Agenda Packet Charter Review 06/23/2008NOTICE OF REGULAR CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING FOR THE
TOWN OF TROPHY CLUB
LOCATION: 100 MUNICIPAL DRIVE, TROPHY CLUB, TEXAS
PUBLIC SERVICES CONFERENCE ROOM
Monday, June 23, 2008
4:00 P.M.
Texas Open Meeting Act
The Charter Review Commission is an advisory board and therefore is not legally subject to the requirements of the
Texas Open Meetings Act.
A.1 Call to order and announce a quorum.
A.2 Citizen Presentations: this is an opportunity for citizens to address the Charter
Review Commission (CRC) on any matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda.
The CRC will not take action on or discuss any presentations made to the CRC at
this time concerning an item not listed on the agenda. The CRC will hear
presentations on specific agenda items prior to the CRC addressing those items.
You may speak up to three (3) minutes or the time limit determined by the Chairman
or presiding officer. To speak during this item you must complete the Speaker's
form that includes the topic(s) of your statement. Topics of presentation should be
limited to matters over which the CRC has authority.
A.3 Staff Presentation; this is an opportunity for staff to address the CRC on any matter
related to the Charter Review whether or not it is posted on the agenda.
All matters listed as Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the CRC and will be
enacted by one motion. There will not be a separate discussion of these items. If discussion is
desired, that item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered separately.
B.1 Consent Agenda: Discuss and take appropriate action to approve Minutes dated,
June 16, 2008.
END OF CONSENT
CA Recording Secretary, Commissioner Brewster to update the Commission with
recommendations received. (Recommendations presented will be included to the
Minutes as exhibits.)
C.2 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Code of Ethics
and Conduct and related Charter provisions. (REF 030)
C.3 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Add 1
Councilmember and Three Year Terms and related Charter provisions. (REF 026)
C.4 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Change from
At Large to At -Large -by Place elections and related Charter provisions. (REF 003)
C.5 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Resignation of
Council Member Seat and related Charter provisions. (REF 017)
C.6 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Add Term
Limits and related Charter provisions. (REF 014)
C.7 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Add violates
any express prohibition of this charter to Section 3.04 and related Charter
provisions. (REF 004)
C.8 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Filling
Vacancies and related Charter provisions. (REF 016)
C.9 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Add Council
Compensation and related Charter provisions. (REF 027)
C.10 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Add Mayor
Voting on All Matters and related Charter provisions. (REF 013)
CA 1 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Agenda
Request and related Charter provisions. (REF 023)
C.12 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Conflict of
Interest and Abstention Town Council Procedure and related Charter provisions.
(REF 015)
C.13 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Clarify
Appointment Procedure and related Charter provisions. (REF 029)
C.14 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Appointment
of Town Attorney and related Charter provisions. (REF 021)
C.15 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Comply with
Texas Election Code and related Charter provisions. (REF 028)
C.16 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Clarify
Grounds for Recall and related Charter provisions. (REF 005)
C.17 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Reduce Recall
Signatures Required and related Charter provisions. (REF 018)
C.18 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Align Petition
for Recall with State Requirements and related Charter provisions. (REF 002)
C.19 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Reduce
Required Signatures for Initiative and Referendum and related Charter provisions.
(REF 006)
C.20 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Budget
Process Enhancement and related Charter provisions. (REF 031)
C.21 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Franchise
Term and related Charter provisions. (REF 0032)
C.22 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Charter
Review Commission and related Charter provisions. (REF 025)
C.23 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Code of Ethics
and Conduct and related Charter provisions. (REF 30)
C.24 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding how the CRC will proceed.
2
C.25 Items for Future Agenda.
C.26 Adjourn.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice was posted on the front window of the Svore Municipal Building, 100 Municipal Drive,
Trophy Club, Texas, on Friday, June 20, 2008, at 12:00 P.M. in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code.
L-2:2 i
I_1sa Hennek, Town Secretary
If you plan to attend this public meeting and have a disability that requires special needs, please advise the Town
Secretary, Lisa Hennek 48 hours in advance at 682-831-4601 and reasonable accommodations will be made to assist
you.
I certify that the attached notice and agenda of items to be considered by the Town Council was removed by me from the
front window of the Svore Municipal Building, 100 Municipal Drive, Trophy Club, Texas, on the day of
12008
Title:
3
Minutes of Regular Charter Review Commission Meeting for the
Town of Trophy Club
LOCATION: 100 MUNICIPAL DRIVE, TROPHY CLUB, TEXAS
PUBLIC SERVICE CONFERENCE ROOM
Monday, June 16, 2008 at 4:00 P.M.
STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF DENTON §
The Charter Review Commission for the Town of Trophy Club, Texas, met in a Regular Session on
Monday, June 16, 2008. The meeting was held within the boundaries of the Town and was open to the
public.
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION (CRC) MEMBERS PRESENT:
William (Bill) Rose CRC Chair
Bob Downey CRC Vice -Chair
Ben Brewster CRC Recording Secretary
Roger Williams CRC Member
Larry Crosser CRC Member
Joel Quile CRC Member
Richard Hobday CRC Member
ABSENT:
Melissa Klauss CRC Member
Richard (Scott) Briggs CRC Member (will miss the next meeting as well)
STAFF AND GUEST(S) PRESENT:
Patricia Adams Town Attorney
Tammy Ard, HR Coordinator
A.1 Chairman Rose, noting a quorum, called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
A.2 Citizen Presentations:
No citizen presentations made.
A.3 Staff Presentation; this is an opportunity for staff to address the CRC on any matter
related to the Charter Review whether or not it is posted on the agenda.
No staff presentations were made.
B.1 Consent Agenda: Discuss and take appropriate action to approve Minutes dated:
a. May 5, 2008
Commissioner Downey Motion: "to approve Consent Agenda, Item B.1.a." Commissioner Quile
seconded; motion carries unanimously.
b. May 12, 2008
Commissioner Crosser Motion: "to approve
Williams seconded; motion carries unanimously.
C. June 2, 2008
Commissioner Downey Motion: "to approve
Williams seconded; motion carries unanimously.
Consent Agenda, Item B.1.b." Commissioner
Consent Agenda, Item B.1.c." Commissioner
d. June 9, 2008
Item B.1.d was pulled from the Agenda and will be considered at the next meeting.
END OF CONSENT
CA Recording Secretary, Commissioner Brewster to update the Commission with
recommendations received. (Recommendations presented will be included to the Minutes
as exhibits.)
Commissioner Brewster provided that the following Proposed Amendments had been received:
Clarify Appointment Procedure
Comply with Texas Election Code
Code of Ethics and Conduct
C.2 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Budget Process
Enhancement and related Charter provisions.
Commissioner Williams Motion: "to move PA Budget Process and Enhancement to the roundup."
Commissioner Crosser seconded; motion carries unanimously.
C.3 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding relocating 3.20 Audit and Examination of
Town Books and Accounts from Article III The Council to Article IX Budget, Finance and
Taxation.
Commissioner Rose Motion: "to relocate 3.20 Audit and Examination of Town Books and Accounts from
Article III The Council to Article IX Budget, Finance and Taxation."
The consensus of the Commission agreed.
CA Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Align Majority of
Council Verbiage contained in various provisions throughout the Charter.
Commissioner Rose Motion: "to approve the PA Align Majority of Council Verbiage contained in various
provisions throughout the Charter." Commissioner Downey seconded; motion fails unanimously.
C.5 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Clarify Appointment
Procedure and related Charter provisions.
Commissioner Rose Motion: "to approve the PA Clarify Appointment Procedure and related Charter
provisions." Commissioner Downey seconded; motion carries unanimously.
C.6 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Franchise Term and
related Charter provisions.
