HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-88 CHARTER REVISION PUBLIC HEARING HELD AUGUST 22, 1988
The public hearing was called to order at 7:43 p.m. by
Chairman Beatty in the commission chambers. Reverend
Mitchell led in prayer and pledge to the flag.
PRESENT: Chairman Beatty, Members Mitchell and Switzer,
Attorney Mlsna, Acting City Clerk Grafton
ABSENT: Members Hendrix and Pounds
Chairman Beatty presented the history of the Charter and
explained that the Charter Revision Board is a group of non-
partisan, interested citizens, who were appointed by City
Commission to review the existing Charter and bring it up to
date and suggest alterations in procedure where needed with
the guidance of attorneys. He then presented the proposed
revisions and announced that the ordinance would be prepared
for the 1st reading September 6 and 2nd reading September 20,
1988. He explained that the goal was to have the proposed
revision ready for the ballot for November 6, 1988 election
date. In order for the commissioners and citizens to have
input and for the language to be worked out, Chairman Beatty
encouraged them to come to each of the meetings scheduled
weekly.
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CITIZENS' COMMENTS
Mrs. Deborah Bracknell, 408 Hager Drive, Ocoee, asked how the
enhancements will appear on the ballot. Chairman Beatty
advised that they will all be lumped together. Mrs.
Bracknell then expressed concern that the mayor would be
giving the State of the City address as she felt the city
manager, because of his daily exposure to conditions and
situations, would be the more appropriate person to give the
address. Chairman Beatty responded that the mayor has a
responsibility to the citizens and could call on the whole
city staff for information, and would be in a position to
report on all phases of the city operation and condition
rather than have just the city manager's opinion. Mrs.
Bracknell then asked for the reasoning behind having the
mayor's position changed to full commissioner. She stated
also that she felt that should be a separate issue on the
ballot. Chairman Beatty replied that, in reality, the mayor
would be held responsible since he would be voting and that
he believes it is a minor enhancement. However, if large
numbers of citizens prefer to have it broken out that could
be done. Member Mitchell advised Mrs. Bracknell that
attorneys had done a study of other cities and found that in
most cases the mayor voted and was a full commissioner.
N,, Mrs. Bracknell asked if, in case an unsatisfactory city
manager were hired, we would be in a position to be relieved
of the contract in less than a year. Chairman Beatty said
that the Charter takes care of early severance. Mrs.
Bracknell is not satisfied with our public notices and thinks
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Charter Revision Public Hearing
August 22, 1988
that we should advertise in the other paper and notices
should be posted more prominently. Mayor Ison advised Mrs.
Bracknell that we publish in both the Sentinel and The Times.
Mrs. Bracknell said she would be more comfortable if they
knew how the districts will be divided. She was also
concerned about 4 year terms, as the only recourse will be to
recall if an unsatisfactory commissioner is in office. She
feels that the citizens have a right to review commissioners
every 2 years. Chairman Beatty said that we have
consistently had commissioners who have served multiple terms
and the board had given much thought to that issue before
including it in the proposed revisions.
Tom Ison, 621 Olympic Circle, Ocoee, speaking as a
citizen,remarked that it is nice to hear citizens speak out
and that he commended the Charter Revision Board for being
100% synchronized with the city's needs. The Charter needed
to be revised and this board has been made up of citizens who
have lived here years and who have been involved in other
activities, so the confidence in them which was expressed by
the City Commission when the board was formed has been well
placed. Mayor Ison said that he has been involved in local
governments for 16 years and has observed that the length of
term has little to do with the success of the term. Citizens
get tired of voting every year and the trend of local
governments is to try to go to longer terms. He feels that 4
year terms will better serve everyone, those serving and
those electing. He thanked the board for the good work.
COMMENTS
ATTORNEY MLSNA had no comment.
MEMBERS had no comment.
CITIZENS There were no further comments made by citizens.
Chairman Beatty invited Mayor and Commissioners and the
citizens to the next meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
The public hearing adjourned at 8:32 p.m. upon a motion by
Member Mitchell and second by Member Switzer.
Chairman Beatty
Attest: City Clerk Grafton