Title
Discuss and consider approving a resolution creating and making appointments to a Charter Review Commission.
Summary
The City Charter was originally adopted at an election held on November 2, 1993. It was amended by elections held January 18, 1997, November 6, 2001, and November 7, 2006. Charter requirements provide that the Council will appoint the next Charter Review Commission at their regular meeting on November 9, 2010. The Mayor will appoint three members and each Councilmember will appoint two members. Up to seven additional members can be appointed by a majority vote of the Council. The Charter Review Commission must have at least 13 and no more than 20 members. Charter Review Commission members must be registered voters of the City with at least one year of residency. They serve without compensation and cannot be employees of the City or members of any other City board or commission. The Charter Review Commission must serve at least six months and must meet at least once each month during its term. The Commission creates its own rules of procedure, but must have an affirmative vote of a majority of all members present in order to take action.
The Commission inquires into the operations of the City's government and reviews the City Charter to determine whether it requires revision. The Commission proposes any recommendations it deems desirable and makes a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Council. The Council receives the report and publishes the report in the Pflugerville Pflag, the City's official newspaper. If any proposed amendments to the Charter are presented, the Council orders the amendments to be submitted to the voters of the City, by ordering a special election. The City of Pflugerville has held Charter amendment elections in November in the past, but the election, if required, could also be held in May of the following year. Please find an excerpt of the Charter attached which includes Section 11.11 of the City Charter outlining the duties and requirements of the Charter Review Commission as well as Section 8.02 which defines the requirements for Board and Commission members.
The City Council discussed the upcoming appointment of a Charter Review Commission at their regular meeting on October 26, 2010. Names for appointments to the Charter Review Commission have been submitted by Councilmembers Wayne Cooper, Mike Marsh, Darelle White and Victor Gonzales. A draft resolution which contains those names is attached.
Deadline for City Council Action
November 9, 2010.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with appointment of the Charter Review Commission. If a Charter amendment election is to be held in November 2011 or May 2012, funds will need to be allocated within the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget for the associated election expenses.
Staff Recommendation
Discuss and take action to approve the resolution creating and making appointments to a Charter Review Commission.
Drafter
Karen Thompson
Versions
1. October 26, 2010
2. November 9, 2010