pages: CityCouncil/2007-09-04.pdf, 6
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2007-09-04 | 6 | Charter review would be a housekeeping effort to clean up language and clichés the City has been living with continually. Mayor Johnson stated Alameda Power and Telecom issues need to be reviewed; the Charter review should be an ongoing process. Councilmember deHaan stated that the City Attorney should be involved in the process because she understands the Charter very well; the City Manager needs to be involved also. Mayor Johnson stated that Council meeting dates and times should not be in the Charter. Councilmember Matarrese stated presupposing what Council will say when information comes back does a disservice; the list should start with non-substantive issues and lead up to more substantive issues; the entire list would not be placed on a ballot; Article 25 addresses Urban Renewal; Urban Renewal is an antiquated phrase; there would not be an objective review if some sections of the Charter were overlooked. Councilmember Gilmore stated that the first step is to form a Council sub-committee to review the Charter with assistance from the City Attorney and City Clerk; the sub-committee would list issues that may need further discussion by Council; the list and other housecleaning items would come back; Council can decide when, if, and how to deal with the issues; issues need to be identified first. Councilmember deHaan stated that the Charter is awkward at best; the City Attorney helps Council with interpreting the Charter. David Howard, Alameda, stated people are concerned that the Charter review will turn into a Measure A discussion; the process should be an open process. Vice Mayor Tam stated that she raised the Charter review issue after attending a League of California Cities conference; numerous cities are going through a similar processi issues should be identified first; she would like to get broad community input on areas that should or should not be reviewed; other cities have appointed a committee through an application process or have had each Councilmember appoint two members from the community; the committee would work with the City Attorney, City Clerk, and outside resources to craft specific language that would help with Charter revisions to provide flexibility and be reflective of broad community support that will not tie the hands of future Councils; suggested starting out with a committee that is a little more Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 6 September 4, 2007 | CityCouncil/2007-09-04.pdf |