Commissioner Rose Motion: "to advance the PA Franchise Term and related Charter provisions to the
roundup." Commissioner Williams seconded; motion carries unanimously.
Commissioner Williams motion, "to strike term, and that no franchise shall be granted for a term
exceeding twenty (20) thirty (30) years from the date of the grant, renewal or extension, from the PA."
Commissioner Downy seconded; motion carries unanimously.
C.7 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Add Council
Compensation and related Charter provisions.
Commissioner Rose Motion: "to advance the PA Add Council Compensation and related Charter
provisions to the roundup." Commissioner Downey seconded. Motion passed 7:1 with Commissioner
Hobday opposing.
C.8 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Comply with Texas
Election Code and related Charter provisions.
Commissioner Rose Motion: "to advance the PA Comply with Texas Election Code and related Charter
provisions to the roundup." Commissioner Brewster seconded; motion carries unanimously.
C.9 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed amendment Code of Ethics and
Conduct and related Charter provisions.
Commissioner Rose Motion: "to advance the PA Code of Ethics and Conduct and related Charter
provisions, to roundup." Commissioner Quile seconded; motion carries unanimously.
Commissioner Williams motion, "to amend with appropriate verbiage and move to roundup."
Commissioner Brewster seconded; motion carries unanimously.
C.10 Discuss and take appropriate action regarding how the CRC will proceed.
No action taken.
CA 1 Items for Future Agenda.
No action taken.
C.12 Reports. There will be no action taken regarding any individual project posted under this
item and discussion will be limited. If extensive discussion is required, the item may be
placed on a future agenda.
The Commission would like to have this removed from the next Agenda.
C.13 Adjourn.
Commissioner Quile Motion: "to adjourn." Commissioner Williams seconded; motion carries unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 5:44 p.m.
Lisa Hennek, Town Secretary
Town of Trophy Club, Texas
Bill Rose, Chair
Charter Review Commission
3
MEN
tm
Charter Review Commission Draft Amendment Log
Date
InputlAuthor
Draft Amendment
Reference
Date
CRC
Received
Abstract
No.
Discussed
Approved
(Yes or
No
Add 2 Council members
Feb 11,
Bill Rose
and retain majority
001
Replaced
2008
membership required
by REF 024
concept.
Feb 11,
Bill Rose
Align Petition for Recall
002
Advanced
2008
with State requirements,
Feb 11,
Pearl Ford/Bill
Change from At -Large
2008
Rose
to At -Large by Place
003
Advanced
elections
Add: Violates any
Feb 11,
Bill Rose
express prohibition of
::004
Advanced
2008
the charter, to Section
3.04
Feb 11,
Bill Rose
Clarify Grounds for
005
Advanced
2008
Recall
Feb 11,
Reduce required
2008
Bill Rose
signatures for Initiative
006
Advanced
and Referendum
Feb 11,
Bill Rose
Add Term Limits
007
Replaced
2008
by REF 014
Require the Town to set
Feb 14,
Neil Twomey
a rate order equal to
008
5117108
No
2008
rate orders set by the
Municipal Utility District
Combined
April 7,
Kathleen
Change Council Terms
with REF
2008
Wilson/Dick
from 2 to 3 years
009
10
Hobday
Replaced
by REF 024
Combined
April 7,
Bill Rose
Add 1 Councilmember
010
with REF 9
2008
Replaced
by REF 024
April 7,
Add the Town to
Replaced
2008
Dick Hobday
created a Charter
011
by REF 025
Review Commission
April 14,
Susan
Non-binding
2008
Edstrom/Bill
Referendum
012
515108
No
Rose
April 14,
Bill Rose
Add Mayor voting on all
013
Advanced
2008
matter
Date
Input/Author
Draft Amendment
Reference
Date
CRC
Received
Abstract
No.
Discussed
Approved
(Yes or
ND
April 14,
Kathleen
Amended
2008
Wilson/Bill
Term Limits
014
REF 007
Rose
Advanced
April 14,
Conflict of Interest and
2008
Dick Hobday
Abstention Town
015
Advanced
Council Procedure
April 28,
Kathleen
2008
Wilson/Bill
Filling Vacancies
016
Advanced
Rose
May 17,
Roger
Resignation of Council
017
Advanced
2008
Williams
Member Seat.
May 17,
Dick Hobday
Reduce Recall
018
Advanced
2008
Signatures Required
May 17,
Roger
Franchise Term
019
Replaced
2008
Williams
by REF 032
Larry
May 17,
Crosser/Roger
Budget Process
Replaced
2008
Williams/Ben
Enhancement
020
by REF 031
Brewster/Bill
Rose
May 17,
Roger
Appointment of Town
021
Advanced
2008
Williams
Attorney
May 17,
Dick Hobday
Align Majority of Council
022
6/18/08
No
2008
Verbiage
May 17,
Brandon
2008
Emmons/Bill
Agenda Request
023
Advanced
Rose
May 17,
Bill Rose/Dick
Add 1 Councilmember
024
Replaced
2008
Hobdayand
Three Year Terms
by REF 026
May 17,
Dick
Hobday/Bill
Charter Review
025
Advanced
2008
Rose
Commission
June 2
Dick
Add 1 Councilmember
Amended
2008
Hobday/Bill
and Three Year Terms
026
REF 024
Rose
Advanced
June 2,
Connie
Add Council
2008
White/Bill
Compensation
027
Advanced
Rose
June 16,
Patricia
Adams/ Bill
Comply with Texas
028
Advanced
2008
Rose
Election Code
June 16,
Bill Rose
Clarify Appointment
029
Advanced
2008
Procedure
June 16,
Greg Lamont/
Code of Ethics and
D30
Advanced
2008
Bill Rose
Conduct
Date
InputlAuthor
Draft Amendment
Reference
Date
CRC
Received
Abstract
No.
Discussed
Approved
(Yes or
No
Larry
June 16
Crosser/Roger
Budget Process
Amended
2008
Williams/Ben
Enhancement
031
REF 020
Brewster/Bill
Advanced
Rose
June 16,
Roger
Amended
2008
Williams
Franchise Term
032
REF 019
Advanced
REF 002
Proposed Amendment: Align Petition for Recall with State requirements
Current Wording with Striketbrough, Bold Changes:,
6.02 Petition for Recall
Before the question of recall of such officer shall be submitted to the qualified voters of the
Town, a petition demanding such question to be so submitted shall first be filed with the person
performing the duties of the Town Secretary, which petition shall be signed by a number equal to
at least twenty percent (20%) of those who were qualified voters on the date of the last regular
municipal election as determined from the list of qualified voters maintained by the County
Election Administrator. Administrator. Each -&Egan^ of sue r l �
^^ledtieshall -personally sign his nats�e4her�:te
in kiktl�iiidelible Pena l, and shall write after- his iiame his place of FesideI
street and his^-roter fegiII a io ..i and shall a!v.
z=1;
.. the da
tha-menti} ante year- his sig was ^ffbie- All signatures must be in compliance with the
requirements set out in the Texas Election Code.
Proposed Wording Clean:
6.02 Petition for Recall
Before the question of recall of such officer shall be submitted to the qualified voters of the
Town, a petition demanding such question to be so submitted shall first be filed with the person
performing the duties of the Town Secretary, which petition shall be signed by a number equal to
at least twenty percent (20%) of those who were qualified voters on the date of the last regular
municipal election as determined from the list of qualified voters maintained by the County
Election Administrator. All signatures must be in compliance with the requirements set out in the Texas
Election Code.
Reference: Texas Election Code
§ 277.004. EFFECT OF CITY CHARTER OR ORDINANCE. Any requirements for the validity
or verification of petition signatures in addition to those prescribed by this chapter that are prescribed by a
home -rule city charter provision or a city ordinance are effective only if the charter provision or ordinance
was in effect September 1, 1985.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 54, § 16(c), off. Sept. 1,
1987.
§ 277.002. VALIDITY OF PETITION F01 SIGNATURES. (a) For a
petitionrOl signature to be valid, a petitionrOl must:
(1) contain in addition to the signature:
(A) the signer's printed name;
(B) the signer's:
(i) date of birth; or
(ii) voter registration number and, if the
territory from which signatures must be obtained is situated in
more than one county, the county Of registration;
(C) the signer's residence address; and
(D) the date of signing; and
(2) comply with any other applicable requirements
prescribed by law.
(b) The signature is the only information that is required
to appear on the petition rOl in the signer's own handwriting.
DRAFT
Page 1 of 2
W Rose
03/18/08
REF 002
(c) The use of ditto marks or abbreviations does not
invalidate a signature if the required information is reasonably
ascertainable.
(d) The omission of the state from the signer's residence
address does not invalidate a signature unless the political
subdivision from which the signature is obtained is situated in
more than one state. The omission of the zip code from the address
does not invalidate a signature.
(e) A petition[Ol signature is invalid if the signer signed the
PetitionrOl earlier than the 180th day before the date the petitionfOl is
filed.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 54, § 16(c), eff. Sept. 1,
1987. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 728, § 82, eff. Sept.
1, 1993; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1349, § 73, eff. Sept, I,
1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1316, § 43, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
DRAFT
Page 2 of 2
W Rase
03/18/08
REF 003
Proposed Amendment: Change from At -Large to At -Large -by -Place elections
Current Wordine:
3.01 Number, Selection, Term
The Council shall consist of six (6) members, a Mayor and five (5) Councilmembers, elected
from the Town at large in the manner provided in Article V, for a term of two years or until their
successors have been elected and take office as provided in Article V. Upon adoption of this
Charter, all duly elected or appointed members of Council and Mayor shall remain in office until
their term of office expires.
Proposed Wordin
3.01 Number, Selection, Term
The Council shall consist of six (6) members, a Mayor and five (5) Councilmembers, elected
from the Town at -large -by -place in the manner provided in Article V, for a term of two years or until their
successors have been elected and take office as provided in Article V. Each Councilperson shall be elected
to and occupy a place on the Council, such places being numbered one (1), two (2), three (3), four (4), and
five (5). Councilmember terms expiring in May of 2008 shall be designated Places three (3), four (4), and
five (5). Councilmember terms expiring in May of 2009 shall be designated Places one (1), and two (2).
Upon adoption of this Charter Amendment, all duly elected or appointed members of Council and Mayor
shall remain in office until their term of office expires.
DRAFT
Page 1 of 1
W Rose
02/08/07
I S DI IIIIL I
Proposed Amendment: Add violates any express prohibition of this charter to Section 3.04
Current Wording with Strikethrough Bold Changes:
3.04 Vacancies, Forfeiture of Office, Filling of Vacancies
(a) The office of the Mayor or a Councilmember shall become vacant upon the Mayor or
Councihnember's death, resignation, removal from office (in any manner authorized by Iaw), or
forfeiture of office.
(b) The Mayor or a Councilmember shall forfeit his office if during a tern of office, the Mayor
or Councilmember:
(1) lacks any qualification for the office prescribed by this Charter or by other law;
(2) violates any express prohibition of this Charter;
{?) (3) is convicted of a felony crime or is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; or,
(3) (4) fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the Council without being excused by
the Council.
The Council shall, by an affirmative 314 vote of the entire membership, be the judge in matters
involving forfeiture of office by a Councilmember or the Mayor. Forfeiture of office pursuant to
this section may be appealed to an appropriate court as provided by law.
(c) When one or more vacancies occur at any one time, a special election shall be called by the
Council for the next date available under the Texas Election Code to fill the vacancies in the
same manner as described herein for regular elections. However, if such vacancies occur within
ninety (90) days of a regular election, then no special election shall be called and remaining
CounciImembers shall appoint qualified persons to fill the vacancies until the regular election.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter to the contrary, if, at any time, the
membership of the Council is reduced to less than four (4), the remaining members may by
majority action appoint additional members to raise the membership to four (4). These
appointees shall serve until the positions can be filled at the next regular or special Town
election.
Proposed Wording Clean:
3.04 Vacancies, Forfeiture of Office, Filling of Vacancies
(a) The office of the Mayor or a Councilmember shall become vacant upon the Mayor or
CounciImember's death, resignation, removal from office (in any manner authorized by law), or
forfeiture of office.
(b) The Mayor or a Councilmember shall forfeit his office if during a term of office, the Mayor
or Councilmember:
(1) lacks any qualification for the office prescribed by this Charter or by other law;
(2) violates any express prohibition of this Charter;
(3) is convicted of a felony crime or is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude;
(4) fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the Council without being excused by
the Council.
The Council shall, by an affirmative 3/4 vote .of the entire membership, be the judge in matters
involving forfeiture of office by a Councilmember or the Mayor. Forfeiture of office pursuant to
this section may be appealed to an appropriate court as provided by law.
(c) When one or more vacancies occur at any one time, a special election shall be called by the
Council for the next date available under the Texas Election Code to fill the vacancies in the
same manner as described herein for regular elections. However, if such vacancies occur within
ninety (90) days of a regular election, then no special election shall be called and remaining
Councilmembers shall appoint qualified persons to fill the vacancies until the regular election.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter to the contrary, if, at any time, the
membership of the Council is reduced to less than four (4), the remaining members may by
majority action appoint additional members to raise the membership to four (4). These
appointees shall serve until the positions can be filled at the next regular or special Town
election.
DRAFT
Page 1 of 1
W Rose
03/18/08
REF 005
Proposed Amendment: Clarify Grounds for Recall
Current Wording with-Strikethrough Bold Changes:
6.01 Scope of Recall
Any elected Town official, whether elected to office by the qualified voters of the Town or
appointed by the council to fill a vacancy, shall be subject to recall and removal from office by
the qualified voters of the Toym on gFetmds ef ineempeteney, misconduet-, malfeasane-e in ecce
or who 3..,,,,,.c.,,.ly o inteFA4snallyvi . 'ani the--C—hacten Town.
6.03 Form of Recall and Oath
The recall petition must be addressed to the Council, must distinctly and specifically point out
the ground or grounds upon which such petition for removal is predicated and, if there be more
than one (1) ground, , shall
specifically state each ground with such certainty as to give the Officer sought to be removed
notice of the matters and things with which he is charged. The signature shall be verified by oath
in the following form:
STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF §
I, , being first duly sworn, on oath depose and say that I am one
of the signers of the above petition and that each signature appearing thereto was made
in my presence on the day and date it purports to have been made, and I solemnly swear
that the same is the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of , 19_.
Notary Public, County, Texas
Proposed Wording Clean,:
6,01 Scope of Recall
Any elected Town official, whether elected to office by the qualified voters of the Town or
appointed by the Council to fill a vacancy, shall be subject to recall and removal from office by
the qualified voters of the Town.
6.03 Form of Recall and Oath
The recall petition must be addressed to the Council, must distinctly and specifically point out
the ground or grounds upon which such petition for removal is predicated and, if there be more
than one (1) ground, shall specifically state each ground with such certainty as to give the Officer
sought to be removed notice of the matters and things with which he is charged. The signature shall
be verified by oath in the following form:
STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF §
I, _ being first duly swore, on oath depose and say that I am one
of the signers of the above petition and that each signature appearing thereto was made
in my presence on the day and date it purports to have been made, and I solemnly swear
that the same is the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of , 19
Notary Public, County, Texas
Page 1 of I
W Rose
04/21/08
Rev 1
REF 006
Proposed Amendment: Reduce required signatures for Initiative and Referendum
Current Wording with Strikethrough Bold Changes:
7.42 Petition
Qualified voters of the Town may initiate legislation by submitting a petition addressed to the
Council which requests the submission of a proposed ordinance or resolution to a vote of the
qualified voters of the Town. Said petition must be signed by qualified voters of the Town equal
in number to twenty (220) ten (10) percent of the number of qualified voters at the last regular municipal
election of the Town, and each copy of the petition shall have attached to it a copy of the
proposed legislation. The petition shall be signed in the same manner as recall petitions are
signed, as provided in Section 6,02 of this Charter, and shall be verified by oath in the manner
and form provided for recall petitions in Section 6.03 of this Charter. The petition may consist of
one or more copies as permitted for recall petitions in Section 6.04 of this Charter. Such petitions
shall be filed with the person performing the duties of Town Secretary, who after verification of
the petition as provided in Section 6.04 of this Charter, shall present the petition and proposed
ordinance or resolution to the Council at its next regular or special meeting called for this
purpose. Upon presentation to the Council of the petition and draft of the proposal, ordinance or
resolution, it shall become the duty of the Council, within the twenty (20) days from the date of
presentation to determine whether the proposed ordinance complies with Section 7.01 and to
either vote to adopt such ordinance or resolution without alteration as to meaning or effect or to
call a special election. A special election shall be held on the first uniform election date
occurring on or after sixty (60) days from the date the election is ordered. At the election, the
qualified voters of the Town shall be allowed the opportunity to vote on the question of adopting
or rejecting the proposed legislation. However, if any other municipal election is to be held
within sixty (60) days after the filing of the petition, the question may be voted on at such
election.
Promised Wording Clean:
7.02 Petition
Qualified voters of the Town may initiate legislation by submitting a petition addressed to the
Council which requests the submission of a proposed ordinance or resolution to a vote of the
qualified voters of the Town. Said petition must be signed by qualified voters of the Town equal
in number to ten (10) percent of the number of qualified voters at the last regular municipal
election of the Town, and each copy of the petition shall have attached to it a copy of the
proposed legislation. The petition shall be signed in the same manner as recall petitions are
signed, as provided in Section 6.02 of this Charter, and shall be verified by oath in the manner
and form provided for recall petitions in Section 6.03 of this Charter. The petition may consist of
one or more copies as permitted for recall petitions in Section 6.04 of this Charter. Such petitions
shall be filed with the person performing the duties of Town Secretary, who after verification of
the petition as provided in Section 6.04 of this Charter, shall present the petition and proposed
ordinance or resolution to the Council at its next regular or special meeting called for this
purpose. Upon presentation to the Council of the petition and draft of the proposal, ordinance or
resolution, it shall become the duty of the Council, within the twenty (20) days from the date of
presentation to determine whether the proposed ordinance complies with Section 7.01 and to
either vote to adopt such ordinance or resolution without alteration as to meaning or effect or to
call a special election. A special election shall be held on the first uniform election date
occurring on or after sixty (60) days from the date the election is ordered. At the election, the
qualified voters of the Town shall be allowed the opportunity to vote on the question of adopting
or rejecting the proposed legislation. However, if any other municipal election is to be held
within sixty (60) days after the filing of the petition, the question may be voted on at such
election.
DRAFT
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W Rose
03/18/08
REF 013
Proposed Amendment: Add Mayor Voting On All Matters
Current Wording with Strikethroush Bold Chances:
3.06 Mayor
The Mayor shall preside over the meetings of the Council, and perform such other duties consistent with
the office as may be imposed upon him by this Charter and by ordinances and resolutions passed in
pursuance thereof: He may participate in the discussion of all matters coming before the Council and in
case of a e vote,� to he shall have a vote on all matters before the Council. He
shall sign after authorization by the Council, all contracts, conveyances made or entered into by the Town,
all bonds, warrants and any other obligations issued under the provisions of this Charter, in the manner
prescribed in the ordinance authorizing the signing of any such obligation. He shall be recognized as the
official head of the Town by the courts for the purpose of serving civil process, by the Governor for the
purpose of enforcing military law and for all ceremonial purposes.
3.12 Quorum
A majority of the Council—,aat-iuel gee Mayor; shall constitute a quorum to do business. A number
less than a quorum may adjourn from time to time and compel the attendance of absent members. Except as
otherwise specifically provided herein or as provided by law, t4ee (3) four (4) Couasilmeers members
of Council shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transaction of business and no action of the Council
shall be valid or binding unless adopted by the affirmative vote of tree (3) four (4) or more members of
the Council, or as required by State law or this Charter. If the Council is reduced to less than three (3) four
(4) members on account of vacancies, the remaining members shall constitute a quorum for the sole
purpose of calling an election.
3.15 Procedure for Enacting Ordinances and Resolutions; Publications
(a) Ordinances and resolutions may be passed at any regular meeting or special meeting called for that
purpose provided notice has been given in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(b) All ordinances, exclusive of emergency ordinances defined by Section 3.17 of this Charter, shall be
considered and passed in open meeting of the Council. All persons interested shall have the opportunity to
be heard. The Town Attorney shall opine as to legality all ordinances prior to final adoption. Every
ordinance, resolution or motion shall require on passage the affirmative vote of #hree (3) four (4) or more
members of Council present unless more is required by State law.
(c) The descriptive caption or title of an ordinance that imposes a penalty, fine or forfeiture, and the
penalty for violating the ordinance, shall be published at least once in the official newspaper of the Town.
(d) An ordinance required to be published takes effect when the publication requirement is satisfied,
unless the ordinance provides otherwise. An ordinance that is not required to be published takes effect
when adopted unless the ordinance provides otherwise.
(e) All ordinances and resolutions may be admitted and received in all courts, subject to the rules of
evidence and laws of jurisdictions where proof of such ordinances and resolutions are tendered, without
further proof.
3.17 Emergency Ordinances
The Council may adopt emergency ordinances only to meet public emergencies affecting the life, health,
property or the public peace in accordance with State law. In particular, such ordinances shall not levy
DRAFT
Page 1 of 3
W Rose
04/28/08
Rev 2
REF 013
taxes, grant or renew or extend a franchise or regulate the rate charged by any public utility for its services.
An emergency ordinance shall be introduced in the form and manner generally prescribed for ordinances,
except that it shall be plainly designated in the title as an emergency ordinance and shall contain, after the
enacting clause, a declaration stating that an emergency exists and describing it in clear and specific terms,
An emergency ordinance can be adopted with or without amendment or rejected at the meeting at which it
was introduced. The affirmative vote of t#ree-(3) four (4) members of the Council shall be required for
adoption. After adoption the ordinance shall be published as required by law, but may become effective
immediately upon enactment.
Proposed Wording Clean:
3.06 Mayor
The Mayor shall preside over the meetings of the Council, and perform such other duties consistent with
the office as may be imposed upon him by this Charter and by ordinances and resolutions passed in
pursuance thereof. He may participate in the discussion of all matters coming before the Council and he
shall have a vote on all matters before the Council. He shall sign after authorization by the Council, all
contracts, conveyances made or entered into by the Town, all bonds, warrants and any other obligations
issued under the provisions of this Charter, in the manner prescribed in the ordinance authorizing the
signing of any such obligation. He shall be recognized as the official head of the Town by the courts for the
purpose of serving civil process, by the Governor for the purpose of enforcing military law and for all
ceremonial purposes.
3.12 Quorum
A majority of the Council shall constitute a quorum to do business. A number less than a quorum may
adjourn from time to time and compel the attendance of absent members. Except as otherwise specifically
provided herein or as provided by law, four (4) members of Council shall constitute a quorum for the
purpose of transaction of business and no action of the Council shall be valid or binding unless adopted by
the affirmative vote of four (4) or more members of the Council, or as required by State law or this Charter.
If the Council is reduced to less than four (4) members on account of vacancies, the remaining members
shall constitute a quorum for the sole purpose of calling an election.
3.16 Procedure for Enacting Ordinances and Resolutions; Publications
(a) Ordinances and resolutions may be passed at any regular meeting or special meeting called for that
purpose provided notice has been given in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(b) All ordinances, exclusive of emergency ordinances defined by Section 3.17 of this Charter, shall be
considered and passed in open meeting of the Council. All persons interested shall have the opportunity to
be heard. The Town Attorney shall opine as to legality all ordinances prior to final adoption. Every
ordinance, resolution or motion shall require on passage the affirmative vote of four (4) or more members
of Council present unless more is required by State law.
(c) The descriptive caption or title of an ordinance that imposes a penalty, tine or forfeiture, and the
penalty for violating the ordinance, shall be published at least once in the official newspaper of the Town.
(d) An ordinance required to be published takes effect when the publication requirement is satisfied,
unless the ordinance provides otherwise. An ordinance that is not required to be published takes effect
when adopted unless the ordinance provides otherwise.
DRAFT
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W Rose
04/28/08
Rev 2
REF 013
(e) All ordinances and resolutions may be admitted and received in all courts, subject to the rules of
evidence and laws of jurisdictions where proof of such ordinances and resolutions are tendered, without
further proof.
3.17 Emergency Ordinances
The Council may adopt emergency ordinances only to meet public emergencies affecting the life, health,
property or the public peace in accordance with State law. In particular, such ordinances shall not levy
taxes, grant or renew or extend a franchise or regulate the rate charged by any public utility for its services.
An emergency ordinance shall be introduced in the form and manner generally prescribed for ordinances,
except that it shall be plainly designated in the title as an emergency ordinance and shall contain, after the
enacting clause, a declaration stating that an emergency exists and describing it in clear and specific terms.
An emergency ordinance can be adopted with or without amendment or rejected at the meeting at which it
was introduced. The affirmative vote of four (4) members of the Council shall be required for adoption.
Amer adoption the ordinance shall be published as required by law, but may become effective immediately
upon enactment.
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Page 3 of 3
W Rose
04/28/08
Rev 2
REF 014
Proposed Amendment: Add Term Limits
Current Wording with Strikethrou h Bold Changes:
3.02 Term Limits
No person shall serve as Mayor for successive elected full terms totaling more than six years, and no
person shall serve as Councilmember for successive elected full terms totaling more than six years. A
term of office shall be defined as an elected period of two (2) years or an elected period of three (3)
years. A portion of a term does not count as a term of office for purposes of a limit. Term limits
shall apply to the May of 2009 election and all subsequent elections. Election terms previously served
or being served at the May of 2009 election are not counted in the application of term limits.
Table of Contents
Article III THE COUNCIL......................................................................................................... 9
3.02 Term Limits....................................................................................................................... 9
Proposed Wording Clean:
3.02 Term Limits
No person shall serve as Mayor for successive elected full terms totaling more than six years, and no person
shall serve as Counciimember for successive elected full terms totaling more than six years. A term of
office shall be defined as an elected period of two (2) years or an elected period of three (3) years. A
portion of a term does not count as a term of office for purposes of a limit. Term limits shall apply to the
May of 2009 election and all subsequent elections. Election terms previously served or being served at the
May of 2009 election are not counted in the application of term limits.
Table of Contents
ArticleIII THE COUNCIL......................................................................................................... 9
3.02 Term Limits....................................................................................................................... 9
Note: Subsequent Articles and Table of Contents will need renumbered.
DRAFT
Page 1 of 1
W Rose
04/14/08
Rev 1
REF 015
Proposed Amendment: Conflict of Interest and Abstention Town Council Procedure
Current Wording with Strikethrough Bold Changes:
None
Proposed Wording Clean:
3.13 Conflict of Interest
Should any person on the Town Council have a conflict of interest, pursuant to any State laws and/or Town
ordinances regulating conflicts of interest of municipal officers, with an agenda item then before the Town
Council, he or she shall openly declare same before discussion proceeds, and he or she is thereby prohibited
from discussing the item or voting on the question, and is not considered as present and voting for the
purposes of the tally.
3.14 Abstention
Should any person on the Town Council choose to abstain from voting on any question before the Town
Council, where no conflict of interest exists, the person's vote shall be recorded as a negative vote in the
official minutes of the meeting.
DRAFT
Page 1 of 1
D Hobday
04/14/08
REF 016
Proposed Amendment: Filling Vacancies
Current Wording with Strikethrou h Bold Changes:
3.04 Vacancies, Forfeiture of Office, Filling of Vacancies
(a) The office of the Mayor or a Councilmember shall become vacant upon the Mayor or Councilmember's
death, resignation, removal from office (in any manner authorized by law), or forfeiture of office.
(b) The Mayor or a Councilmember shall forfeit his office if during a term of office, the Mayor or
Councilmember:
(1) lacks any qualification for the office prescribed by this Charter or by other law;
(2) is convicted of a felony crime or is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; or,
(3) fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the Council without being excused by
the Council.
The Council shall, by an affirmative 314 vote of the entire membership, be the judge in matters involving
forfeiture of office by a Councilmember or the Mayor. Forfeiture of office pursuant to this section may be
appealed to an appropriate court as provided by law.
(":,men e>}e er-mere vaeaneies aceur at any one time, a speeial eleetioae called by the
Ge'UH61-€9rtk end nGee to fill the vasaficies iii the
same ed -herein for- re.,,.la . eleetions However,
>i eH e speeial aleo+:..,, ..1..,11 be ea4led and
e
Gen acilmember-sshallappai lalitie"erse e-ies 11mil the regular- e'ee#3nrr.
Notwithstanding ari), crit'-rP , ,
at any time, the
member -ship of Gotm .:1 : ,.,,a„tndte less than four (4) five (5) the
mijsFity action appeii3toddidenathe-membership to f uF 5 -these
appaWees shall serve ,:�z iii -t the pesltiens-c-�e-fille`� •,+c«t the nc.••t regular-v^i spczx lnr-eym
election}
Notwithstanding e f to 43a eeatrai3,, :f at a . +;,, e,+1,e bBFship „4'rl.,e
r.,utis duced_t lo�� «� ,n four (4) the remaining membersmay �ei�i�ppeiadT�e��
members to raise +t,e member -ship to f of (4) 'ri...se p es shall sei-ve until e positions ea$ -be filler
at -the next ^lam a ee-tiai}
(c) If there is a vacancy in the office of Mayor, a new Mayor shall be elected by special election
within one hundred twenty (120) days after such vacancy occurs, in accordance with the Texas
Constitution and the Texas Election Code.
(d) A vacancy in the office of a Councilmember shall be filled by special election within one hundred
twenty (120) days after such vacancy occurs, in accordance with the Texas Constitution and the
Texas Election Code. If the vacated office is that of Mayor Pro -Tem, the Town Council shall elect a
new Mayor Pro -Tem at the next regular meeting.
(e) Vacancies filled by special election shall be for the remainder of the term that was vacated.
Proposed Wording Clean:
3.04 Vacancies, Forfeiture of Office, Filling of Vacancies
(a) The office of the Mayor or a Councilmember shall become vacant upon the Mayor or Councilmember's
death, resignation, removal from office (in any manner authorized by law), or forfeiture of office.
DRAFT
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W Rose
04/24/08
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(b) The Mayor or a Councilmember shall forfeit his office if during a term of office, the Mayor or
Councilmember:
(1) lacks any qualification for the office prescribed by this Charter or by other law;
(2) is convicted of a felony crime or is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; or,
(3) fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the Council without being excused by
the Council.
