02/22/2007
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 22, 2007
Present: Jay Polglaze Chair
Howard Warshauer Committee Member
Frank L. Dame Committee Member
Elizabeth Drayer Committee Member
Candace Gardner Committee Member
Joyce E. Martin Committee Member
Kathy Milam Committee Member – arrived 2:39 p.m.
Alex Plisko Committee Member
William Wallace Committee Member
Joseph Harra Committee Member
Absent: William Blackwood Committee Member
Joshua Magidson Committee Member
Also Present: Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cyndie Goudeau City Clerk
Rosemarie Call Management Analyst
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 2:30 p.m. at City Hall
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Presentations
2. Approval of February 8, 2007 minutes
Committee Member Dame moved to approve the minutes of the February 8, 2007
meeting, as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each Committee Member. The
motion
was duly seconded.
It was suggested that the first sentence of paragraph two under Item 4 read “…that
Article I of the Charter…”.
Member Dame moved to amend his motion and the seconder agreed. Upon the vote
carried
being taken, the motion unanimously.
Discussion ensued regarding the one-year residency requirement for Council
candidates.
Consensus was for the City Attorney to research whether a longer residency
requirement for Council candidates would be defensible.
3 – Continue reviewing Charter
Charter Review 2007-02-22 1
Ms. Goudeau reported that Dr. Susan McManus, University of South Florida, is unable to
address the committee for several months. Dr. Scott Payne, of the University of Tampa and a
former Tampa Commissioner, may be available.
Consensus was to invite Dr. Payne to address the Committee, if he is unavailable staff
will contact Dr. Lance deHaven-Smith of Florida State University.
The role and expectations of a city manager were discussed. It was suggested that
language be added to the Charter that creates a process for Council to establish city manager
goals and objectives in annual evaluation.
Section 2.03, Election and terms
Ms. Goudeau reviewed recent changes in State law regarding vote certification and how
that has affected the City’s induction of newly elected councilmembers. The City Attorney
suggested new language “…take office on the first business day after certification of election.”
This change would prevent a three-week delay in certifying election results.
Member Milam moved to start a list of possible Charter changes with the timing of
motion carried
inducting new City Councilmembers be on it. The was duly seconded and
unanimously.
It was suggested the Committee move quickly through the Charter, noting which areas
require presentations or additional information.
Consensus was to table discussion regarding term limits until after Dr. Payne’s
presentation.
Management Analyst Rosemarie Call will provide information from Dr. McManus’
presentation to a previous Charter Review Committee.
Section 2.04 Compensation and Expenses
Discussion ensued regarding Council compensation. Information was requested
regarding salaries for Councilmembers and Mayors of comparably sized cities and surrounding
areas. It was suggested that the annual review of Council salaries be added to the Committee’s
list of proposed changes.
Section 2.05. Mayor, functions, and powers.
It was suggested that creating a process for Council to establish city manager goals and
objectives during the annual evaluation be added to the list.
Section 2.06. Prohibitions.
It was stated under the current form of government, the City Manager has complete
control over hiring and firing employees. Discussion ensued regarding possible changes to this
section. Dr. Payne will address these issues.
Staff will provide a City organization chart.
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4 - Set Aaenda for next meetina
Consensus was to finish review of the remainder of Charter at the next meeting.
5 - Adiourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m.
Attest:
Ci~ E. /1.. s,.., · -
Charter Review 2007-02-22
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