2019-02-13 CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES2019 CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
FEBRUARY 13, 2019
I. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:13 pm.
II. Roll Call
Commissioners
City Staff
Mr. Paul Eskine
Lawrence G. Provins
Mr. Gerald L. Koza, Jr
Mrs. Ruby Lee Sandars
Mr. E. Craig Slater - Chair
Mr. Michael Wills, III
III. Consideration and Possible Action: Discussion and Review of Charter and Proposed
Amendments
A. The Commission discussed potential changes to Article 1.
a. Section 1.01— Form of Government
i. The Commission discussed the benefits of a City Manager form of
government vs a Strong Mayor form of government.
ii. No issues identified.
L. Section 1.02—Incorporation
i. No issues identified.
c. Section 1.03— Annexation for all purposes
The Commission discussed annexation without the consent of the
inhabitants annexed. The Commission agreed that this section
incorporates the limitations found in State law and that making changes
would not be necessary at this time.
d. Section 1.04— Detachment of territory
i. No issues identified.
B. The Commission discussed potential changes to Article 2.
a. Section 2.01—General
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i. Mr. Provins discussed the difference between a Home Rule municipality
that can do what it deems necessary subject to State and Federal laws
and a General Rule Municipality that can only do what the State
authorizes it to do.
ii. No issues identified.
b. Section 2.02—General Powers
i. No issue identified.
c. Section 2.03—Eminent Domain
i. The Commission discussed the powers and limitations of eminent
domain and whether the Charter should include the limitations found in
State law and/or additional protections or limitations. The Commission
determined that the protections found in State law are sufficient and no
additional changes to the Charter are required.
The Commission briefly discussed Section 3.02 Term Limits in relation to the mayor and
why the mayor does not have a term limit like the remainder of City Council. The
Commission determined that because the Mayor does not have the ability to vote
unless there is a tie, the Mayor rarely votes. As a result of this, the Mayor primarily
presides over the meetings. Additionally, because the Mayor is not subject to term
limits, the Mayor is able to gain tenure on outside boards and commissions. The
Commission determined that no changes to the term limits for the Mayor would be
recommend.
The Commission initiated the discussion on Section 3.02 in relation to Councilmembers
running at large vs. single member districts and agreed to resume this discussion at the
next meeting.
IV. Future Business
The Commission agreed to review the items below at the next meeting, currently scheduled for
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 6:00 pm.
a. Section 3.01—Number, selection and term
i. Member At Large vs. Single Member Districts
ii. Term Length
iii. Term Limits
1. What is an appropriate term?
2. When will there bean open seat?
b. Section 3.02—Qualifications
i. Duration of Residency?
ii. Own Property?
c. Section 3.04—Compensation
d. The remainder of Article 3.
Mr. Provins illustrated the Interactive Map on the City website as a tool to help answer
questions on future issues.
The Commission asked for the following information to aid in its duties:
Information pertaining to current compensation amounts for City Council.
Where is the 5-year CIP referred to in the Charter?
The Commission agreed to meet again on February 27, 2019 at 6:00 pm and discussed the
meeting after that which should be on Wednesday March, 13, 2019 unless it conflicts with
vacation plans for Spring Break.
V. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.
Minutes appro ,d as sub .' -• a d/or corrected on February 27, 2019.
E. C .ig Sl
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