TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion Regarding Possible Charter Referendum
Recommended Action
Discussion and possible action regarding possible Charter referendum(s).
Background Information
Prior to the Charter’s final draft being approved by the voters, in November 2018, the Charter Review Board gave the Commission many suggestions in their Action Report dated July 11, 2018, for possible future voter referendums.
1. The Charter Advisory Board (Action Report #8) and many citizens have requested a provision be placed in the Charter to require a voter referendum on “non-essential” spending exceeding “x” dollars. Discussion and possible action on the definition of “non-essential” and the “x” dollar amount is necessary in order to give the City Manager and City Attorney further direction.
2. The Charter Review Advisory Board (Action Report #4) requested the Commission have a discussion regarding a 7 seat Commission - 5 districted seats, according to the current provisions in the Charter and adding two at-large seats. Discussion on the financial impact and the pros and cons of this change is necessary in order to give the City Manager and City Attorney further direction.
3. The Commission, in February 2019, gave the City Attorney direction to craft an ordinance to remove the Deputy City Clerk as a Charter Officer placing this voter referendum on the November 2020 election; Charter Review Advisory Board, Action Report #7.
Strategic Plan
Promote City Governance
Financial Impact
N/A
Procurement
N/A
Attachments:
1. North Port City Charter adopted in 2018
2. Charter Review Advisory Board Action Report, July 11, 2018
3. CRAB Recommendation 103119 Memorandum
Prepared by: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager for Vice-Mayor Debbie McDowell
Department Director: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager