Minutes - Regular Meeting - 4/19/2007 Charter Review Commission (4JpAhVid-,�
April 19, 2007
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r The Round Rock Charter Review Commission met on Thursday, April 19, 2007, in the
City Council Chamber, 221 E. Main Street, Round Rock, Texas.
CALL SESSION TO ORDER - 6:30 P.M.
Chairman Laukhuf called the session to order at 6:33 p.m.
LLC LL: Those members present were Steve Laukhuf, Chairman, Robert L.
Bennett, Vice-Chairman, Commissioners Ron Buffu , Craig Morgan, Karla Sain and Mark
Fritz. Commissioner Judy McLeod was absent.
APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 5, 2007 MEETING MINUTES:
MOTION: Commissioner Buffum moved to approve the minutes of April 5, 2007 as
submitted. Commissioner Morgan seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously
approved.
CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
CONSIDER LIC TESTIMONY CONCERNINGRET ROUND ROCK CITY
` CHARTER AND/OlkPROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY CHARTER. Chairman Laukhuf
opened the public hearing. There being no testimony, the public hearing was closed.
CONSIDER DISCUSSIONI T I I LL
CHARTER.ASPECTS OF THE CIjY
Commissioner Morgan inquired on the cost of the City Election. He also expressed his
concern of individuals filing only so a candidate does not run unopposed. Discussion
occurred on whether more restrictions are required for serious candidates and if the film
fee should be increased.
Commissioner organ asked for information on what other cities charge for filing for
a place on the ballot.
Commissioner Buffum noted that any restrictions or cost of filing fees should not be
so restrictive as to prevent individuals for filing for a place on the Council.
CONSIDER DISCUSSION
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER WITH THE OFFICIAL CITY WEB_ SITE.
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Charter Review Commission
April 19, 2007
Steve Sheets provided six sections of the Charter that could be amended with the
wording "official web site" to replace the current wording of"official newspaper," He added
that this was not the only option®
The Commission discussed the new wording option presented by staff. In addition,
the various means of providinginformation to the City households. Mr, Hampton added
there are still State laws that require publications in a newspaper.
Other wording amendments discussed were:
• "A newspaper of general circulation."
• "The official website and a newspaper of general circulation®"
• Be silent on the word "official."
Staff was directed to bring backthe Commission the following:
• A clearly more defined language to replace the current language of`official
newspaper."
New title for Section 14.02.
• The circulation figures for the Austin American Statesman, the Round Rock
Leader, and the City's residential water bill®
• A cost benefit analysis
• Cost figures for publications over the last 4 years.
CONSIDER D NT TO GIVE THE
MAYORCOUNCIL THE AUTHORITYI S I
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS.
Jim Nuse, City Manager read from the Charter, Section 3.08 (c) Interference with
Administration. He explained that the purpose for this item is to clarify the language in the
City Charter that would allow for Executive Assistants for the Mayor and Council without
violating the City Charter. He read a proposed new section of the Charter, Section 3.17,
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Executive Assistants to the Mayor and Council. added that this section could fill the
needs of the Mayor and Council.
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Charter Review Commission
April 19, 2007
The Commission discussed the proposed amendment inquiring on the type of duties
the assistants would provide, who would hire and fire the assistants, and who would
supervise those positions.
Commissioner Bennett noted that the current form of government for Round Rock is
"Council-Manager Government and expressed his concern that the title Executive Assistant
could forma barrier between the City Manager and the Council is might lead to a
different form of government.
Mr. Sheets responded that a solution to that would be to change the title of the
positions to Clerical Assistant and possibly add a job description or state that the duties are
solely clerical.
Commissioner Sartin recommended the title Administrative Assistant.
The Commission inquired on the budgetary cost of the additional assistants.
This item will be brought back to the next meeting with additional wording options as
OPP
discussed.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Christine R. Martinez, City Secretary
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