09-20-2021 MinutesMINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
107 EAST KAUFMAN STREET
PARIS TEXAS
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20 2021 5:30 P.M.
1. Call meeting to order and welcome remarks by Commission Chairperson Alix Putnam.
Chairperson Alix Putnam called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Roll Call.
Members present were Alix Putnam, Syble Bills, Brenda Cherry, Matthew Coyle, Lydia
Fitzgerald, Jessica Holtman, Reeves Hayter, Linda Kapp, Stacy Ladell, Chad Lindsey, James Mitchell,
Taisley Scroggin, and Kenneth Webb.
Also present were Don Edmonds, Consultant; Paula Portugal, Mayor; Grayson Path, City Manager
and Janice Ellis, City Clerk.
Members absent were Connie Dodd and David House.
3. Remarks by Mayor Paula Portugal.
Mayor Portugal expressed appreciation to the Committee Members for volunteering their time to
serve on this very important project.
4. Receive Citizen's input.
Chairperson Putnam asked for anyone wishing to speak on any of the items on the agenda, to
please come forward. With no one speaking, Ms. Putnam closed the forum.
5. Introduction of Commission Members, City Staff and Consultant.
Chairperson Putnam asked the Committee to introduce themselves, including where they worked,
where they were born and their favorite cookie.
6. Consider election of a Vice -Chairperson.
Chairperson Putnam opened the floor for nominations for Vice -Chairperson. Jessica Holtman
nominated Reeves Hayter. Chairperson Putnam asked for other nominations and there being none,
she closed the floor for nominations. Chairperson Putnam asked for a vote and the Committee voted
unanimously that Reeve Hayter would serve as Vice -Chairperson.
7. Consider a meeting time for future Commission meetings.
Following a brief discussion, it was a consensus that the meetings would take place at
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but would Staff would keep them informed.
8. Consider establishing a quorum number for future Commission meetingi
Mr. Edmonds inquired of the Commission about establishing a quorum for the purpose of
conducting a meeting. Following a brief discussion, it was a consensus that having one-half of the
commission plus one would constitute a quorum.
9. Consider an overview of the current Charter prepared by Consultant Don R. Edmonds and discu
a tentative schedule by which to comprehensively review the document (See the followin
Appendix A and Appendix B). i
Mr. Edmonds explained the difference between a General Law and a Home Rule City and how
they operate. He said the first City Charter of Paris was granted in 1845 by the State Legislature. Mr.
Edmonds stated there were twelve articles and one -hundred fifty-one sections in the Charter.
AccordmN to the schedule in their Itackets-. Mr. EdmxnAmi WMrp_rLmiIQvw*
the last one being the wrap-up of the review.
Mr. Edmonds explained that the City Council wanted an independent opinion. Ms. Cherry
confirmed with Mr. Edmonds that they were to review the Charter and make recommendations as to
changes. Ms. Putnam inquired if the City Council decides what would be on the ballot. Mr. Edmonds
answered in the affirmative. Ms. Putnam asked about being involved in a pro -active campaign and
Mr. Edmonds said they would speak to community organizations, such as the Rotary Club. Mr. Path
explained that the City Staff could not be involved in a campaign pursuant to State Law. Mr. Hayter
asked about how to get an item on the agenda for discussion. If someone has an item for the agenda,
Mr. Edmonds said they could e-mail it to him or call him. Mr. Path emphasized that Don Edmonds
was their Charter resource.
8. Adjournment.
A Motion to adjourn was made by Kenneth Webb and seconded by Chad Lindsey. Motion carried,
12 ayes — 0 nays. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
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