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10/13/1988 CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING October 13, 1988 The Charter Review Committee met at City Hall on Thursday, October 13, 1988, at 6:30 P.M. with the following members present: Ron Crawford Mary Lou Dobbs Joanne Faruggia Roy May Trish Muscarella Carol Nielsen John Tscarios Absent: Marian Justice Charles LeCher Jackie Tobin Also present: Cynthia E. Goudeau, City Clerk The City Clerk opened the meeting at 6:32 P.M. stating that the purpose of the Committee is to review the Charter and make recommendations to the City Commission regarding changes. She stated the purpose of this meeting was to elect a Chairperson and for the Committee to determine how it wishes to operate. In response to a question, she indicated that the election must be advertised February 7, 1989; and therefore, the readings of the ordinance would need to take place at the Commission meetings of January 5th and 19th. A question was raised regarding what action the City Commission would be taking after the Board makes its recommendation to the Commission. It was indicated that the Commission would be adopting the ordinances and could make changes to the recommendations presented by the Committee. The City Clerk cautioned the members of the Committee that they are subject to the provisions of the Sunshine Law and that members of the Committee should not meet privately to discuss any of the issues before the Committee. A request was made that F.S. 171 and 166 be copied to the Committee members. Discussion ensued regarding the procedure the Board wished to follow. It was suggested that the previous Committee's procedure of identifying the sections to be discussed at each meeting would be appropriate. It was suggested that a definition section is needed in the Charter. Discussion ensued regarding the powers of the Chairman, and it was indicated that the Chair would conduct the meeting, prepare the agendas in conjunction with the City Clerk and that it would be up to the Committee whether or not the Chairperson could make motions. John Tscarios moved that the Committee select a Chairperson whose duties would include conducting the meetings, setting the agendas in coordination with the City Clerk, and that in the actions of their office have the power to make a motion. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. A suggestion was made that a Vice-Chairperson also be appointed. Roy May moved that the Committee recognize and appoint a Committee Vice-Chairperson. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. John Tscarios moved to appoint Trish Muscarella as Chairperson of the Charter Review Committee. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Roy May moved to appoint John Tscarios as Vice-Chairperson. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Discussion ensued regarding meeting times of the Committee and consensus of the Committee was that Wednesday nights would be the regular meeting days for the Committee. Discussion ensued regarding what should be discussed at the next meeting and it was requested that copies of the last Charter Ordinance be provided to the Committee. Charters from comparable cities were also requested and charters from Daytona Beach, Pensacola, and Fort Myers were specifically mentioned. It was also requested that, if there are any model charters available from the Florida League of Cities or other groups, they be obtained. Ron Crawford distributed materials that he had prepared stating he had gone over the current Charter carefully and was concerned regarding the format of the Charter. He stated he felt there are some changes in the format that will improve the Charter. He asked to be given an opportunity to explain his rationale for the changes and it was agreed he would be allowed to do this as particular sections are discussed. Consensus of the Committee was to meet once a week with the regular meetings being on Wednesday at 6:30 P.M.; however, due to conflicts, the next meeting would be scheduled for Tuesday, October 18th, at 6:30 P.M. Discussion ensued regarding the need to establish a quorum and procedures for a tie vote. Quorum suggested were six and seven. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not the Chair should be allowed to vote only in the case of a tie vote. A suggestion was made that an eleventh member be appointed by the Committee allowing the Chairman full voting powers. John Tscarios moved that for the purpose of establishing an odd number of people on the Board, the Committee elect an eleventh member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ron Crawford moved that the quorum be set at seven members. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Consensus of the Committee was to discuss Articles I and II at the next meeting. It was questioned whether or not the Committee needed to address action to be taken should members miss meetings. It was indicated that the Committee would not have the authority to remove its own members and that authority lies with the Commission. Consensus of the Committee was to go on record that those individuals that have volunteered to serve on this Committee have an obligation to attend the meetings and should make every effort to do so. The meeting ajourned at 7:26 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 7:27 P.M. when the issue of the eleventh member was revisited. Some concern was expressed regarding the way in which the eleventh member was to be appointed in that several people would be nominated and only one would be actually appointed to the Board. A suggestion was made that the names be submitted to the City Clerk and those individuals who might be suggesting another name contact the City Clerk to determine the status of the nominated. Concerns were still expressed that this would still have people volunteering for a Board when they may not be appointed. It was indicated that tie votes may not be a problem. The general feeling was to address this issue only if necessary. Roy May moved to rescind the action taken by the Board in regard to appointing an eleventh member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:32 P.M.