03-A Charter Study Committee Min 1-26-07

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Charter Study Committee January 26, 2007 Page 6 Section 96, which would allow a candidate to use something other than his full name on the ballot. Monte Akers suggested deleting the last sentence, because it is governed by State Law. Subject to the change proposed by Monte Akers, David Nabors made a motion to amend Section 96 as proposed by Charles Richards and David Hamilton seconded the motion. Motion carried, 9 ayes - 0 nays. Section 134 (Relatives of officers shall not be appointed or employed). Charles Richards proposed language that would allow a person to serve on a board or committee if he or she had a close relative who served the City in a non-paying position. Monte Akers suggested changing the six months reference in that language, because that only applies to an elected official. David Nabors made a motion to amend Section 134 as proposed by Monte Akers and Marva Joe seconded the motion. Motion carried, 9 ayes - 0 nays. Section 17 (Qualifications). Monte Akers reminded the Committee he previously told them that the state's qualifications for office could not be changed by a city. He advised them he had since learned there is an exception for home rule cities with regard to age and local residency. He stated home rule charters may have a local and state residency requirement of not more than 12 months, and may have a minimum age of not more than 21 years. The Committee previously decided to amend the section to include a residency requirement of 12 months and an age of not less than 18 years. It was a consensus of the Committee to leave the qualifications as previously written. With regard to advertising, Bobby Walters suggested they draft written language for each Committee member and advertise on television. Charles Waldrum said once they have the language down, they need to develop the education process. Chairperson Cecil said they would need to have another meeting after City Council meets to discuss the propositions. Charles Richards expressed that City Council should have something in writing as to why they thought the changes were necessary. Monte Akers will prepare a document with the information. With regard to Spanish language on the ballot, Monte Akers explained the City was in possession of a pre-clearance letter dated in 1988. The letter gave the City pre- clearance do have ballots in English only, because the Spanish population was below 5%. The 2000 Census reflects the City to have a Spanish population of 4.1 %. Mr. Akers explained they had three options, one of which was to rely on the 1988 letter; prepare the ballots in Spanish and English; or seek another pre-clearance. He said the decision was up to the City Council. With regard to the ballot, Mr. Akers asked if they like the wording Yes and No or For T