanimously carried.

In reviewing Section 7, there was much discussion regarding the possibility of recommending that a filing fee be instituted or whether the number of signatures on the petition should be increased. It was noted that the filing petition requirements have been in affect for several years and if based on population, it should be increased to reflect a more adequate number to indicate support.

Mrs. Malone moved to amend Section 7 to require “not less than 25 nor more than 50 electors” for city council filing for a district seat and “not less than 100 nor more than 150" for both council at-large and mayor filing petitions. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Merritt and unanimously carried.

DISCUSSION - REVIEW OF CITY CHARTER

Mr. Leary advised members that after meeting with the Council President and the Mayor, there is no objection to the final recommendation from the committee being submitted beyond the one (1) year time period. He also advised members that they are confident that members of Council will be conducting several public hearings and, therefore, the committee is not required to conduct any more public hearings.

Mr. Leary advised members that during the meeting of October 26, 2006, there will be a presentation by Mr. Luft, as requested by Mr. DePrima, City Manager, and considered by members during their September 7, 2006 meeting. After this meeting, he suggested that the committee recess for an indefinite period of time, which will allow the City Clerk’s Office to complete all the minutes of the committee meetings, and he can begin formulating a formal written report to be submitted to Council. Once he has completed a draft report, members will reconvene to assure that all members approve the final report prior to its submission to City Council.

Mr. Jones moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:43 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas J. Leary, Chairman

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