07-18-2011 CRC MINUTES - Laserfiche WebLink

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CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MONDAY, JULY 18, 2011, 5:30 PM MAYOR'S CEREMONIAL ROOM MINUTES PRESENT: Chair Evans, Vice Chair Kane, and Members Peter Benavidez, Karl Hicks, Brent Lee, Diana Medina, Jose Medina, Damien O'Farrell, Michelle Ouellette, William Perez, Michael Pope, David St. Pierre, Sharon Tyrrell (arrived at 5:43 p.m.), and Montgomery Van Wart ABSENT: Wendell W. Tucker STAFF PRESENT: Gregory Priamos, Colleen Nicol, and Susan Wilson ALSO PRESENT: Alternate Mary Van Doren, Scott Simpson, Harry Hood, June O'Connor, Barbara Purvis, Chani Beeman, Kevin Dawson, Mary Humboldt, Jennifer Vaughn Blakely, and Joan Donahue Chair Evans convened the Charter Review Committee at 5:30 p.m. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE Barbara Purvis spoke regarding public comment placement on the agenda. Scott Simpson submitted written comments regarding the Utility General Fund transfer. Mary Shelton spoke regarding transparency and the role of the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Council regarding financial accountability. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Member Lee and seconded by Member Pope to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 20, 2011, as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Member Tyrrell arrived during the following item. INTERVIEW WITH COUNCILMEMBER GARDNER Councilmember Gardner commented on the Charter requirement that boards and commissions have a member from each Council Ward where, as a result, appointments to have become essentially political appointments. The timing between the general and run -off elections is too lengthy and should be reviewed. He supports the Mayor being granted a vote but does not support the Mayor appointing City Council Standing Committee Chairs. He does not feel that changing to a strong Mayor form of government or ending the Ward system are appropriate or necessary. The Ward system works well for Riverside. 1