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HomeMy Public PortalAboutOrdinance No. 1467-23 02-13-2023 ORDINANCE NO. 1467-23 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION FOR SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AMENDING THE CITY CHARTER; MAKING PROVISIONS FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE ELECTION; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City of Richland Hills, Texas ("City"), is a home rule city acting under its charter adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution and Chapter 9 of the Local Government Code; and WHEREAS, it is the intention of the City Council to call a special election to submit proposed amendments to the City Charter to the voters in accordance with Section 9.004 of the Texas Local Government Code; and WHEREAS, an election to submit to the voters proposed amendments to the City Charter is required by law to be held on the uniform election date that occurs 30 days after the election is ordered and Section 3.005 of the Texas Election Code requires that a special election be ordered prior to February 17, 2023; and WHEREAS, Section 41.011 of the Election Code establishes the first Saturday in May as a uniform election date, and the Council has determined that date sufficient in time to comply with the requirements of the law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, THAT: SECTION 1. CHARTER AMENDMENT ELECTION CALLED The City Council does hereby, on its own motion, order a special election to submit to the voters of the City of Richland Hills proposed amendments to the City Charter. The proposed amendments to the City Charter are set forth in Exhibit A, attached to this ordinance and incorporated herein for all purposes and are hereby approved by the City Council for submission to the voters. The election shall be conducted according to the laws of the State of Texas, and shall be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Richland Hills City Hall, 3200 Diana Drive, Richland Hills, Texas 76118. SECTION 2. ELECTION SERVICES CONTRACT The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a contract with the Tarrant County Elections Administrator(the "Contract")for the purpose of having Tarrant County furnish all or any portion of the election services and equipment needed by the City Secretary to conduct the election. The Contract, and election services provided therein, shall conform to Chapter 31, Subchapter D, of the Texas Election Code and other applicable statutes and laws. SECTION 3. CONTRACT TERMS The Contract shall provide: (a) the type of electronic voting equipment to be used for early voting by personal appearance and on election day; (b) notification and training for election judges and clerks; (c) an estimate and final payment terms for the election services provided; (d) agreements for early voting equipment and voting machine rental; and (e) other procedures to conduct the election. SECTION 4. COMBINED BALLOTS Combined ballots may be utilized, containing all of the offices and propositions to be voted on at each polling place, provided that no voter shall be given a ballot or permitted to vote for any office or proposition on which the voter is ineligible to vote. Returns may be made on forms, which are individual or combined, and the Elections Administrator shall be designated as the custodian of combined records. SECTION 5. CHARTER PROPOSITION BALLOTS The official ballots for the election shall be prepared in accordance with the Election Code so as to permit the electors to vote "Yes" or"No" on the propositions, with the ballots to contain such provisions, markings, and language as required by law, and with the propositions to be expressed substantially as set forth on Exhibit "B," attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes. SECTION 6. POLLING PLACE The polling place for the special election shall be at Richland Hills City Hall, 3200 Diana Drive, Richland Hills, Texas 76118, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., on election day. SECTION 7. ELECTION JUDGE The Presiding Election Judge and Alternate Presiding Election Judge shall be appointed by Tarrant County as indicated in the Contract and authorized by Chapter 271 of the Election Code. Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 2 of 26 SECTION 8. METHOD OF VOTING The City Secretary is hereby authorized and instructed to provide and furnish all necessary supplies to conduct the special election, in accordance with this Ordinance and the Election Code. SECTION 9. EARLY VOTING (a) Early Voting by Personal Appearance. Heider Garcia, the Tarrant County Elections Administrator("Elections Administrator"), is hereby designated as the Early Voting Clerk for the election as indicated in the Contract. Early voting by personal appearance shall commence April 24, 2023, and shall continue until May 2, 2023. Early voting main location will be at the Tarrant County Elections Center, 2700 Premier Street, Fort Worth, Texas. Early voting by personal appearance begins on Monday,April 24, 2023, and ends on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, during the hours listed below: April 24 — 28 Monday — Friday 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. April 29 Saturday 7:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m. April 30 Sunday 11:00 a.m. —4:00 p.m. May 1 — 2 Monday — Tuesday 7:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m. (b) Early Voting by Mail. The Elections Administrator shall be responsible for Early Voting applications and ballots. Applications for early voting by mail may be delivered to Heider Garcia, Tarrant County Elections Administrator, 2700 Premier Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76111, not later than close of business on April 25, 2023. Early voting ballots shall be mailed to the Elections Administrator at the same address. The City Secretary is directed to forward applications and ballots received to the Elections Administrator as provided in the Contract. SECTION 10. NOTICE (a) Notice of Election. A substantial copy of this Ordinance shall serve as proper notice of the special election. Said notice, including a Spanish translation thereof, shall be posted not later than the twenty first (21st) day before the election on the bulletin board used for posting notices of meetings of the City Council and shall be published at least once, not earlier than the thirtieth (30th) day nor later than the tenth (10th) day before the election in a newspaper published and of general circulation in the City of Richland Hills. Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 3 of 26 (b) Publication of Amendments. Additionally, in accordance with Section 9.004(c) of the Local Government Code, notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Richland Hills on the same day, in each of two consecutive weeks, with the first publication occurring on or before the 14t" day before election day. The notice shall contain a substantial copy of the proposed amendments. SECTION 11. AMENDMENTS Matters contained in this Ordinance relating to discretionary procedural matters may be amended by resolution of the City Council. SECTION 12. OTHER ACTION The Mayor and City Secretary of the City, in consultation with the City Attorney, are hereby authorized and directed to take any and all action necessary to comply with provisions of the Texas Election Code or other state and federal statutes and constitutions in carrying out the conduct of the election, whether or not expressly authorized herein. SECTION 13. CUMULATIVE CLAUSE This Ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances and resolutions of the City of Richland Hills, Texas, except where the provisions of this Ordinance are in direct conflict with the provisions of such ordinances, in which event the conflicting provisions of such ordinances and resolutions are hereby repealed. SECTION 14. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this Ordinance are severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section of this Ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this Ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without the incorporation in this Ordinance of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section. SECTION 15. EFFECTIVE DATE This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, and it is so ordained. Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 4 of 26 APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Richland Hills City Council on February 13, 2023, by a vote of ~ ayes, 7 nays, and 0 abstentions. APPROVED: 4rf THE HONORABLE MAYOR ED. ARD ATTEST: i 1.` .flit \ \ r\ :-Y~; -LINDSAY INSON, CITY SECRETARY vH ' . ,�, .*-s Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 5 of 26 EXHIBIT A RICHLAND HILLS CHARTER CHART 2022 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ARTICLE IV. - ENUMERATED POWERS Sec. 4.01. — Enumerated powers. The enumeration of particular powers by this Charter shall not be held or deemed to be exclusive, but, in addition to the powers enumerated therein or implied thereby, or appropriate to the exercise of such powers, it is intended that the City shall have, and may exercise, all powers of local self- government, and all powers enumerated in the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas, or any other powers it would be competent for this Charter specifically to enumerate. All powers of the City, whether expressed or implied, shall be exercised in the manner prescribed herein, or when not prescribed herein, then in the manner provided by the laws of Texas relating to cities and towns. The City shall have the power to cooperate with the Federal Government and its agencies, with the State Government and its agencies, and with any political subdivision, or agency thereof. ARTICLE V. - CITY COUNCIL Sec. 5.01. — City Council. A. The governing body of the City shall consist of a City Council composed of a Mayor and six(6) Councilmembers. B. The Mayor and Councilmembers shall be elected from the City at large. The other members of Council shall be elected to the office at large, but by specific place, which shall be designated as Places One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six. C. The Mayor and members of the City Council shall be elected for terms of three (3) years and shall hold office until their respective successors have been elected and qualified. Two (2) members shall be elected at the regular election held annually on the first Saturday in May, except every third year where the Mayor and two councilmembers shall be elected, unless the Council designates an alternative date allowed by State law at least six(6) months prior to the regular election. In order to affect a transition to three (3)year terms upon the adoption of the Charter, elections shall be held as follows: a. The Mayor and Place 2 and Place 4 shall fulfill their two-year terms and be elected to three (3) year terms upon expiration of the current term in 2024. b. Place 1 shall be elected to three(3)year terms upon the expiration of the current two- year term in 2025. c. The current terms of Place 3 and Place 5 shall be extended one (1) year to expire in 2026, at which time Place 3 and Place 5 shall be elected to a three (3) year term. d. If approved, Place 6 shall be elected or appointed to serve for a two-year term to expire in 2025, at which time Place 6 shall be elected to a three (3) year term. Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 6 of 26 Sec. 5.02. — Qualifications. Each of the six Councilmembers and Mayor shall, on the date of the election, be at least twenty- one (21) years of age, a citizen of the United States of America and a registered, qualified voter of the State of Texas; shall reside and shall have resided for at least one year preceding the election for which they are a candidate, within the corporate limits of Richland Hills; and shall not be disqualified by reason of any provision of any other section of this Charter. A person who does not possess each of the above qualifications at the time of his/her filing as a candidate shall not be eligible to be elected to the Council. A member of the Council ceasing to possess any of the qualifications specified in this section or any other section of this Charter, or convicted of a felony while in office, shall immediately vacate his/her office. No Councilmember shall hold any other public office except that of Notary Public, a member of the National Guard or any Military Reserve, or a retired member of the Armed Services. Sec. 5.03. — Election. The regular municipal elections of the City of Richland Hills shall be held on the May uniform election day of each year or as otherwise provided by state law and shall be conducted in accordance with State law. Elections shall be governed in compliance with the Texas Election Code, as amended. Sec. 5.04. — Election Judges and Other Election Officials. The election judges, and other election officials for conducting all City elections, shall be appointed by the City Council or as provided by the Texas Election Code. The election judges shall conduct the elections, determine, record and report the results as provided by the election laws of Texas. Sec. 5.05. — Judge of Election. The City Council shall be the judge of the election and qualification of its own members and of the Mayor, subject to the courts in the case of contest. The City Council shall, as soon as practical after the election, in compliance with the Texas Election Code, as amended, canvass the returns and declare the results of such election. If such election results in a candidate not receiving a majority of votes cast for that office, the City shall order a runoff election to be held in compliance with the Texas Election Code, as amended. In the event one of the candidates of the first election withdraws or dies, a second election shall not be held for that office, and the other candidate for such office shall be declared elected, and shall be seated. Sec. 5.06. - Vacancies. In the event of a vacancy from any cause in the office of Mayor or Councilmember with three-year terms, and an unexpired term greater than 12 months, the City Council shall order a special election called for the purpose of filling the vacancy within one hundred and twenty (120) days after such vacancy or vacancies. However, if a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor or Councilmember with an unexpired term of 12 months or less, the City Council may call a special election to fill the vacancy or may, by majority vote of the Council present, appoint a person to fill such vacancy until the expiration of the office to be filled, if permitted by the Texas Constitution. Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 7 of 26 In the event of a vacancy from any cause in the office of Mayor or Councilmember with two-year terms, the City Council may call a special election to fill the vacancy or may, by majority vote of Council present, appoint a person to fill such vacancy until the expiration of the office to be filled, if permitted by the Texas Constitution. Sec. 5.07. — City Council Meetings. The City Council shall meet a minimum of one (1) time per month and more as needed. Sec. 5.08. — Absence of Mayor and Councilmembers. A. If the Mayor or a Councilmember has four(4) unexcused absences from a regular city council meeting in a term, the Mayor or Councilmember may be removed from office by a vote of majority of the City Council. If removed, the City Council shall declare the office vacant and proceed to fill the office as in the case of other vacancies. B. At each regular meeting from which the Mayor or a Councilmember is absent, the City Council shall determine whether the absence is excused. Sec. 5.09. — Limitations on Successive Terms A. A council member who has served as a council member, regardless of place, for three (3) consecutive terms, shall not again be eligible to become a candidate for or to serve as a council member until the next general election after the third consecutive term has expired. This shall not prevent a council member from becoming a candidate for mayor upon expiration of the third consecutive term as a council member. B. A mayor who has served as mayor for three(3)consecutive terms as mayor shall not again be eligible to become a candidate for or to serve as mayor until the next general election after the third consecutive term has expired. This shall not prevent a mayor from becoming a candidate for council member upon expiration of the third consecutive term as mayor. C. A person who has served eighteen (18) consecutive years on the council, in any combination of years spent as mayor or council member, shall not again be eligible to become a candidate for or to serve as mayor or council member until the next general election after the expiration of the term completing the eighteen (18) year period. 