The Council shall, by an affirmative 314 vote of the entire membership, be the judge in matters involving
forfeiture of office by a Councilmember or the Mayor. Forfeiture of office pursuant to this section may be
appealed to an appropriate court as provided by Iaw.
(c) If there is a vacancy in the office of Mayor, a new Mayor shall be elected by special election within one
hundred twenty (120) days after such vacancy occurs, in accordance with the Texas Constitution and the
Texas Election Code.
(d) A vacancy in the office of a Councilmember shall be filled by special election within one hundred
twenty (120) days after such vacancy occurs, in accordance with the Texas Constitution and the Texas
Election Code. If the vacated office is that of Mayor Pro -Tem, the Town Council shall elect a new Mayor
Pro -Tem at the next regular meeting.
(e) Vacancies filled by special election shall be for the remainder of the term that was vacated.
DRAFT
Page 2 of 2
W Rose
04/24/08
REF 01'7
Proposed Amendment: Resignation of Council Member Seat
Current Wording with Strikethrou h Bold Changes:
3.02 Qualifications
(a) Each person who becomes a candidate for Mayor or Councilmember shall meet the
following qualifications:
(1) be at least twenty-one (2 1) years of age on the first day of the form to be filed
or date of appointment;
(2) be a citizen of the United States;
(3) be a qualified voter of the Town;
(4) reside and have resided for at least twelve (12) months preceding the election
within the corporate limits of the Town;
(5) no candidate may file for more than one office or position number per election; and,
(6) no employee of the Town shall continue in such position after becoming a candidate for a
Town elective.
(1) If any sitting Council Member #"ales to become a candidate for another public office, he
shall resign his current seat upon filing for the new office.
(b) When any member of the Council no longer possesses all of the qualifications specified in this section,
or is convicted of a felony or any offense involving moral turpitude while in office, the office shall
immediately and automatically become vacant. The Council shall be the judge of the qualifications of its
members in accordance with Section 3.04(b) and for these purposes shall have the power to subpoena
witnesses and require the production of records.
5.04 Filing for Office
(a) Each candidate for an elective office shall meet the qualifications set forth in Section 3.02 of this
Charter.
(b) Any person so qualified who desires to become a candidate for election shall file an
application with the Town Secretary, in accordance with the Texas Election Code, as amended, and all
other applicable laws,
(c) Within five (5) days after the filing of an application, the Town Secretary shall notify the
candidate whether or not the application satisfied the requirements prescribed by this Charter. If an
application is found insufficient, the Town Secretary shall return it immediately to the
candidate with a statement certifying wherein it is insufficient. Within the regular time for filing
applications, a new application may be filed by the same candidate. The Town Secretary shall keep on file
all applications found sufficient at least until the expiration of the term of which the candidates are
nominated in those applications.
(d) If any member of a board, commission or corporation appointed by the Council shall become a
candidate for election to any public office of the Town, he shall immediately upon his being elected, forfeit
his place as a member of such board, commission or corporation.
(e) If any employee of the Town becomes a candidate for election to any public office of the
Town they shall, immediately upon becoming a candidate, forfeit the employment held with the Town.
(f) If any sitting Council Member files to become a candidate for another public office, he shall resign
his current seat upon filing for the new office.
DRAFT
Page 1 of 2
R Williams
05/17/08
REF 017
Proposed Wording Clean:
3.02 Qualifications
(a) Each person who becomes a candidate for Mayor or Councilmember shall meet the
following qualifications:
(1) be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the first day of the form to be filed
or date of appointment;
(2) be a citizen of the United States;
(3) be a qualified voter of the Town;
(4) reside and have resided for at least twelve (12) months preceding the election
within the corporate limits of the Town;
(5) no candidate may file for more than one office or position number per election; and,
(6) no employee of the Town shall continue in such position after becoming a candidate for a
Town elective.
(7) If any sitting Council Member files to become a candidate for another public
office, he shall resign his current seat upon filing for the new office.
(b) When any member of the Council no Ionger possesses all of the qualifications specified in this section,
or is convicted of a felony or any offense involving moral turpitude while in office, the office shall
immediately and automatically become vacant. The Council shall be the judge of the qualifications of its
members in accordance with Section 3.04(b) and for these purposes shall have the power to subpoena
witnesses and require the production of records.
5.04 Filing for Office
(a) Each candidate for an elective office shall meet the qualifications set forth in Section 3.02 of this
Charter.
(b) Any person so qualified who desires to become a candidate for election shall file an
application with the Town Secretary, in accordance with the Texas Election Code, as amended, and all
other applicable laws.
(c) Within five (5) days after the filing of an application, the Town Secretary shall notify the
candidate whether or not the application satisfied the requirements prescribed by this Charter. If an
application is found insufficient, the Town Secretary shall return it immediately to the
candidate with a statement certifying wherein it is insufficient. Within the regular time for filing
applications, a new application may be filed by the same candidate. The Town Secretary shall keep on file
all applications found sufficient at least until the expiration of the term of which the candidates are
nominated in those applications.
(d) If any member of a board, commission or corporation appointed by the Council shall become a
candidate for election to any public office of the Town, he shall immediately upon his being elected, forfeit
his place as a member of such board, commission or corporation.
(e) If any employee of the Town becomes a candidate for election to any public office of the
Town they shall, immediately upon becoming a candidate, forfeit the employment held with the Town.
(f) If any sitting Council Member files to become a candidate for another public office, he
shall resign his current seat upon filing for the new office.
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Page 2 of 2
R Williams
05/17/08
REF 018
Proposed Amendment: Reduce Recall Signatures Required
Current Wording with Strikethrou h Bold Changes:
6.02 Petition for Recall
Before the question of recall of such officer shall be submitted to the qualified voters of the
Town, a petition demanding such question to be so submitted shall first be filed with the person
performing the duties of the Town Secretary, which petition shall be signed by a number equal to
at least twenty perfent— {— O ten percent (10%) of those who were qualified voters on the date of the last
regular municipal election as determined from the list of qualified voters maintained by the County
Election Administrator. Each signer of such recall petition shall personally sign his name thereto
in ink or indelible pencil, and shall write after his name his place of residence, giving name of
street and number, his voter registration certificate number and shall also write thereon the day,
the month and the year his signature was affixed
Proposed_ Wording Clean:
6.02 Petition for Recall
Before the question of recall of such officer shall be submitted to the qualified voters of the
Town, a petition demanding such question to be so submitted shall first be filed with the person
performing the duties of the Town Secretary, which petition shall be signed by a number equal to
at least ten percent (10%) of those who were qualified voters on the date of the last regular
municipal election as determined from the list of qualified voters maintained by the County
Election Administrator. All signatures must be in compliance with the requirements set out in the Texas
Election Code.
DRAFT
D Hobday
05/14/08
Page 1 of 1
REF 021
Proposed Amendment: Appointment of Town Attorney
Bold Current Wording with Strikethrovg h Bbl Changes:...,_.,
4.14 Town Attorney --Appointment & Qualifications
The Council shall require "Requests for Information" (RFI) for legal services every two years. After
receiving this information, The the Council, by majority vote of the entire Council qualified and serving,
shall appoint an attorney licensed and in good standing to practice in the State of Texas as the Town
Attorney. He shall serve at the discretion of the Council and he shall receive for his services such
compensation as may be fixed by the Council. The authority to set compensation may be delegated at the
discretion of Council.
The Town Attorney shall be the legal adviser of, and attorney for, all of the offices and departments of the
Town, and he or his designee shall represent the Town in all litigation and legal proceedings; provided, that
the Town Attorney may retain special counsel at any time he deems appropriate and necessary in
accordance with the constraints of the budget. The Town Attorney shall perform other duties prescribed by
this Charter, by ordinance or as directed by the Council.
