Richardson’s November charter election a near certainty

by Andrew Laska of of Richardson Echo

Pegasus News content partner: The Richardson Echo

RICHARDSON — City Council members tentatively agreed to vote on a Charter Election with three propositions to be held November 6, 2007. The first two propositions produced little disagreement when they were first discussed on August 20, 2007. The third, involving term limits for city council members, produced heated but polite discussion on August 13th. Ultimately, all three propositions will likely appear on a Charter Election ballot as agreed by Council Members at the August 20th work session.

The first and second propositions, respectively, involve the location of City Council Meetings and the ability of the City Council to hold so called "Executive Sessions." In June of 2007 a citizen, reviewing the City Charter, questioned the City Council's current practices by suggesting that they might not be in accordance with the current City Charter.

The third proposition, proposed August 13th by Council Member Dennis Stewart, proposes term limits for councilmembers. He said he was proposing this because of demands from residents. The Council tentatively agreed that the Proposition 3 would propose a 6 consecutive term limit if approved by the voters.

Richardson City Council Meeting

Mon
Aug
27^th
7^PM

Richardson City Hall
411 West Arapaho Road, Richardson
Free
Age limit: All ages

The timing of a City Council vote approving a Charter Election is critical because state law requires a minumum of a 62 gap from the time a Charter Election is called and whe the election is held. Further, Charter Elections may only be held on regular election days in May and November and they may be held no closer than 2 years apart.

Dallas Morning news reporter Wendy Hundley reported, "During the meeting, some residents urged the council to delay the election and convene a commission to review the entire charter. But the majority of members cited widespread public support for term limits and the council agreed to place the item on the ballot."

As an observer, at both the August 13th and August 20th worksessions and council meetings, I did not observe this. Although some councilmembers said they were pressured by residents in favor of term limits others said voters had come to them and said, "Thank goodness we don't have term limits." In casually listening to residents talking, and seeing their reaction to discussions, I observed a fair split between those who thought term limits a good idea and those who did not.

The Dallas Morning News story was correct on one point though. There was a sentiment to review the City Charter more deeply with an appointed Charter Commision.

If the City Council, as expected, calls a Charter Election on November 6, 2007 it will have three propositions.

Proposition 1: Shall Article 3, Section 3.08 of the Home Rule Charter be amended to allow all meetings of the city council to be held at the City Hall or at other such locations as may be designated by the city council?

If adopted Section 3.08 would be changed as follows:

Current:

On the day the councilmembers take office, they shall meet at the Municipal Building and thereafter all meetings of the council shall be held in the Municipal Building at such times as may be prescribed by ordinance or resolution; but not less than two (2) regular meetings shall be held each month, unless postponed for valid reasons.

If adopted:

All meetings of the council shall be held in the City Hall or at such other locations as may be designated by the city council and at such times as may be prescribed by ordinance or resolution; but not less than two (2) regular meetings shall be held each month, unless postponed for valid reasons.

Proposition 2: Shall Article 3, Section 3.10 of the Home Rule Charter be amended to clarify that all meetings of the city council shall be open to the public except as otherwise permitted by state law?

If adopted Section 3.10 would be changed as follows:

Current:

All meetings of the council and all committees thereof shall be open to the public and the rules of the council shall provide that citizens of the city shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard at any such meetings, in regard to any matter there considered.

If adopted:

All meetings of the city council and all committees thereof shall be open to the public except as otherwise permitted by state law, and the rules of the city council shall provide that citizens of the city shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard at any such meetings, in regard to any matter there considered.

Proposition 3: Shall Article 3, Section 3.01 of the Home Rule Charter be amended to provide for term limits of six (6) consecutive terms for council members?

If adopted Section 3.01 would be changed as follows:

Currently Section 3.01 contains this paragraph:

Except as otherwise provided by this Charter of the City of Richardson, all powers conferred on the city shall be exercised by a city council to be composed of seven (7) members, nominated and elected in the manner hereinafter provided. The members of the city council shall be elected by the qualified voters of the entire city, and they shall each be elected for a term of two (2) years and until a successor is elected and qualified.

If adopted the following would be added:

(b) No person elected to the city council at the May 2009 city officer election shall thereafter serve as a member of the city council in any place for more than six (6) consecutive terms until at least one full term shall have elapsed from the expiration of such person's last term in office.

(i) A member of the council, who resigns or vacates office prior to the expiration of the term for which such person was elected or appointed, shall be deemed to have served a full term.

(ii) A person appointed or elected to fill a vacancy on the council for an unexpired term shall be deemed to have served a full term if fifty percent (50%) or more of such term is remaining at the time of such appointment or election.