Report Prepared by: John Tresidder, Assistant City Clerk, City Clerk’s Office
Title
SUBJECT: Discussion on Council Priorities for Charter Review and Selection of Initial Sections for Committee Review
REPORT IN BRIEF
Mayor Murphy will provide insight into City Council’s desire to have the City of Merced Charter reviewed for possible updates to various sections.
RECOMMENDATION
Charter Review Committee - Adopt a motion selecting Charter sections for initial review based on City Council priorities to return to the next meeting with suggested changes for discussion.
Body
DISCUSSION
At the March 18, 2019 City Council Meeting, Mayor Murphy brought forward an item to discuss possible amendments to the City Charter. Council directed staff to return with a timeline and list of milestones in order to place possible amendments on the March 2020 Primary Election.
At the April 1, 2019 City Council meeting, staff reported on a timeline and set of milestones that would need to be met in order to place possible Charter Amendments on the March 2020 Primary Election. At the same meeting, Council directed staff to begin the process that would lead to that end.
At the May 20, 2019 City Council meeting, Council discussed priority items for the Citizens Advisory Charter to review in addition to an overall review of the Charter.
Items directed by City Council for review were as follows:
1. Charter Section 1112. - Cash Basis Fund (removal of section)
2. Charter Section 400. - Mayoral Term (review change from 2 to 4 year term)
3. Charter Section 402. - Compensation (review of Council monthly stipend)
4. Possible addition of a section regarding financial auditors directly reporting to the City Council.
5. Flexibility of Citizens Advisory Charter Review Committee to suggest changes to additional sections as time permits.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Charter Sections 1112, 400B, and 402