02/22/2011
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
FEBRUARY 22, 2011
Present: Cyndie Goudeau Chair
Jack Geller Vice-Chair
Norma Carlough 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
Absent: Bud Elias 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 8, 2011 minutes
Concern was expressed that many committee members did not receive their packets in
the mail due to the President’s Day holiday and were unable able to review the minutes.
Member Geller moved to continue the approval of the minutes to March 8, 2011. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. Begin Reviewing Charter
The committee reviewed the charter and there was consensus to revisit the following
sections of the Charter in addition to those suggested by City Council:
Article II – Legislative Power
Section 2.01 – Council Composition and Powers
It was suggested that the committee consider further discussion regarding form of
government. Staff was directed to invite Mayor Frank Hibbard and City Manager William B.
Horne II to discuss their perspective of the City’s current form of government and provide
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information regarding at-large and single-member districting, strong mayor form of government,
and charter excerpts for West Palm Beach and St. Petersburg.
Section 2.01(c)3 – Audit Requirement
It was suggested consideration be given to require publishing the audit.
Section 2.01(d)(1) – Total Indebtedness
It was requested that staff provide information regarding current state of indebtedness
and input if any changes were needed.
Section 2.01(6) – Waterfront Property including Harborview and Bandshell
It was suggested the committee consider further discussion regarding allowing relocation
of the current bandshell site. Staff was directed to provide copies of an article from Michael
Sanders regarding the downtown waterfront; invite Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin and
representatives of the Downtown Development Board and Clearwater Downtown Partnership to
discuss their efforts on downtown redevelopment.
Section 2.03 – Election and terms
It was suggested the committee consider further discussion regarding overlapping terms
so that number of council seats elected in an election is as follows: 2, 2, and 1.
Section 2.04 – Council Compensation and Expenses
AND
Section 2.05 – Mayor Functions and Powers
AND
Section 2.07 – Council Vacancies
It was stated that if the committee recommends changing the current form of
government to strong mayor; these sections would require changes. The City Attorney said
changing the form of government would require re-writing the Charter.
It was suggested that the Committee provide Council with an interim report regarding the
recommendation for further Council direction.
Section 8.05(a) – Council positions.
At Large and Majority Vote
It was suggested that the Committee discuss plurality versus majority voting provision.
3.2 Set Agenda for Next Meeting
Staff was directed to schedule discussion on form of government with the Mayor and the
City Manager.
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4. Citizens to be Heard - None.
5. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 5:54 p.m.
Attest:
City Clerk
Chai ,Charter Review Committee
Charter Review 2011-02-22