02/08/2011
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
FEBRUARY 8, 2011
Present: Cyndie Goudeau Chair
Jack Geller Vice-Chair
Norma Carlough Committee Member
Bud Elias Committee Member
Nicholas Fritsch Committee Member
Keith Protonentis Committee Member
Ana Tuzzo Committee Member
Donald van Weezel Committee Member
Howard Warshauer Committee Member
Sarah Weber Committee Member
Douglas Williams Committee Member
Olin Wright Committee Member
Stan Vittetoe Committee Member
Also Present: Pamela Akin City Attorney
Rosemarie Call City Clerk
Nicole Sprague ORLS Coordinator
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2. Approval of February 1, 2011 minutes
It was noted that Committee Member Geller made the motion to appoint Member
Goudeau as chair.
Member Warshauer moved to approve the minutes of the meeting of February 1, 2011,
as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. Presentation: Forms of Government – Dr. Edwin Benton, USF
Dr. Benton reviewed a PowerPoint presentation regarding types of government in
Florida and discussed trends in governance. The city charter serves as the framework for
government and defines the roles and duties of the elected officials. The City of Clearwater
uses the council-manager type of government, which is most popular.
In response to questions, Dr. Benton said the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg use a
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strong mayor-council form of government, typically found in the nation's largest cities. There
has been little statewide interest in term limits since 1992 when the State Legislature limited
their terms. The most common term limit is two four-year terms. At-large councils will typically
keep the interests of the entire city at heart.
Staff was directed to provide census information for the cities of Clearwater and St.
Petersburg.
4. Discuss Public Hearings
Discussion ensued regarding scheduling a public hearing to seek public input as to what
the committee should focus on. There was consensus that the Committee will create a list of
topics during the next three meetings for an early May public hearing.
Staff was directed to create a press release inviting the public to attend meetings and
share topics for the Committee's consideration. It was suggested that a copy of the press
release be emailed to the Committee Members.
5. Set Agenda for Next Meeting
Consensus was to begin reviewing the charter.
6. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
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