2009-03-04 CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES2009 CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009
Present at the Meeting:
Larry Marcott, Chairman
Paul Knoble
Kurt Evenson
Nghiem Doan
The meeting was called to order at 6:55 p.m. by the chairman, Larry Marcott. Rushi
Patel joined the meeting at approximately 7:30 p.m. Michael O'Day called to notify that
he would not make it.
Mr. Marcott asked for the approval of the February 18, 2009 minutes. Mr. Evenson
asked for a correction in the minutes. He remembers inquiring about Section 10.7
(Conflict of Interest) of the Charter at the last meeting and asked for information
regarding such. Mr. Marcott stated information was received regarding Section 10.07.
Mr. Evenson agreed and would like it to be noted in the February 18 minutes that it was
discussed. Minutes were approved as per recommended amendment.
Mr. Marcott shared information from an article he read in the Galveston News about
League City Charter Review Commission. They had a 15 member Charter Review
Committee that met for nine months in 2007 before recommending to the
Councilmembers to put on the May 2008 ballot changes to the form of government and
the recall election. Only five committee members wanted single member districts to
appear on the ballot. Still, nothing has been done. Mr. Marcott indicated he sent the
article to Lawrence to share with CRC. Mr. Doan reiterated the fact that the previous two
Charter Review Committees discussed Single Member Districts and concluded it was not
in the best interest of the City of Pearland.
Mr. Doan discussed the Department of Justice position on approving districts. He also
informed the CRC that once a city goes to districts, it is highly unlikely that the
Department of Justice would allow it to go back to at -large positions.
Mr. Evenson discussed what he thought were the pros and cons of Single Member
Districts.
Mr. Marcott expressed his thoughts on adding 2 additional councilmembers. Thought it
would bring more ideas to the City. Everyone present agreed they are in favor of
increasing the number of councilmembers. Changing Section 3.01 of the Charter was
discussed. The CRC agreed to add two positions in 2011 with one being a two-year term
(first year) and the other being a three-year term and then both serve a three-year term
thereafter.
Everyone gave recommendations on revising Section 3.01 (e). Mr. Marcott asked Mr.
Doan to find out how may cites have 4 year terms for council. Also, what has other cities
done as far as consecutive elected terms.
Mr. Evenson voiced issues he has with Section 3.02.
Mr. Patel asked Mr. Marcott how many items would the CRC propose to City Council.
CRC agreed just major issues, such as term limits, single member districting and adding
councilmembers.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted and/or corrected this the 25th day of March, A.D., 2009.
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Larry Mar tt
Chairman