Proposed Wording Clean:
The Council shall require "Requests for Information" (RFI) for legal services every two years. After
receiving this information, the Council, by majority vote of the entire Council qualified and serving, shall
appoint an attorney licensed and in good standing to practice in the State of Texas as the Town Attorney.
He shall serve at the discretion of the Council and he shall receive for his services such compensation as
may be fixed by the Council. The authority to set compensation may be delegated at the discretion of
Council.
The Town Attorney shall be the legal adviser of, and attorney for, all of the offices and departments of the
Town, and he or his designee shall represent the Town in all litigation and legal proceedings; provided, that
the Town Attorney may retain special counsel at any time he deems appropriate and necessary in
accordance with the constraints of the budget. The Town Attorney shall perform other duties prescribed by
this Charter, by ordinance or as directed by the Council.
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Page 1 of ]
R Williams
05/17/08 Rev 1
REF 023
Proposed Amendment: Agenda request
Current Wordine with Strikethroueh Bold Changes:
3.11 Rules of the Council
(a) The Council shall determine its own rules of procedure and may compel the attendance of its
members. Minutes of the proceedings of the Council shall be kept, to which any citizen may have
access at all reasonable times and which shall constitute one of the archives of the Town.
(b) Any item requested by end two (2) or more members of the Council or by the Town Manager shall
be placed on the agenda by the Town Secretary. The Mayor will establish the order of the agenda for each
Council meeting. The Town Secretary shall prepare the agenda, which shall be publicly posted in
accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(c) The rules shall provide that citizens of the Town shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard at any
meeting.
Proposed Wordine Clean:
3.11 Rules of the Council
(b) The Council shall determine its own rules of procedure and may compel the attendance of its
members. Minutes of the proceedings of the Council shall be kept, to which any citizen may have
access at all reasonable times and which shall constitute one of the archives of the Town.
(b) Any item requested by two (2) or more members of the Council or by the Town Manager shall be
placed on the agenda by the Town Secretary. The Mayor will establish the order of the agenda for each
Council meeting. The Town Secretary shall prepare the agenda, which shall be publicly posted in
accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(c) The rules shall provide that citizens of the Town shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard at any
meeting.
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Page 1 of 1
R Williams
fly/17/08
REF 025
Proposed Amendment: Charter Review Commission
Current Wording with Strikethrou h Bold Changes:
11.13 Amendment of Charter
Amendments to this Charter may be framed and submitted to the voters of the Town in the manner
provided by State law.
11.12 Charter Review Commission
The Council shall appoint a Charter Review Commission no later than July 2012 and at intervals of
not more than four (4) years thereafter. The Commission shall consist of nine (9) qualified voters of
the Town. Each council member shall appoint one member to serve on the Charter Review
Commission, and remaining members shall be appointed by majority vote of the entire council
qualified and serving. The Commission shall review the Town Charter and make Charter
amendment recommendations, where appropriate, that will help protect or enhance the rights,
powers and benefits of all Trophy Club residents. It shall be the duty of the Charter Review
Commission to:
(a) Inquire into the operation of the Town government under the Charter and determine whether
any provisions require revision. To this end, public hearings may be held;
(b) Propose any recommendations it deems desirable to ensure compliance with this Charter;
(c) Propose amendments to this Charter to improve its effective application to current conditions;
and
(d) Report its findings and present its proposed amendments to the Town Council.
The Council shall receive and have published in the Town's official newspaper the Charter Review
Commission's final report. It shall consider any recommendations and, if any amendments are
presented, may order the amendment or amendments submitted to the voters of the Town.
The term of office of Commission shall be six (6) months or longer if extended by the Council and, at
the completion of such term, a report of the proceedings of the Commission shall be filed with the
Town Secretary and shall become public record.
Proposed Wordina Clean:
11.13 Amendment of Charter
Amendments to this Charter may be framed and submitted to the voters of the Town in the manner
provided by State law.
11.12 Charter Review Commission
The Council shall appoint a Charter Review Commission no later than July 2012 and at intervals of not
more than four (4) years thereafter. The Commission shall consist of nine (9) qualified voters of the Town.
Each council member shall appoint one member to serve on the Charter Review Commission, and
remaining members shall be appointed by majority vote of the entire council qualified and serving. The
Commission shall review the Town Charter and make Cbarter amendment recommendations, where
DRAFT
Page 1 of 2
D Hobday 1 W Rose
05/17/08 Rev 2
REF 025
appropriate, that will help protect or enhance the rights, powers and benefits of all Trophy Club residents.
It shall be the duty of the Charter Review Commission to:
(a) Inquire into the operation of the Town government under the Charter and determine whether any
provisions require revision. To this end, public hearings may be held;
(b) Propose any recommendations it deems desirable to ensure compliance with this Charter;
(c) Propose amendments to this Charter to improve its effective application to current conditions; and
(d) Report its findings and present its proposed amendments to the Town Council.
The Council shall receive and have published in the Town's official newspaper the Charter Review
Commission's final report. It shall consider any recommendations and, if any amendments are presented,
may order the amendment or amendments submitted to the voters of the Town.
The term of office of Commission shall be six (b) months or Ionger if extended by the Council and, at the
completion of such term, a report of the proceedings of the Commission shall be filed with the Town
Secretary and shall become public record.
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D Hobday / W Rose
05/17/08 Rev 2
REF 026
Proposed Amendment: Add 1 Councilmember and Three Year Terms
Current Wording with Strikethrou2h Bold Changes:
3.01 Number, Selection, Term
The Council shall consist of sLN-W seven (7) members, a Mayor and fire (5) sig (6) Councilmembers,
elected from the Town at jar -go at -large -by -place in the manner provided in Article V, for a term of twe
three (3) years or until their successors have been elected and take office as provided in Article V. Each
Councilmember shall be elected to and occupy a place on the Council, such Places being numbered
one (1), two (2), three (3), four (4), five (5), and sig (6). Upon adoption of this Charter, all duly elected or
appointed members of Council and Mayor shall remain in office until their term of office expires. The
office of Place 6 shall be created on the date the Charter becomes effective.
3.02 Qualifications
(a) Each person who becomes a candidate for Mayor or Councilmember shall meet the following
qualifications:
(1) be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the first day of the form to be filed elate
of appointment; filed;
(2) be a citizen of the United States;
(3) be a qualified voter of the Town;
(4) reside and have resided for at least twelve (12) months preceding the election within
the corporate limits of the Town;
(5) no candidate may file for more than one office or position number per election; and,
(6) no employee of the Town shall continue in such position after becoming a candidate for a
Town elective office.
(b) When any member of the Council no longer possesses all of the qualifications specified in this section,
or is convicted of a felony or any offense involving moral turpitude while in office, the office shall
immediately and automatically become vacant. The Council shall be the judge of the qualifications of its
members in accordance with Section 3.04(b) and for these purposes shall have the power to subpoena
witnesses and require the production of records.
3.04 Vacancies, Forfeiture of Office, Filling of Vacancies
(a) The office of the Mayor or a Councilmember shall become vacant upon the Mayor or Councilmember's
death, resignation, removal from office (in any manner authorized by law), or forfeiture of office.
(b) The Mayor or a Councilmember shall forfeit his office if during a term of office, the Mayor or
Councilmember:
(1) lacks any qualification for the office prescribed by this Charter or by other law;
(2) is convicted of a felony crime or is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; or,
(3) fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the Council without being excused by
the Council.
The Council shall, by an affirmative 314 vote of the entire membership, be the judge in matters involving
forfeiture of office by a Councilmember or the Mayor. Forfeiture of office pursuant to this section may be
appealed to an appropriate court as provided by law.