1. Sec. 5.10. — Compensation. The City Councilmembers and Mayor each shall be allowed, for incidental expenses, the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00) per meeting and such designated actual expenses supported in writing which shall have been presented to the City Council and received approval. Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 8 of 26 ARTICLE VI. - POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS Sec. 6.02. — Duties of Mayor-Mayor Pro Tern. (a) The Mayor of the City of Richland Hills: (1) Shall preside over the meetings of the City Council and perform such other duties consistent with the office as may be imposed upon the Mayor by this Charter and the ordinances and resolutions passed pursuant thereto. (2) May participate in the discussion of all matters coming before the Council and shall be entitled to vote on all matters, but shall have no veto power. (3) Shall sign all contracts and conveyances made or entered into by the City that require Council approval and all bonds issued under the provisions of this Charter. (4) Shall be the chief executive officer of the City. (5) May, in time of danger or emergency, in accordance with the Texas Disaster Act of 1975, V.T.C.A., Government Code Ch. 418, take command of the police and other departments and govern the City by proclamation and maintain order and enforce all laws. The Mayor's actions may not be continued or renewed for a period in excess of seven (7) days except by or with the consent of the City Council. (b) The Mayor Pro Tern shall be elected from among the members of the six (6) Councilmembers; shall be elected at the first regular meeting following the general City election, and shall, in the absence or disability of the Mayor, perform all the Mayor's duties. Sec. 6.03. — Powers and Duties of City Council. The powers and duties herein conferred upon the City Council shall include but shall not be limited to the following: (1) To appoint and remove the City Manager, City Secretary, City Attorney, Municipal Judge and relief Municipal Judges, and other such employees required by State law to be appointed by the City Council. (2) To adopt the budget of the City. (3) To authorize the issuance of: A. Bonds by a bond ordinance; B. Certificates of obligation subject to notice, petition, and election provisions provided within V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 271.041, the Certificate of Obligation Act. (4) To inquire into the conduct of any office, department, or agency of the City and direct the City Manager to make investigation as to municipal affairs. (5) To appoint commissions, boards, committees, task forces, and/or appointed groups to assist the Council in performance of its duties and responsibilities, such powers subject to the restrictions of the Charter and the laws of the State of Texas. (6) To adopt plats. (7) To adopt and modify the official map of the City. (8) To provide for the establishment and designations of fire limits and to prescribe the kind and character of buildings or structures or improvements to be erected therein, and Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 9 of 26 provide for the condemnation of dangerous structures or buildings or dilapidated buildings, calculated to increase the fire hazard, and the manner of their removal or destruction. (9) To fix the salaries and compensation for the appointed City officers. (10) To provide for sanitary sewer and water system. (11) All other powers and authority, including determination of all matters of policy, which are expressly or by implication conferred on or possessed by the City, shall be vested in and exercised by the Council; provided, however,that the Council shall have no authority to exercise those powers that are expressly conferred upon other City officers by this Charter. Sec. 6.04. — Appointment or Removal by City Council. Neither the Council nor any of its members shall direct or request the appointment of any person to, or their removal from, office by the City Manager or by any of their subordinates, or in any manner take part in the appointment or removal of officers and employees in the administrative service of the City. Except for the purpose of inquiry, the Council and its members shall deal with the administrative service solely through the City Manager and neither the Council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any subordinates of the City Manager, either publicly or privately. Any Councilmember violating the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and fined not in excess of$200.00, and, if so convicted, shall cease to be a Councilmember. ARTICLE VII. - ADMINISTRATION Sec. 7.01. — City Manager. (a) Appointments and qualifications. The Council shall appoint a City Manager who shall be the chief administrative officer of the City, and shall be responsible to the Council for the administration of all the affairs of the City. The City Manager shall be chosen by the Council solely on the basis of their executive and administrative training, education, experience, ability, and character, and need not, when appointed, be a resident of the City. No member of the City Council shall, during the time for which they are elected and for two (2) years thereafter, be appointed City Manager. (b) Term and salary. The City Manager shall be appointed by the affirmative vote of five (5) members of the City Council, and may be removed at the will and pleasure of the Council by the affirmative vote of five (5) members of the Council. The action of the Council in suspending or removing the City Manager shall be final; it being the intention of this Charter to vest all authority and fix all responsibility of such suspension or removal in the Council. In case of absence or disability to the City Manager, the Council may designate some qualified person, other than an elected officer of the City, to perform the duties of the office during such absence or disability. The City Manager shall receive such compensation as may be fixed by the Council. (c) Powers and duties of the City Manager. The powers herein conferred upon the City Manager shall include but shall not be limited to the following: (1) Appoint and remove any officer or employee of the City except those officers and employees whose appointment or election is otherwise provided for by law or this Charter. Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 10 of 26 (2) Direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices and agencies of the City, except as otherwise provided by law or this Charter. (3) See that all State laws and City ordinances are effectively enforced. (4) Prepare and submit the annual budget and a five(5)year capital improvement program to the Council as prescribed in Article XII of the Charter. (5) Submit to the Council monthly a report thereof on the finances and administrative activities of the City and a complete report at the end of each fiscal year. (6) Attend all meetings of the Council, except when excused by the Council. (7) Provide for an employee grievance system as approved by the Council. (8) Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by this Charter or required of him by the Council, not inconsistent with provisions of this Charter. Sec. 7.02. —Appointment and Removal of City Secretary. The City Council shall appoint or remove the City Secretary with approval of a majority of the Council. The City Secretary shall give notice of Council meetings, shall keep the minutes of the proceedings of such meetings, shall authenticate by his/her signature and record in full, in a book kept and indexed for that purpose, all ordinances and resolutions, and shall perform such other duties as the City Council shall assign to him/her and those elsewhere provided for in this Charter, and shall keep and affix the City seal to all official documents. Sec. 7.03. - Appointment and Removal of City Attorney. (a) The City Attorney shall be appointed by a majority vote of the City Council. The City Council may remove the City Attorney at any time upon the affirmative vote of a majority of all its members. (b) The City Attorney shall: 1. Serve as the legal advisor to the Council and City Manager; 2. Represent the City in litigation and legal proceedings as directed by the Council and City Manager; 3. Review and provide opinions as requested by Council or the City Manager on contracts, legal instruments, and ordinances of the City; and 4. Perform other duties prescribed by this Charter, by ordinance, or as directed by the Council or City Manager. (c) The Council may contract with an attorney or with a firm of attorneys who may designate one(1) member of said firm, with Council approval, to serve as City Attorney. (d) Compensation shall be fixed by contract with the approval of Council or by appointment subject to the approval of Council. (e) Council shall have the right to retain separate counsel at any time that it may deem necessary and appropriate. Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 11 of 26 ARTICLE VII(A). - MUNICIPAL COURT Sec. 7(A).01. - Municipal Court of Record. There shall be a court known as the Richland Hills Municipal Court of Record, with such jurisdiction, powers and duties as are given and prescribed by the laws of the State of Texas for municipal courts of record. The City Council shall be empowered to create by ordinance additional municipal courts of record if it finds that such additional courts are necessary to dispose properly of the cases arising in the City. (1) Judge of the Municipal Court of Record. The Municipal Court of Record shall be presided over by a Magistrate who shall be known as the Municipal Judge. The Municipal Judge shall be a competent and duly licensed attorney in good standing who practices law in Tarrant County, Texas. The Municipal Judge may not serve as such while holding any other office or employment with the City of Richland Hills, Texas. The Municipal Judge shall be appointed by the City Council for a two-year term. (2) Vacancies: Temporary replacement; removal. A. If a vacancy occurs in the office of Municipal Judge of the Richland Hills Municipal Court of Record, the City Council shall appoint a qualified person to fill the office for the remainder of the unexpired term. B. The City Council may appoint persons as Associate Judges. An Associate Judge must meet the qualifications prescribed for the Municipal Judge. The Municipal Judge may assign a relief judge to act for the Municipal Judge if they are temporarily unable to act for any reason. An Associate Judge has all the powers and duties of the office while so acting. C. The Municipal Judge may be removed after written notice and an opportunity to be heard before the Council. (3) Clerk of the Municipal Court of Record. There shall be a Clerk of the Municipal Court of Record who shall be appointed by the City Manager, and who shall be known as the municipal clerk. The clerk shall have the power to administer oaths and affidavits, make certificates, affix the seal of the court thereto, and otherwise perform any and all acts necessary in issuing process of the Richland Hills Municipal Court of Record and conducting business thereof. The municipal clerk shall also perform such duties as are specified to be performed by the municipal clerk under the general laws of the State of Texas governing municipal courts or, more specifically, municipal courts of record. The municipal clerk shall perform any other duties as specified by the City Manager. With the consent of the City Manager, the clerk may appoint one or more deputy clerks to act for the clerk. The City Manager shall provide the courts with other municipal court personnel that the City Manager determines necessary for the proper operation of the court. Those persons shall perform their duties under the direction and control of the clerk or the Municipal Judge to whom assigned. (4) Procedure in the Municipal Court of Record. All complaints, prosecutions, the service of process, commitment of those convicted of offenses, the collection and payment of fines, the attendance and service of witnesses and juries, punishment for contempt, bail, and taking of bonds shall be governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure and the general laws of the State of Texas applicable to municipal courts or, more specifically, to municipal courts of record. State Law reference— Municipal court of record, V.T.C.A., Government Code § 30.481, et seq. Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 12 of 26 ARTICLE VIII. - PUBLIC UTILITIES Sec. 8.01. — City Ownership and Operation Thereof. (a) General. The City shall have power to build, construct, purchase, own, lease, maintain, and operate, within or without the City limits, light and power systems, water systems, sewer systems or sanitary disposal equipment and appliances, natural gas systems, park and swimming pools, fertilizer plants, and any other public service or utility; power to mortgage and encumber such system or systems in the manner provided in Article Chapter 552 of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended, and any other laws of the State of Texas applicable thereto; and all the powers which the City might exercise in connection with such public utilities and public services under Chapter 552 of the Texas Local Government Code, and any amendment thereto, now or hereafter in effect, as well as under any other general laws of the State of Texas pertinent or applicable thereto, including the power to demand and receive compensation for service furnished for private purposes, or otherwise, and with full and complete power and right of eminent domain proper and necessary to efficiently carry out said objects. (b) Power to contract for public utilities. The City is authorized to enter into contracts or leases with individuals, corporations, partnerships, or other municipal corporations, for furnishing in whole or in part any public utility or portions of public utility systems that might be needed by the City or the citizens of the City. The consideration for such contracts or leases may in the discretion of the City Council be paid by the City or prorated to the individual users of the utility covered by such contract or lease; or to permit individuals, corporations, partnerships, or other municipal corporations to furnish in whole or in part any public utility or portion of any public utility direct to the citizens of the City on such terms as the City may direct. (c) Right to purchase commodities or services essential to the city or its citizens. The City shall have the power to purchase electricity, gas, oil, or any other article, commodity, or service essential to a proper conduct of all the affairs of the City, and of its inhabitants on such terms as the City Council may deem proper, for sale and distribution to the inhabitants of the City or adjacent territory. State Law reference— Power to franchise, Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 51. Sec. 8.02. — Regulation of Public Utilities. (a) The City Council shall have the power by ordinance, after notice to the utility and hearing before the Council, to fix and regulate charges, fares, or rates of compensation to be charged by any person, firm, or corporation enjoying a franchise in the