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09/09/2003CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER September 9, 2003 Present: Daniel Dennehy Chair Melody W. Figurski Vice Chair Thomas D. Calhoun Committee Member Katherine Elliott Cole Committee Member John Doran Committee Member William Joe Fisher Committee Member – arrived 6:02 p.m. Nicholas C. Fritsch Committee Member Isay M. Gulley Committee Member Timothy A. Johnson, Jr. Committee Member Jay F. Keyes Committee Member Lawrence (Duke) Tieman Committee Member – arrived 6:02 p.m. Absent: Jay Edwin Polglaze Committee Member Also Present: Pamela Akin City Attorney Cyndie Goudeau City Clerk Rosemarie Alfaro Administrative Analyst Brenda Moses Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Review Proposed Changes It was requested, per the Committee’s previous recommendation, that Section 2.02(5)(v) of Article I be changed to read “The council may donate real property to a nonprofit organization for the construction of residential units upon a finding by the council at a public hearing that such donation serves a public purpose.” In response to a question regarding Section 7.02 Charter Review Committee, City Attorney Pam Akin explained the recommended changes call for the appointment of twelve members but allow the membership to drop to ten prior to appointments to fill vacancies being needed. Discussion ensued regarding the last paragraph in Section 2.01(6). It was requested the paragraph in part read: “…shall be developed or maintained other than as open space and associated city-owned recreational facilities such as a marina, amphitheater and associated appurtenances such as city-owned parking facilities and public utilities, except upon a finding by the council at a duly advertised public hearing that such development is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City and approval of such finding at referendum, conducted subsequent to the public hearing.” 3. Public Comment Three persons spoke regarding the Committee’s proposed changes to the Charter. Concerns included the wording in Section 2.01(6) regarding “associated appurtenances” being too broad; assuring public access to the facilities; four-year terms being too long; and a request that Section 2.01(5)(ii) be changed to read “…highest competitive bid at or above the appraised value…” 4. Committee Member Comments and Questions Discussion ensued regarding the meaning and intent of the word appurtenances. It was felt it was clear an appurtenance would have to be related to and needed to support the city-owned facilities. It was also believed requiring the facilities to be city-owed would assure their accessibility. Ms. Akin said Section 7 of the Charter was not changed and would limit the City’s ability to sell, lease or otherwise convey such facilities. It was agreed Section 2.01(5)(ii) be changed as requested. The next Charter Review Committee meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on September 23, 2003 in the second floor conference room at City Hall. 5. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m. _______________________ Chair Charter Review Committee Attest: ____________________ City Clerk