06/14/2007
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
CITY OF CLEARWATER
June 14, 2007
Present: Jay E. Polglaze Chair
Howard Warshauer Vice-Chair
Frank L. Dame Committee Member
Candace Gardner Committee Member – departed 6:04 p.m.
Joseph Harra Committee Member
Kathy Milam Committee Member
Alex Plisko, Jr. Committee Member – departed 6:10 p.m.
William Wallace Committee Member
Absent: William Blackwood Committee Member
Elizabeth Drayer Committee Member
Joshua Magidson Committee Member
Joyce E. Martin Committee Member
Also Present: Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Rosemarie Call Management Analyst
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:39 p.m. at the Main Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1. Presentation by Ed Benton, Ph. D., University of South Florida
Dr. Benton provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding forms of government and
reviewed Florida trends in governance. The charter generally serves as the basic framework of
government and defines roles and duties of elected officials. Land use issues generally are
addressed in land use plans, ordinances, etc. However, communities that wish to preserve or
protect certain items in the community might address their concerns in the charter. He
cautioned against amending a charter to reflect current public opinion. Consideration should be
given to long-term concerns, flexibility for the future, and if the changes are really needed.
In response to questions, Dr. Benton said in a strong mayor form of government, term
limits are typically four years. Counties generally take precedence over cities, as counties were
created as the administrative arm of state government. Regarding a hybrid council-manager-
mayor form of government, role and power of the city manager and the mayor should be
separate and clearly defined.
Charter Review 2007-06-14 1
2. Adiourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.
Attest:
~il1f~{}eJA
frI City Clerk
Charter Review 2007-06-14
2