CITY OF TEXAS CITY
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES
MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019 - 5:30 P.M.
NESSLER CIVIC CENTER - ALAMO ROOM
2010 5th Avenue North
Texas City, TX 77590
- Present:
-
- Bob Senter, Chairperson
- Thelma Bowie, Board Member
- Jose Boix, Board Member
- Aric Owens, Board Member
- Lupe Cantu, Board Member
- Jenny Senter, Board Member
- Mark Ciavaglia, Board Member
- Tracy Tarpey, Board Member
- Frank Mistretta, Board Member
- Brian Clark, Board Member
- Denise Obrian, Board Member
- Absent:
-
- Carlos Garza, Board Member
- Dedrick Johnson, Board Member
- Staff Present:
-
- City Liaison Phil Roberts
- City Staff Nicholas Finan
- City Attorney Russell F. Plackemeier
1.
WELCOME
2.
ROLL CALL
a.
Introduction of newly appointed members to the Charter Review Committee.
3.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
AI-4980
Consider approval of the minutes from the Charter Review Committee Meeting on November 12, 2018, and December 10, 2018.
A MOTION was made by Board Member Mark Ciavaglia
AND SECONDED by Board Member Thelma Bowie
Vote: 11 - 0 CARRIED
4.
OVERVIEW
a.
AI-4978
Consider a "Summary of Substantive Variances and Issues Existing Between the Current Charter and Current Operations" as developed by Consultant Don R. Edmonds.
Don Edmonds summarized how the committee will approach the review process. His review shows only two articles that varied to state law, was unclear or varied in how the city performed. This is very low. Also, the committee is open to considering other items other than what he found that needs some amendatory change. Politically or for other reasons, committee members wish to consider other changes.
Bob Senter reinforced anyone can suggest other items throughout the process.
Mark Ciavaglia suggested that the committee look at other Gulf Coast Cities of similar size for numbers 3 & 7 (Salary & Recall). Discussion that only 4 cities with strong Mayor in Texas, so comparisons would not be apple to apple
Jose Boix questioned what was meant by "not in compliance." It was answered that it means with Charter.
Jose Boix questioned if its necessary to take these issues before voters even if it's just to meet State Law standards. The answer is yes.
Bob Senter made comments and references to each section and discussed variances, etc. with Don Edmonds assistance.
Don Edmonds summarized how the committee will approach the review process. His review shows only two articles that varied to state law, was unclear or varied in how the city performed. This is very low. Also, the committee is open to considering other items other than what he found that needs some amendatory change. Politically or for other reasons, committee members wish to consider other changes.
Bob Senter reinforced anyone can suggest other items throughout the process.
Mark Ciavaglia suggested that the committee look at other Gulf Coast Cities of similar size for numbers 3 & 7 (Salary & Recall). Discussion that only 4 cities with strong Mayor in Texas, so comparisons would not be apple to apple
Jose Boix questioned what was meant by "not in compliance." It was answered that it means with Charter.
Jose Boix questioned if its necessary to take these issues before voters even if it's just to meet State Law standards. The answer is yes.
Bob Senter made comments and references to each section and discussed variances, etc. with Don Edmonds assistance.
5.
OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO CITY CHARTER REVIEW
a.
Consider approval of setting official meeting dates and time for Committee Meetings.
Bob Senter discussed the calendar as handed out indicating the second and fourth Monday of each month through March. There were no objections.
Dates were accepted.
Bob Senter discussed the calendar as handed out indicating the second and fourth Monday of each month through March. There were no objections.
Dates were accepted.
6.
TASK/ASSIGNMENTS
Nick and Russell were requested to get salaries for Mayors and Councilmembers in the Houston area.
Nick and Russell were requested to get salaries for Mayors and Councilmembers in the Houston area.
7.
ADJOURN
A MOTION was made by Board Member Jenny Senter
AND SECONDED by Board Member Thelma Bowie
Vote: 11 - 0 CARRIED
______________________________________________
Nicholas J. Finan
Executive Director of Management Services
Nicholas J. Finan
Executive Director of Management Services