City, or engaged in furnishing a public utility service in the City, including cable television and shall in determining, finding, and regulating such charges, fares, or rates of compensation, base the same upon the fair value of the property of such person, firm, or corporation devoted to furnishing service to such City or the inhabitants thereof. The City Council may prescribe the character, quality, and efficiency of service to be rendered, and shall have the power to regulate and require the extension of adequate lines or service of such public utility within such City by such person, firm, or corporation, taking into consideration the cost to the utility, and from time to time may alter or change such rules, regulations, and compensation, provided that, in adopting such regulations and in fixing or changing such compensation, or determining the reasonableness thereof, no stock or bonds authorized or issued by any corporation enjoying such franchise shall be considered unless on proof that the same have been actually issued by the corporation for money paid and used for the development of the corporate property, labor done or property actually received in accordance with Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 13 of 26 the laws and Constitution of this State applicable thereto. In order to ascertain all facts necessary for a proper understanding of what is or should be a reasonable rate of regulation, the City Council shall have full power to inspect the books of any such utility serving the inhabitants of the City and compel production of records and the attendance of witnesses for such purpose. (b) Any company, corporation, or person engaged in furnishing to the inhabitants of the City any light, power, gas, telephone, transit, cable television, or other public utility services, may be required at any time by ordinance or resolution of the City Council to file with the City Council written reports pertaining to operations and business within the City, and such report shall contain such data, facts, and information as may be required by such ordinance or resolution, under the same standards and rules of the State Public Utility Commission and other rules not inconsistent therewith. In addition to the foregoing powers, the City shall have all the powers and privileges provided for by Chapter 51 of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended, in regulating public utilities. State Law reference—Authority to regulate electric utilities, V.T.C.A., Utilities Code § 33.001, et seq. ARTICLE IX. - CONTRACTS No contract shall ever be made which binds the City for personal services, except for professional or City Manager services to be rendered for any stated period of time, but all appointive luding the date of their discharge, any provision to the contrary in this Charter notwithstanding. Contracts for professional or City Manager services shall termination without compensation beyond the date of occurrence of any of the following: conviction of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude; violations of the provisions of the Charter or of any ordinance, rule, or of special orders applicable to such person. Sec. 9.02. — Goods, Materials, Services or Supplies. (a) The City Council may, by ordinance, give the City Manager general authority to contract for expenditures without further approval of the City Council for all budgeted items not exceeding limits set by the City Council within the ordinance. (b) All contracts for expenditures or purchases involving more than the set limits must be expressly approved in advance by the City Council. (c) All contracts or purchases involving more than the limits set by Council shall be awarded by the City Council in accordance with state law. State Law reference— Purchases and contracts, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 252.001, et seq. Sec. 9.03. — Franchises and Special Privileges. (a) The right to control, easement, use, and ownership and title to the streets, highways, public thoroughfares, and property of the City, its avenues, parks, bridges, and all other public places and property, are hereby declared to be inalienable. No franchise on any City property shall Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 14 of 26 be granted except by ordinance duly passed by five-sevenths (5/7) affirmative votes of the entire City Council. (b) No grant of any franchise or lease, or right to use the same, either on, through, along, across, under, or over the same, by any private corporation, association, or individual shall be granted by the City Council for a longer period than twenty-five (25) years, unless submitted to the vote of the legally qualified voters of the City in the manner provided for in Section 282.003 of the Texas Local Government Code in conjunction with Chapter 311, Subchapter D of the Texas Transportation Code, the expense of such election to be borne by the applicant. (c) The City Council may, of its own motion, submit all of such applications, to an election at which the people shall vote upon the proposition therein submitted, the expense of such election in all cases to be borne by the applicant. (d) No franchise shall ever be granted until it has been approved by majority of the City Council, nor shall any such franchise, grant, or privilege ever be made unless it provides for adequate compensation or consideration therefor to be paid to the City. (e) Every such franchise or grant shall make adequate provision, by way of forfeiture of the grant or otherwise, to secure efficiency of public service at reasonable rate and to maintain the property devoted to the public service in good repair throughout the term of grant of said franchise. (f) No franchise grant shall ever be exclusive. (g) The City Council may prescribe the forms and methods of the keeping of accounts of any grantees under franchise, provided that the forms and methods of keeping such accounts have not already been prescribed by a State or Federal law or agency. ARTICLE X. - OWNERSHIP OF REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY Sec. 10.01. — Acquisition of Property. (a) The City shall have the power and authority to acquire by purchase, gift, devise, deed, condemnation, or otherwise, any character or property, within or without its municipal boundaries, including any charitable or trust funds. (b) Specifically, but without limitation of the foregoing, the City shall have full power and authority to acquire through the exercise of eminent domain, or by purchase, or otherwise, and maintain and operate, any part or all of any water works system, sewerage system, or other public utility used in serving citizens of the City. Such power and authority shall include that specified in as now existing or as hereafter amended, and any common law or other statutory law applicable thereto, and such power and authority shall not be limited by any such specific statutory provisions. Such power and authority shall include the right to acquire by eminent domain or purchase from any person, firm, or corporation any part or all of the physical properties, easements, franchises, and other tangible and intangible properties and rights that may be in use as an operating utility business. Such power and authority shall include the right to acquire by eminent domain or purchase an undivided interest in any easements or facilities that may be in use to serve any other community and shall also include the right to acquire by eminent domain or purchase any properties located outside of the corporate boundaries of the City if needed by the City in operation of such utility system. Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 15 of 26 ARTICLE XI. - STREETS AND ALLEYS Sec. 11.01. — Street Powers. The City shall have exclusive control of all alleys, streets, gutters, and sidewalks situated within the City, and the power to lay out, establish, open, alter, extend, widen, straighten, abandon, close, lower, grade, narrow, care for, supervise, maintain, and improve any public street, alley, avenue, boulevard, or public thoroughfare and for any such purposes to acquire the necessary lands and to appropriate the same under the power of eminent domain. The City shall also have the power to name or rename, vacate and abandon and sell and convey in fee that portion of any street, alley, avenue, boulevard, or other public thoroughfare or public grounds, and to convey in fee the same in exchange for other lands, over which any street, alley, avenue, boulevard, or public thoroughfare may be laid out, established, and opened; and the City's right to sell and dispose of in fee any part of a street, alley, avenue, boulevard or public thoroughfare so vacated and abandoned, or the City's right to convey same in exchange for other lands to be used in laying out, opening, widening, and straightening any street, shall never be questioned in any of the Courts of this State. The procedure for closing streets and alleys shall be in conformity with due process of law and shall be particularly prescribed and provided for by ordinance passed in the usual manner by the City Council. ARTICLE XII. - FINANCE: BUDGET Sec. 12.01. — Preparation and Submission. The City Manager, or their designee, shall submit a proposed City budget for the ensuing fiscal year to the City Council in compliance with the timelines outlined in Chapter 102 of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended. From its date of submission, the proposed budget shall be a public record. Sec. 12.02. — Hearing. The City Council shall hold a public hearing on the budget as required by Chapter 102 of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended. Sec. 12.03. — Adoption. After hearing, the City Council may make such changes as it deems proper in the proposed budget and adopt a final budget prior to the beginning of the budget year. All budget hearings and action on the budget shall be open to the public. Sec. 12.04. - Effective Date. The budget shall go into effect on the first day of the budget year. Budget amendments must comply with Chapter 102 of the Texas Local Government Code. Sec. 12.05. — Capital Improvement Plan. Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 16 of 26 The City Manager shall include with the proposed budget a five (5) year capital improvement plan. Such plan, upon approval by the Council, shall serve as a guide for capital improvements of the City ARTICLE XIV. - PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS 14.01 Boards and Commissions The City Council shall create, establish, or appoint, as may be required by the laws of the State of Texas or this Charter, or deemed desirable by Council, such boards, commissions, and committees as it deems necessary to carry out the functions and obligations of the City. Council shall, by ordinance or resolution, prescribe the purpose, composition, function, duties, accountability, and tenure of each board, commission, and committee where such are not prescribed by law or this Charter. �4.02 Plannin C Dowers and Dutiee e6.-r -v�Tcmi� rr� crnq-�itFF��0 $� o�-rvr�� rurrcrvcrcrc-s: The Planning and Zoning Commission shall: (1) Recommend a City plan for the physical development of the City; (2) Recommend to the City Council approval or disapproval of proposed changes in the Zan-i ►g-Plan; and (3) Recommend to the City Council approval or disapproval of proposed platting or subdividing land within the corporate limits of the City to the extent authorized by law. The Sec. 14.02. — Master Plan. The Master Plan for the City shall contain the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendations for the growth, development and beautification of the City. Amendments thereto will be approved by the said Commission. The Master Plan shall serve as a general guide for the development of the City. Sec. 14.03. — Legal Effect of the Master Plan Upon the adoption of a Master Plan by the City Council, no subdivision, street, park or any public way, ground or space, public building or structure, or public utility whether publicly or privately owned, which is in conflict with the Master Plan shall be constructed or authorized by the City Council until and unless the location and extent thereof shall have been submitted to and approved by the Commission. In case of disapproval, the Commission shall communicate its reasons to the Council, which shall have the power to overrule such disapproval, and upon such overruling, the Council shall have the power to proceed. The widening, narrowing, relocating, vacating or change in the use of any street, alley or public way, or ground or the sale of any public building, if real property, shall be subject to similar submission and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission, and failure to approve may be similarly overruled by the City Council. Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 17 of 26 Sec. t. . The City may regulate the erection, building, placing, moving or repairing of buildings or other all buildings or other structures within the limit so designated as aforesaid shall be made or constructed of fire resistant materials, and may declare any dilapidated building or structure to be direct; to declare all buildings and other structures in the fire limits which they deem dangerous to same to be removed in such manner as they shall prescribe. Sec. 14.06. Building 1 inns. convenience, prosperity and general welfare, acting through its governing body, under the public power, to provide by suitable ordinance building lines on any street or streets, or any block of any tr t t eetc nd try ,ire their observance by citable pe altie ARTICLE XV. - RECALL OF OFFICERS Sec. 15.02. — Petition for Recall. Before the question of recall of such officer shall be submitted to the qualified voters of the City, a petition demanding such question to be so submitted shall first be filed with the person performing the duties of City Secretary; which said petition shall be signed by qualified voters of the City equal in number to at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the number of votes cast at the last regular municipal election of the City, but in no event, less than 250 such petitioners. Petitions must comply with Texas Election Code, Chapter 277, as amended. ARTICLE XVI. INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM Sec. 16.02. — [Procedure] (a) Initiative. Initiative power may be used to enact a new ordinance or to repeal or amend sections of an existing ordinance. Qualified voters of the City of Richland Hills may initiate legislation (except levying taxes, setting rates for services, adoption of a budget or capital improvement program, any ordinance related to zoning, issuance of bonds or notes, borrowing of money, salaries or duties of City officers or employees, matters related to administration of municipal employees, annexation, municipal boundary adjustments, any instance where a court of proper jurisdiction determines that the initiated ordinance has been removed from the field of initiative, or any subject where State law requires a public hearing) by submitting a petition addressed to the City Council which requests the submission of a proposed ordinance or resolution to a vote of the qualified voters of the City. Said petition must be signed by qualified voters of the City equal in number to 25% of the number of votes cast at the last regular municipal election of the City, or 250, whichever is greater, and each copy of the petition shall have attached to it a copy of the proposed legislation. The petition shall be signed in the same manner as recall Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 18 of 26 petitions are signed in this Charter, and shall be verified by oath in the manner and form provided for recall petitions in this Charter. The petition may consist of one or more copies as permitted for recall petitions in this Charter. Such petitions shall be filed with the persons performing the duties of City Secretary, who, within five (5) days, shall present said petition and proposed ordinance or resolution to the City Council. Upon