HomeMy Public PortalAboutCharter Review Committee Minutes 09-12-2012 Charter Review Commission Minutes
September 12, 2012
Community Board Room
Members Present:
Chairman Bill Agan
Secretary/Vice Chair Jeff Ritter
Member Loyce Greer
Member Janece Hill
Member Doug Knowlton
Members Absent:
Member LaRue Wall
Audience Present:
Beverly Williams
Michaela Williams
Chairman Agan called the meeting to order at 7:07PM
1. Read and Approve minutes from last meeting
(September 5, 2012)
Member Knowlton motioned to accept the Minutes of the Sep. 5, 2012 meeting.
Member Hill seconded.
The motion was approved by unanimous vote.
2. Review City Charter.
Section 9.01 —General and Special Laws of the State of Texas Adopted
The consensus was to remove "...Chapter 231... " and retain existing language.
Section 9.02 - Organization
The consensus of the Commission was to modify the verbiage in#2 to read, "When a
member is absent from a Commission meeting, an alternate member replacement shall be
seated and have voting privileges. Alternate members only vote when seated in place of
an absent sitting member. "
#5 was modified to read, "The Commission shall elect from its members a Chairman,
Vice Chairman and Secretary to serve for one (1)year from the date of their election.
The Secretary may be elected from the membership or be a non-voting member of the
City staff„
#6 was modified to read, "Members of the Commission may be removed at will by the
City Council. "
#7 was modified to read, "The Commission shall meet at least once a month or as
necessary. "
The consensus of the Commission was to follow Attorney Elam's advice and remove
#11.
Section 9.03 —Powers and Duties
The consensus of the Commission was to remove the provision for retaining public
records, findings and determinations as the Commission does not conduct investigations.
#5 was modified to read, "Perform such additional duties as may be prescribed by City
Council."
The consensus of the Commission was to add to the full power section—
#3 —"May be asked by the City Council to review ordinances and recommend changes. "
Section 9.04-Procedures
The consensus of the Commission was to begin the first section with, "All rules... "
Extensive discussion by everyone on the effect of abstentions —whether it should be
recorded as a "no" vote, or not be counted at all.
3. Assignment for Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday September 19, 2012 for the Commission to
continue reviewing the Charter.
The Commission will continue with Article IX—Planning and Zoning Commission and
Board of Adjustment
4. Public Comments
Beverly Williams—Very intensive discussion on the subtleties of the verbiage. Great to
see in-depth discussion of topics.
5. Adjournment
Secretary Ritter motioned to adjourn.
Member Hill seconded.
Chairman Agan adjourned the meeting at 8:50 PM.
Jeff Ritter-Secretary- Bill Agan-Chairm n