DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER: Carlos Contreras
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
This Ordinance establishes the composition of a Charter Review Commission to review and propose possible City Charter amendments as discussed at the Governance Committee meeting on August 20, 2014.
SUMMARY:
On August 7, 2014, the City Council created a Charter Review Commission to review the charter and propose potential amendments. This Ordinance establishes the composition of that Charter Review Commission which will be appointed by the Mayor.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A Charter Review Commission is proposed to regularly review the City's Charter and provide recommendations on possible amendments. This Commission will consider important policy issues that may be brought to the voters, as well as identify situations in which the City Charter may be in conflict with State or Federal Law.
The following Commission composition and structure were discussed at the August 20, 2014 Governance Committee meeting. The Governance Committee moved to bring this issue to the full City Council.
The Charter Review Commission is charged with reviewing the City of San Antonio's Charter; identifying sections or passages that may be obsolete, inconsistent or unwieldy; suggesting a regular schedule of municipal elections on charter issues; and preparing policy proposals for consideration by City Council. City Council will consider the Commission's proposals and determine whether they are to be placed before the voters. The Mayor shall appoint the Commission members. The Commission shall consist of 13 total members as follow:
Community Representatives (7)
Former City Employee (1)
Former Elected Official (2)
Individual with Expertise in Municipal Law (1)
Individual with Expertise in Human Resources Management (1)
Individual with Expertise in Municipal Finance (1)
This Ordinance will amend the Ordinance adopted by City Council on August 7th (Ordinance 2014-08-07-0519) by providing the Mayor the authority to appoint members of the Commission by memo.
ISSUE:
This Ordinance shall create a Charter Review Commission to evaluate the City Charter. The Commission will propose amendments to the Charter to the City Council and the City Council will vote on whether to place the proposed amendment on a ballot for election.
ALTERNATIVES:
N/A.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Commission will utilize staff in the City Manager's Office, City Attorney's Office and various departments as resources to support its efforts.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Ordinance.