Title
Resolution ordering a November 8, 2016, Special Election for consideration of amendments to the City's Charter.
Summary
As required by the City's Charter, the City Council appointed a Charter Review Commission on November 10, 2015. Fifteen members were appointed: Floyd Akers, Paul Bruggeman, Charles Colley, Troy Fuller, David Garlick, Victor Gonzales, Angela Hausner, Michael Marler, Pat McCord, Rudy Metayer, Christopher Miller, Tommy Nobles, Al Pattillo, Tom Roland, and Ron Sandford. Mr. Sandford was elected as chair and Mr. McCord was elected as vice chair. In March 2016, Tommy Nobles and Floyd Akers resigned and Michelle Sheehan was appointed.
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 9, 2016. At the June 28, 2016 regular meeting, Mr. Sandford presented the written report of its findings and recommendations to the City Council. The Charter Review Commission report was published in the Pflugerville Pflag on July 6, 2016. Please find the Charter Review Commission's report and recommendations for amendments attached.
The attached resolution has been provided to order the November 8, 2016, Special Election for consideration of the amendments to the City's Charter. Election day and early voting locations are still being determined at this time. The proposed election day and early voting locations included in Exhibits A & B of the resolution are subject to change. Exhibit C is the text of the propositions and is currently being prepared by the City Attorney. Exhibit C will be presented to the City Council at the August 9, 2016 regular meeting for discussion and consideration.
This item has been posted on a supplemental agenda to provide for Spanish translation for this agenda item topic. The supplemental agenda in Spanish is attached.
Previous City Council Action
The City Council discussed the proposed charter revision propositions at the July 12, 2016 regular meeting, July 19, 2016 special meeting and July 26, 2016 worksession and regular meeting. The City Council held a special meeting on August 2, 2016 to consider the ballot language.
Deadline for City Council Action
August 22, 2016 is the deadline for ordering elections to take place on November 8, 2016.
Fiscal Impact
$50,000 is included in the proposed 2017 fiscal year budget for election expenses. At this time, a firm cost estimate is not available.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the resolution.
Drafter
Karen Thompson
City Secretary