presentation of the petition and draft of the proposed ordinance or resolution to Council, it shall become the duty of the City Council, within the ten (10) days after the receipt thereof, to pass and adopt such ordinance or resolution without alteration as to meaning or effect in the opinion of the persons filing the petition, or to call a special election as soon as possible, subject to the Texas Election Code, which the qualified voters of the City of Richland Hills shall vote on the question of adopting or rejecting the proposed legislation. However, if any other municipal election is to be held within sixty (60) days after the filing of the petition, the question may be voted on at such election. (b) Referendum. Registered, qualified voters of the City of Richland Hills may require that any ordinance or resolution passed by the City Council be submitted to the voters of the City for approval or disapproval, (except levying taxes, setting rates for services, adoption of a budget or capital improvement program, any ordinance related to zoning, issuance of bonds or notes, borrowing of money, salaries or duties of City officers or employees, matters related to administration of municipal employees, annexation, municipal boundary adjustments, any instance where a court of proper jurisdiction determines that the initiated ordinances has been removed from the field of initiative, or any subject where State law requires a public hearing) by submitting a petition for this purpose within forty-five (45) days after final passage of said resolution or within thirty (30) days after publication of such ordinance. Said petition must be signed by qualified voters of the City equal in number to 25% of the number of votes cast at the last regular municipal election of the City, or 250, whichever is greater. Said petition shall be addressed, prepared, signed and verified by oath in the manner and form provided for recall petitions as provided in Sections 15.02 and 15.03, Article XV of this Charter, provided, however, the names on such petition shall also be of registered voters and shall be submitted to the person performing the duties of City Secretary. Within five (5) days upon the filing of such petition, the person performing the duties of City Secretary shall present said petition to the City Council. Thereupon the City Council shall, within ten (10) days, reconsider such ordinance or resolution and, if it does not entirely repeal the same, shall submit it to popular vote at a special election as soon as possible, subject to the Texas Election Code, at which time the registered, qualified voters of the City of Richland Hills shall vote on the question of adopting or rejecting the proposed question. However, if any other municipal election is to be held within sixty (60) days of the filing of the petition, the question may be voted on at such election. Pending the holding of such election, such ordinance or resolution shall be suspended from taking effect and shall not later take effect unless a majority of the registered, qualified voters voting thereon at such election shall vote in favor thereof. (c) Any qualified voter of the City may seek judicial relief in the District Court of Tarrant County in the event the Council fails to act on an initiative or referendum petition meeting the requirements of this Article. ARTICLE XVII. - GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec. 17.03. — Official Oath. All officers of the City shall, before entering upon the duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe to the official oath prescribed in the Constitution of the State of Texas. Oath of office shall be administered by any person authorized by law to administer oaths. State Law reference— Oath, Tex. Const. art. XVI, § 1 Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 19 of 26 Sec. 17.05. - Public Records. The City shall comply with State law with regard to releasing records to the public. State Law reference— Public records law, V.T.C.A., Government Code § 552.001, et seq. Sec. 17.12. — Nepotism. No person related within the second degree by affinity, or zthe third degree by consanguinity, to a member of the Council or the City Manager shall be appointed to any paid office or board, commission, or committee of the City. This prohibition shall not apply, however, to any person who shall have been continuously employed by the City for at least six months prior to the election of the Council member or 30 days prior to the appointment of the City Manager so related to the employee. Sec. 17.13. — Ethics. (a) No elected or appointed officer or employee of the City shall benefit unduly by reason of his/her holding public office. (b) No officer or employee of the City shall have a substantial interest in the sale of any land, materials, supplies or service to the City. Any elected officer shall publicly disclose any such interest upon assumption of office or prior to consideration of any such matters. "Substantial interest" as used in this section shall have the same meaning as given in the Texas Local Government Code, as amended. (c) Failure to comply with any provisions of the foregoing Sections 17.13(a) or 17.13(b) shall constitute malfeasance in office and any officer failing to so comply shall immediately be suspended pending an outcome of an investigation of the charges. Within five (5) days of said suspension the officer shall receive written notice detailing the specific charges brought against him. A Public Hearing will be held within fifteen (15) days after the written notice to determine whether the charges are well founded and whether said officer shall be reinstated or shall be terminated and the position declared vacant. (d) Any violation of the foregoing Sections 17.13(a) or 17.13(b) with the knowledge, express or implied, or persons or corporations contracting with the City shall render the contract voidable by the Council. Sec. 17.14. — Political and Religious Discrimination. No person in the service of the City, or seeking admission thereto, shall be employed, promoted, demoted, discharged, or in any way favored or discriminated against because of political opinions or affiliations or because of race, color, religious beliefs, sex, or national origin, provided that such opinions, affiliations or beliefs do not advocate the overthrow of the government of the United States of America by force or violence. Sec. 17.15. — Political Activity. (a) No person seeking appointment to or promotion in the administrative service of the City shall either directly or indirectly give, render, or pay any money, service, or other valuable thing to any person for, or on account of, or in connection with his/her appointment or promotion or any examination conducted therefor. (b) Any person who either by himself/herself, or with others, willfully violates any provision of the foregoing Section 17.15(a) shall be ineligible for appointment or election to a position in the Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 20 of 26 City for a period of four (4) years, and if he/she is an officer or employee of the City at the time of such violation, he/she shall immediately forfeit the office or position he/she holds. Sec. 17.16 Building Permits Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 21 of 26 EXHIBIT B BALLOT LANGUAGE Proposition A — City Council Shall Sections 5.01, 5.08, 5.09, 5.12, 7.01, and 9.04 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that the City Council shall be increased to six Councilmembers; to provide that Councilmembers shall serve three-year terms; to provide that the Mayor and Councilmembers must be elected by a majority vote; to provide for a runoff election in the event a candidate does not receive a majority vote; to provide for the transition to three-year terms by establishing an election schedule; to provide that vacancies in offices with three-year terms with an unexpired term greater than 12 months must be filled by special election and such vacancies with unexpired terms of 12 months or less may be filled by appointment; to provide that vacancies in any offices with two-year terms may be filled by special election or appointment; and to provide that a super-majority of council shall be 5 votes? Proposition B — City Council Shall Section 5.02 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that qualification requirements for a place on the ballot for city council shall be governed by state application and qualification requirements? Proposition C —Elections Shall Section 5.03 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that city elections are held on the May uniform election date and are governed by state law and Sections 5.04, 5.05 and 5.06 be deleted as repetitive or moot? Proposition D — Elections Shall Section 5.07 and 5.08 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that election judges shall be appointed as provided by state law, and to provide that elections shall be canvassed in compliance with the Texas Election Code? Proposition E — City Council Shall Section 5.11 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to revise the process for removing a council member from office who has four unexcused absences from a regular city council meeting in a term? Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 22 of 26 Proposition F — City Council Shall Section 5.12 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide the Mayor shall be limited to three (3) consecutive terms as Mayor, not including any time served as a councilmember; to provide that councilmembers shall be limited to three (3) consecutive terms, not including any time served as Mayor; and to provide a limit of eighteen (18) consecutive years served on council in any combination of positions? Proposition G — City Council Compensation Shall Section 5.13 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that members of the city council shall receive ten dollars ($10.00) per meeting? Proposition H — Duties of the Mayor Shall Section 6.02 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that the Mayor shall vote on all matters; to provide that the Mayor shall sign contracts that require Council approval; and to remove requirements that the Mayor be recognized as the official for service of process? Proposition I — Powers of the City Council Shall Section 6.03 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that Council shall be responsible for the appointment and removal of the City Secretary, that it may direct the City Manager to investigate administrative affairs, and that it may determine salaries of appointed City officers; to provide that it possesses all other powers and authorities possessed by the City; and to remove the duties of establishing departments, regulating vehicle owners, and regulating burial grounds and cemeteries? Proposition J — City Council Removal Shall Section 6.04 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to remove the authority to remove a Councilmember for violating provisions against influencing the appointment or removal of staff members or issuing direct orders to administrative staff? Proposition K — City Manager Shall Section 7.01 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to remove requirements that the City Manager provide department heads a monthly financial report? Proposition L — City Secretary Shall Section 7.02 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that the City Council may appoint or remove a City Secretary by a majority vote and to remove authority to appoint Assistant City Secretaries? Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 23 of 26 Proposition M — City Attorney Shall Section 7.03 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that Council may appoint or remove a City Attorney by majority vote; to describe the duties of the City Attorney; to authorize Council to retain separate counsel as necessary; and to authorize Council to set the City Attorney's compensation? Proposition N — Municipal Court Shall Section 7(A).01 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to refer to Associate Judges and to provide that the City Manager shall appoint and supervise the Court Clerk? Proposition 0 — Personal Services Shall Section 9.02 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended by deleting Section 9.02 prohibiting Personal Service contracts? Proposition P — Franchises Shall Section 9.04 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that a franchise grant of City property must be approved by a super-majority of City Council; and to remove requirements that franchises must be considered at two regular council meetings? Proposition Q— Street Powers Shall Section 11.01 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide consistency in the types of streets subject to the City's authority? Proposition R — Budgetary Process Shall Sections 12.01, 12.02, 12.03, 12.04, and 12.05 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that the annual budgetary process shall comply with state law, and to require the City Manager to include a five-year capital improvement plan with the proposed budget? Proposition S — Board and Commissions Shall Sections 14.01 and 14.02 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be combined and amended to provide that City Council has the authority to establish boards, commissions, and committees as necessary? Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 24 of 26 Proposition T — Recall of Officers Shall Section 15.02 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that that State law controls the filing of a recall petition? Proposition U — Initiative and Referendum Shall Section 16.02 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that ordinances pertaining to levying taxes, setting rates for services, adopting a budget or capital improvement program, zoning, issuances of bonds, borrowing money, salaries or administration of employees, annexation, boundary adjustments, any matter a court has determined inappropriate for initiative or referendum, or any subject requiring a public hearing shall not be subject to initiative or referendum; and to provide petitions for referendum must be signed by the greater of 25% of the number of votes cast in the last municipal election or 250 votes? Proposition V — Oath of Office Shall Section 17.03 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that any person authorized by law may administer oaths of office? Proposition W— Public Records Shall Section 17.05 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that the City shall comply with state public records laws? Proposition X — Nepotism Shall Sections 17.12 and 17.13 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to revise the nepotism provision to apply to a person appointed to a paid position or a board, commission, or committee; to provide a continuous employment exception; and to revise the substantial interest provision to comply with state law? Proposition Y— Discrimination Shall Section 17.14 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to prohibit discrimination of protected classes in accordance with state and federal law? Proposition Z — Political Activity Shall Section 17.15 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to remove restrictions on employee campaign contributions or activities? Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 25 of 26 Proposition AA—Removal of Redundant Provisions, Updating Statutory References, and Non-Substantive Corrections Shall Sections 14.05, 14.06, 17.16, 17.17, and 17.18 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended by deleting redundant provisions related to the regulation of buildings, building permits, pools, and bonds for city officials; shall Sections 4.01, 8.01, 8.02, 9.04, and 10.01 of the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to update statutory references to reflect current State law; and shall the Richland Hills Home Rule Charter be amended to make non-substantive grammatical and textual corrections and clarifications throughout the Charter? Ordinance No. 1467-23, Page 26 of 26