19 Council investigation - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM BRIEFING SHEET Submittal Date: Originating Department: Presented By: Agenda Item No.: OS/07/08 Council Date: City Council Don Wilson 19. OS/12/08 RECOMMENDED MOTION: POLICY ISSUE~S~: Council investigation BACKGROUND: Council Member Wilson requested that the agenda include an item to deliberate and act on issuance of subpoenas related to an investigation regarding initiative petitions and sworn affidavits filed March 18, 2008. Section 34 of the City Charter of the City of Paris, Texas grants the Council the authority to "...make investigations as to municipal affairs, and for that purpose may subpoena witnesses,...compel the production of...evidence." Councilman Wilson has concerns about comments in The Paris News, comments he has received from citizens, and possible irregularities in the petition process. At Mr. Wilson's request, Mayor Freelen spoke with petition committee member Eric Clifford and requested that he attend the May 12 meeting so that Mr. Clifford could speak directly and openly to the City Council about issues and concerns related to the initiative petitions. Mr. Clifford strongly declined the offer to address the City Council at the May 12 meeting, but said that he would be willing to meet with the City Council in private at his law office. BOARD~COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: EXHIBITS: Section 34 of the City Charter ACTION: BUDGET INFO: ❑ Financial Report ~ Minute Order Expense $ ❑ Department Report ❑ Resolution Budgeted Amt. $ ❑ Presentation ❑ Ordinance yTD Actual $ ❑ Public Hearing ❑ Other Acct. Name Acct. Number FISCAL NOTES: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: ~ Administration ~ City Clerk ❑ Community Development ❑ EMS/IT ❑ Finance ❑ Fire ❑ Municipal Court ~ Legal ❑ Library ❑ Police ❑ Eng./Public Works ❑ Utilities City of Paris ~ Revised 2/04/08 ~