2006-12-07-Mins-Charter (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Study Committee December 7, 2006 Page 3 two consecutive two year terms. Monte Akers pointed out that the Charter did not state the term of office to be two years and that needed to be added. (8) Section 17 (Qualifications). Chairperson Philip Cecil inquired of the members if anyone thought twenty-one was too strict. Marva Joe said at eighteen you could go to war and vote. Louise Hagood preferred twenty-one. Chairperson Philip Cecil asked those in favor of keeping twenty-one to raise their hands. David Nabors and Louise Hagood raised their hands. The other six committee members were in favor of age eighteen. All Committee Members were in favor of keeping the requirement of residing in the district for twelves months as a qualification of running for council. With regard to a candidate being in arrears in the payment of taxes, Monte advised the Committee this qualification needed to be amended. He stated that due to a federal lawsuit, the City could have some legal problems with this being a qualification. Charles Waldrum suggested that the qualification dealing with convictions be reworded to define conviction. David Hamilton agreed. Chairperson Philip Cecil asked Mr. Waldrum and Mr. Hamilton to get together and bring something back to the next meeting regarding this subject. Subject to an issue being brought back regarding convictions, the Committee approved the changes to Section 17 as set out above. (11) Section 23 (Council not to interfere in appointments or removals). Chairperson Philip Cecil said they needed to address the consequences for violation of this section. Monte Akers suggested they add a sentence stating that multiple and willful violations shall be grounds for removal from office, after an investigation by the Council and a public hearing. The Committee was in agreement. (12) Section 29 (Induction into office; meetings). Philip Cecil stated the open meetings had been a controversial topic, because the Charter does not follow state law. A Motion to allow City Council to follow the Open Meetings Act governed by State Law was made by David Hamilton and seconded by Louise Hagood. Motion carried, 8 ayes - 0 nays. (16) Section 60 (Emergency appropriations). Monte Akers informed the Committee that having the one-hundred resident qualified voter stipulation added an additional hurdle in response to amend the budget. It becomes extremely important during homeland security issues. A Motion to remove the one-hundred resident qualified voter stipulation was made by David Nabors and seconded by David Hamilton. Motion carried, 8 ayes - 0 nays.