Consider approval of the minutes from the Charter Review Committee meeting of January 14, 2019.

Consider certain amendments proposed in Articles I, II and III of the Charter, as recommended by consultant Don R. Edmonds.

Don Edmonds covered each item below. He stated each change, even though voted on by the Committee, it is not set in stone. We can circle back again and, of course, City Commission has the authority to make a change.

SECTION 3.  BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY
The city commission may by ordinance annex territory adjacent to the city, [with or without the consent of the owners or inhabitants of the annexed territory, and] subject to the procedural rules prescribed by the laws of the state of Texas.

Thelma Bowie motioned to delete the bracketed section, Jenny Senter seconded. Vote was unanimous.

SECTION 1. THE CITY COMMISSION; TERM OF OFFICE
 
No amendatory action proposed.

Don Edmonds stated that Bob Senter wanted to look at staggered terms and length of terms. Lupe Cantu stated that if all positions run at the same time there may be better voter turnout. Carlos Garza asked how much an election costs? Nicholas Finan answered about $16,000.00. The discussion was tabled by Thelma Bowie, seconded by Jenny Senter. Vote was unanimous.

SECTION 2.  QUALIFICATIONS FOR COMMISSION
   (1)   Be at least [21] 18 years of age and a qualified resident voter in the city;

Jenny Senter started a conversation that was concerned with an 18-year-old running. Everyone spoke that 18 may be too young. No motion to change to 18, so lack of motion, stays at 21. 

SECTION 5.  SALARIES OF MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS.
 
The salary of the mayor shall be fixed by the commission not to exceed [five hundred] eight hundred, fifty dollars per month. The salary of each commissioner shall be fixed by the commission not to exceed [one hundred] one hundred, sixty-five dollars per month.

Don Edmonds spoke only to the current rate. Denise was concerned if the proposal was too low and would need to be raised regularly. Carlos Garza stated that Pasadena CPI, Don Edmonds stated that it could be adjusted several ways. Lupe Cantu stated his concern about Council-Manager cities may not be comparable when it comes to salaries. Carlos Garza felt that they did not choose to do City Manager last time because the position is better if viewed as community service- not for pay. However, the Mayor should get paid more and the same for commissioners. Carlos Garlas feels that $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 CPI may take away. Carlos Garza suggested not to act on this topic and work on getting more feedback from neighbor cities.

SECTION 2.  MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM.

He/she shall serve as the chief executive officer of the city.  He/she shall be recognized as the head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes, by the courts for serving civil processes, and by the governor for purposes of military law. 

Don Edmonds stated that there has not been a discussion of going to a City Manager Form of government. If there is not a feeling that that route will be taken, it is critical to say the Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer. Carlos Garza stated that it is necessary, he feels that the last charter review had it here. Thelma Bowie said it was discussed at the previous meeting and putting it early clarifies it better.
Jenny Senter made a motion to amend from "he/she" to "Mayor," seconded by Frank Mistretta.

SECTION 8. AUTHENTIFICATION AND PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS.

[Every] The caption of every ordinance imposing any penalty, fine, or forfeiture shall, after passage thereof, be published in one issue of the official paper; and proof of such publication shall be made by the printer or publisher of such paper, making affidavit before some officer authorized by law to administer oaths, and filed with the person performing the duties of city secretary and said affidavit shall be prima facie evidence of such publication and promulgation of such ordinance in courts of the state; and such ordinance so published shall take effect, and be in force, from and after ten days after publication thereof, unless otherwise expressly provided.

Don Edmonds discussed not doing the posting and suggested doing the minimum "caption only."

Motioned by Thelma Bowie, seconded by Lupe Cantu, to only post caption in the official newspaper, once clarified by Russell Plackemeier.
Vote was unainomous.
Denise O'Brien left before the motion was made.

Consider other amendments proposed by Articles I, II and III of the Charter, as presented by Charter Review Board Members.