05-A Charter Study Committee Min 1-4-07

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Charter Study Committee January 4, 2007 Page 2 - 0 nays. Marva Joe expressed concerned with having candidates elected by a majority vote, because it would delay seating Council and electing a Mayor. She further expressed concerned about delay in the budget process. Charles Richards said the mayor could continue until a successor was elected. Chairperson Cecil stated the former City Manager indicated there would not be a time conflict between a run-off election and the budget process. Chairperson Cecil asked Monte Akers to research the issue and report back to the Committee. Mr. Akers presented language regarding qualifications of candidates to the Committee. He told the Committee that state law required the candidate to live in the district in which he or she seeks election, for a period of six months. David Nabors made a motion to approve the recommended language of Section 17 as presented by Monte Akers. Chairperson Cecil inquired if anyone opposed the language. There was no opposition - the Motion carried. 4. Report from Monte Akers regarding the wording of Section 27 (City Judge); Section 28 (City Attorney); Section 100 (Power of initiative); Section 101 (Power of Referendum); Section 111 (Recall; general); and Section 112 (Recall procedure). Section 27 (City Judge) - Chairperson Cecil referred the Committee to the document prepared by Charles Waldrum and Charles Richards, wherein it adds a provision requiring that the city judge be a lawyer. Charles Waldrum pointed out that the other addition provides for the council to select an interim attorney to perform the city judge's duties, in the event the city judge was unable to perform his duties. It was a consensus of the Committee to approve the language presented by Mr. Waldrum and Mr. Richards. Section 28 (City Attorney) - Mr. Waldrum said it was not realistic that the city attorney should be a practicing attorney in Paris, as that would limit the Council from hiring a qualified attorney outside the City. Chairperson Cecil recommended deleted the sentence that states the city attorney shall represent the city in all litigation, because outside counsel was employed for litigation. Louise Hagood suggested striking out the last sentence of the first paragraph. It was a consensus of the Committee to approve the changes. Section 100 (Power of initiative) - Monte Akers referred the Committee to the language proposed by Charles Waldrum and Charles Richards. Chairperson Cecil suggested they specify the total number of votes cast in the last election; otherwise, they would have to go back several elections. Louise Hagood suggested they delete the words cumulative and contested. It was a consensus of the Committee to approve the wording to include the suggestions as set out.