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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Charter Review_11/10/2021MINUTES CHARTER REVIEW BOARD MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL NOVEMBER 10, 2021 6:00 PM CONFERENCE ROOM CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chair Abby Brennan at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Deputy Clerk Mary Ann Grieser. Present were: Chair Abby Brennan, Vice -Chair Kimberly Kraft, Member Marcia Nielson, Member Gary Vonk. Absent were: Member David Hudson COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS There were none. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Discussion on Legal's Charter Working Document from 1113121 Meeting (BACKUP TO FOLLOW) Attorney Davis offered an update to the working document, specifically Article 2, based upon discussion from the last meeting. Updates included terms of office, consecutive terms, transitionary terms, residency requirements for holding office, and oaths of office. Committee Member Nielson had concerns with the wording "so help me God". Attorney Davis believed "swear or affirm" was legally sufficient and could be used if an individual did not want to swear, they could affirm. The Committee believed removing the actual oath, and inserting wording stating the Village would adhere to the current State legal requirements, would be appropriate. Chair Brennan believed getting rid of the previous language in the charter would make things more efficient and current. Attorney Davis would clean up the language and bring it back to the group. 2. Continued Discussion: ARTICLE 1l - THE VILLAGE COUNCIL - 2.01 - Selection, Term and Compensation; 2.02 - Qualifications and Disqualifications; 2.03 - Oath of Office; 2.04 - Removal/Recall; 2.05 - Vacancies and Forfeiture of Office; 2.06 - Mayor and Successors; 2.07 - Appointment of Legal Counsel; 2.08 - Meetings; 2.09 - Quorum; 2.10 - Ordinances and Resolutions; 2.11 - Electors and Elections; 2.12 - Interference With the Administrative Department Special elections were discussed and the Committee decided to leave it "as is". The Committee also decided not to change the Vacancies and Forfeitures of Office. Attorney Davis brought forward 2.13 and the Committee believed it best to stay consistent with State law. Chair Brennan asked if several "housekeeping issues" could be bundled together. Attorney Davis would create examples of how items might be packaged for one ballot. Member Nielson asked about the wording referring to "Military Law". Attorney Davis explained it had to do with the National Guard in an Emergency Declaration. He would provide a clear explanation for the next meeting. Special Meetings were discussed at length by the group. Mr. Tom Bradford commented on Special and Workshop Meetings as well as sunshine law as it related to Council communications. Interference with the Administrative Department was discussed at length and it was determined to be fine, as is. MOTION: Member Nielson made a motion to have Attorney Davis move forward with any language changes discussed; Member Kraft seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 3. ARTICLE 111 - VILLAGE ADMINISTRATION - 3.01 - Village Administration Defined; 3.02 - The Village Manager - Appointment, Removal, Qualifications, Vacancy, 3.03 - Village Manager - Functions and Powers; 3.04 - The Village Clerk; 3.05 - Department Heads The Committee discussed the Village Manager -Appointment, Removal, Qualifications, and Vacancies. Mr. Tom Bradford felt the Charter was missing language regarding an Acting Village Manager and he suggested adding the topic to the Village Code. The Committee planned to make a recommendation to Council to place wording in the Village Code. The Village Manager and Functions topic was discussed thoroughly. Chair Brennan believed the Village Manager should be accountable for any change in staffing. Attorney Davis would tighten up the language and bring it back to the Committee. Mr. Tom Bradford had a comment regarding the Manager's Report and approval of contracts. It was mentioned that the "minutes book" could be housed in an electronic manner. Attorney Davis would create language eliminating seat designations, while providing wording for top "vote getters", with some sample ballots. 4. Any Other Matters ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8.03 PM MOTION: Member Kraft made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Member Vonk seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.