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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCharter Review Minutes 2001-11-08 STATE OF TEXAS CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( NOVEMBER 8, 2001 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION THAT WAS HELD THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2001 AT 7:00 PM AT FRIENDSWOOD CITY HALL, FIRST FLOOR EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM, 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT CONSTITUTING A QUORUM: CHAIR STEVE HUFFMAN MEMBER HARLESS BENTHUL MEMBER CARL HILL MEMBER LAURA EWING MEMBER WAYNE FORD CITY MANAGER RON COX CITY ATTORNEY JOHN OLSON Attending was Mayor Harold Whitaker PUBLIC HEARING Mr. Steve Huffman, Chair of the Charter Review Commission, called the Public Hearing to order to receive comments either oral or written regarding the City Charter. Dr. John Heard, 204 Stanly Court, chair of the Library Board, addressed the Commission to discuss the relation of library funding to the Charter commission, as it is currently set up now by receiving its funding, as tax revenue, from the City of Friendswood. About 1017o of funding comes from the state or county in the form of grants. The city management is extremely sensitive to the needs of the library, but historically there have been time when problems have arisen from library funding, in other cities. In times of financial disruption, there are times when funding is cut, and libraries may be one of the first. Dr. Heard asked the Charter Commission to dedicate in the Charter a certain amount of tax revenues, as a financial safety net for the library. This expresses support for the library and protects the existence of the library, and ensures the funding of the library will be depoliticized. This process has been used in the City of Galveston and on the east coast. Dr. Heard asked the Commission to consider this as they proceed with their deliberations. Commissioner Harless Benthul asked if he had specific amounts in mind to which Dr. Heard indicated he had no recommendations but that it be something below the current funding amount. Hearing no other speakers the Public Hearing adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Motion for approval of minutes of October 25 meeting was made by Larry Seelig and seconded by Laura Ewing. Motion carried unanimously. The Charter Review Commission reviewed and discussed the following sections. Section 6.04b — Majority—John Olson reported that the state law requires that if an officer is elected more than two and not exceeding four years, the candidate must be elected by a "majority". Therefore, the suggestion by Councilmember Measeles to have members elected by plurality is not possible unless they wish to proceed with changing the terms of office. The Commission decided not to any more on this issue. p Y 1 1 � Section 8.03 — 8.08 Roger Roecker, Director of Administrative Services, made a presentation on several budget related issues. His recommendations are as follows: Section 8.03(1) — Deleting references to "offices" as for budget reporting, and leave it at the department level. Section 8.03(3) — A general wording rather than a list of tasks. The intent is to leave flexibility in the budget presentation. Section 8.03(7)(8)— Combining of the "sinking fund" terminology clarified to more modern language, to comply with bond attorney recommendation. Section 8.03(10) — Strike entirely. All information requested, is provided elsewhere in the budget document requirements. Section 8.03(c) — Suggested removing this language, and state to just comply with state law for publications. Concern was expressed that a ballot item of this type, might give the impression that less notice would be required. Agreed to leave it like it is. Section 8.04(d) — Remove "offices or agency" references was recommended but not decided. Section 8.05(e)— No change, per City Attorney John Olson. Section 8.05(f) — Staff provided a copy of the language prepared by the 1995 Charter Review Commission to review. Commission discussed but made no decision. Section 8.07(c)— Pointed out a spelling error: "Friendship" should be "Friendswood." Section 9.02 — Power to grant franchise - No change per City Attorney John Olson. Section 9.05 —Transfer of franchise - No change per City Attorney John Olson. Section 9.11 — Accounts of municipally-owned utilities - Can be eliminated, per City Attorney John Olson and staff. It is provided for elsewhere in the Charter. We are required to have an independent audit of all books every year, by Charter and by state law. This is not critical either way. It was suggested these two sections would be incorporated into the annual budget section, and specify the auditing is required. Section 9.12 — Sales of municipal services - Can be eliminated, per City Attorney John Olson, but not critical either way. Commission agreed not change. Section 11.02 —Official newspaper - This is required by statue, so decided to leave it in the charter. Section 11.03 — Personal financial interest — Is far reaching and more restrictive. Could change to follow the state provisions. Is interest in changing to comply with state law on conflicts of interest. Agreed Sections where Commission will consider change in language for amendment to the Charter: 14 It Section 3.04— Compensation Section 3.06c—Vacancies, forfeiture, filling of vacancies Section 3.06d —Temporary appointments Section 3.09 — Meetings of council Section 3.11c — Effective date Section 3.17 — Officials protected from financial loss Section 5.03b —Sufficient petition, final determination Section 6.01 b —Special elections Section 6.01c — Voter eligibility list Section 6.01d — Conduct and regulation of elections Section 6.02b — Procedure and schedule for filing Section 6.04— Canvassing and election results Section 8.03—Annual budget Section 8.05f— Elections to authorize debt Section 9.11 —Accounts of municipally-owned utilities Section 11.03 — Personal financial interest Commission will discuss compensation section at next meeting. Members should come with "bullet" statements and issues to begin discussion. Discussion followed regarding Dr. Heard's proposal on adding language to Charter to required budgetary allocation of tax dollars to library. Commission agreed to discuss this more full, at the next meeting. City Attorney, John Olson, is to prepare proposed ballot language for all agreed upon amendments to sections. Next meetings will be held November 29, and December 6, 2001. Commission to present report at the December 10 regular Council meeting. Work session will be held with Council in January. The meeting was adjourned. Deloris McKenzie, TRMC City Secretary