Title
Approving a resolution canvassing the votes of the November 8, 2011 Special Election for consideration of amendments to the City Charter.
Summary
The City of Pflugerville held a Special Election on November 8, 2011 to consider eleven propositions brought forward by the Charter Review Commission. 1,298 out of approximately 26,392 registered voters participated in the election resulting in a 4.9 % voter turn out. All eleven propositions were approved by the voters. This resolution will provide for the City Council to officially canvass the votes. Following the canvass of the votes, the City Charter will be amended and updated with the changes and filed with the Secretary of State.
Background
As required by the City's Charter, the City Council appointed a Charter Review Commission on November 9, 2010, composed of thirteen members: Elaine Boozer, Shannon Coleman, Charles Colley, Darlene Cross, Michael Dossing, Cindy Engelhardt, Marie Hornberger, Michael Marler, Hilan Priddy, Jerry Scott, Leilani Smith, Melvin White, and Gina Whittington. The Charter Review Commission was appointed to serve for six months with the following powers and duties as prescribed in the City Charter:
1.) Inquire into the operations of city government and review the city charter to determine whether it requires revision. Public hearings may be held and the commission shall have the power to compel the attendance of city officers or employees and to require the submission of city records necessary to its inquiry and review.
2.) Propose any recommendations it deems desirable to ensure compliance with charter provisions by city departments.
3.) Propose any charter amendments it deems desirable to improve the effective application of the charter to current conditions.
4.) Make a written report of its findings and recommendations to the city council.
The Charter Review Commission held its final meeting and completed its work on May 16, 2011, voting unanimously to approve its recommendations for amendments and the final report of findings and recommendations to the City Council. Charles Colley, Chairman of the Charter Review Commission, presented the Commission's final report to the City Council on June 14, 2011. The Charter Review Commission report was published in the Pflugerville Pflag on July 14, 2011. The City Council ordered the Special Election for consideration of the amendments to the City Charter on August 9, 2011.
Deadline for City Council Action
November 21, 2011.
Fiscal Impact
$13,000 was budgeted for election expenses in the Fiscal Year 2012 budget. The cost of the November 2011 Special Election is estimated at $8,144.53 with a breakdown as follows:
Travis County election services: $4,549.68
Williamson County election services: $1,000.00
Pflugerville Pflag election notice: $2,475.00
Spanish translation services: $119.85.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the resolution canvassing the results of the November 8, 2011 Special Election.
Drafter
Karen Thompson, City Secretary