(u) rte, -:'hen o. a or- 9 varies ae-Gur- at any one time, special election shall be ea]led4rf-Ehe
E@kinE}l fal thEi He` r amore available !!BdEr- rhe Tp...,.. mp.12+; �
+
n_Ge o , fill +r c ic=r$£$i}civriirthe
same ffleras described beFein v egul. e7.-.etieiis.uvm,eye r -,i c�r1 i' ecancicrvccarvrithmirz
DRAFT
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met„ rnm day' O f r ....1.... election, the ;nl elect;,,., shall be eafled and
e .. l the_regul
�#;�I appa��e�pe�e�e-c:cs W, t�
Notwithstanding any other- pr-aN4siea ., f tMs Gh.,rrer t., rh e
fnem er-ship of the-9'Elui3Gil is reduee.i to loss than F..,,r (4) flye (5 the re,n..
. ,. .,to
�3`a�
O
majeen appeint additional f^
embers to Faisa-the aembnhi,,
p t,. r ,.r (4) five (5) The
appointtees shall seiwe .,til the ..;t'.,ns ean be_filled at the next re,...ln al T..�
eleetien.
Edi any other pro
Ceuneil is re , dciienal
membersto raise ersl}�u-^�es"pp e€riled
at he fieki regular c ; ,lcmrTo�inzi@CtfeH
(c) If there is a vacancy in the office of Mayor, a new Mayor shall be elected by special election
within one hundred twenty (120) days after such vacancy occurs, in accordance with the Texas
Constitution and the Texas Election Code.
(d) A vacancy in the office of a Councilmember shall be filled by special election within one hundred
twenty (120) days after such vacancy occurs, in accordance with the Texas Constitution and the
Texas Election Code. If the vacated office is that of Mayor Pro -Tem, the Town Council shall elect a
new Mayor Pro -Tem at the next regular meeting.
(e) Vacancies filled by special election shall be for the remainder of the term that was vacated.
3.10 Special Meetings
The Mayor or any three-() four (4) members of the Council may call special meetings by giving notice to
the Town Secretary of the nature of the meeting, the items for consideration, and the proposed date and
time of the meeting. The Town Secretary shall notify each member of the Council of the time of such
meeting and purpose thereof. Only matters mentioned in the call shall be considered.
3.12 Quorum
A majority of the Council, not including the Mayor, shall constitute a quorum to do business. A
number less than a quorum may adjourn from time to time and compel the attendance of absent
members. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein or as provided by law, theee (3) four (4)
Councilmembers, shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transaction of business and no
action of the Council shall be valid or binding unless adopted by the affirmative vote of tl}ree (3) four (4)
or more members of the Council, or as required by State law or this Charter. If the Council is reduced to
less than three (3a four (4) members on account of vacancies, the remaining members shall constitute a
quorum for the sole purpose of calling an election.
3.16 Procedure for Enacting Ordinances and Resolutions; Publications
(a) Ordinances and resolutions may be passed at any regular meeting or special meeting called for that
purpose provided notice has been given in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(b) All ordinances, exclusive of emergency ordinances defined by Section 3.17 of this Charter, shall be
considered and passed in open meeting of the Council. All persons interested shall have the opportunity to
be heard. The Town Attorney shall opine as to legality all ordinances prior to final adoption. Every
ordinance, resolution or motion shall require on passage the affirmative vote of tree (3) four (4) or more
members of Council present unless more is required by State law.
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(c) The descriptive caption or title of an ordinance that imposes a penalty, fine or forfeiture, and the
penalty for violating the ordinance, shall be published at least once in the official newspaper of the Town
(d) An ordinance required to be published takes effect when the publication requirement is satisfied,
unless the ordinance provides otherwise. An ordinance that is not required to be published takes effect
when adopted unless the ordinance provides otherwise.
(e) All ordinances and resolutions may be admitted and received in all courts, subject to the rules of
evidence and laws of jurisdictions where proof of such ordinances and resolutions are tendered, without
further proof.
3.17 Emergency Ordinances
The Council may adopt emergency ordinances only to meet public emergencies affecting the life, health,
property or the public peace in accordance with State law. In particular, such ordinances shall not levy
taxes, grant or renew or extend a franchise or regulate the rate charged by any public utility for its services
An emergency ordinance shall be introduced in the form and manner generally prescribed for ordinances,
except that it shall be plainly designated in the title as an emergency ordinance and shall contain, after the
enacting clause, a declaration stating that an emergency exists and describing it in clear and specific terms
An emergency ordinance can be adopted with or without amendment or rejected at the meeting at which it
was introduced. The affirmative vote of three (3) four (4) members of the Council shall be required for
adoption. After adoption the ordinance shall be published as required by law, but may become effective
immediately upon enactment.
5.01 Elections
The general Town election shall be held annually on a date in accordance with the laws of the State of
Texas and as established by Town ordinance, commencing in the year 2-005 2008 at which time officers
will be elected to fill those offices which become vacant that year. The Council may, by ordinance, order a
special election, fix the time and place for holding same and provide all means for holding such special
election.
The Mayor and fives six (6) Councilmembers shall be elected and serve in the following manner:
(a)- In e0eh ed numbered . two (2) r,,,. neil,.. ember -s an.l a Mayor- shall t.e eleeted-and-in-eaeh
even numbered y eaf Three (3) Gouneiline; hers shall be elected;
nye Mayo d other-meml3e" Of trte or mz-Allneil shall b$ L}e^«Gcced from the T-E)wn of lwge. f "
a
came a didate far- Mayor- f!'eeives t e highest number- •,fvalid ..etes by „.al;ed •,cr voters at ie
eleetien-shall -bid eleete4,
1.1\GalWidates, " t^ r iri,=lVer—ofva£es to e filled,
...hr-eeeive the Wgqualifiedvotescast voters at t stieshall -bid@GlaFe
eleetean
(e) Except as -speer- ^a'call pr0i de`l i +a m meet on in the etween two r2\ �
candidates, a tial-elled by Goon ;1�e-Getmeil-shall-or er- a SpeGial eleEtiefl Be
lass than rh;',. (30days Bar ore than ", (40) days after- rhe r ....1.... eto...;.,,�.,�h'"-z''yB-tie vote
na
as -betwe'e'n s ch candidates. iF tt,e tie -does r-iietpFevent the filling of e1-;i:e ei� rs�-- icn- cne--speeial
elestiexshalle requited.
(a) The Mayor shall have a three-year term beginning with the May 2009 election.
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(b) Councilmembers elected at the May 2009 election shall draw lots to determine Places 1 and 2.
Places 1 and 2 shall receive a two-year term at the May 2009 election; thereafter, Places 1, and 2 shall
have three year terms.
(c) Councilmembers elected at the May 2010 election shall draw Iots to determine Places 3, 4, and 5.
Places 3 and 4 shall receive three year terms and Place 5 shall receive a two year term; thereafter,
Places 3, 4, and 5 shall have three-year terms
(d) The vacancy created by the addition of the office of Place 6 shall be filled by special election
within one hundred twenty (i20) days after such vacancy occurs in accordance with the Texas
Constitution and the Texas Election Code. The term of Place 6 shall be from and after the special
election to be held in accordance with this paragraph until the May 2012 election; thereafter, Places 6
shall have three year terms.
(c) The candidate for Mayor who receives a majority of all votes cast for all the candidates for such
office at the election shall be declared elected.
(f) The candidate for election to each Place on the Council, who receives a majority of all votes cast
for all the candidates for such Place at the election, shall be declared elected.
(g) In the event any candidate for an office fails to receive a majority of all votes cast for all the
candidates for such office at such election, the Town Council shall, upon completion of the official
canvass of the ballots, issue a call for a runoff election to be held within thirty (30) days following the
issuance of such call, or in accordance with the Texas Election Code. The two (2) candidates
receiving the highest number of votes (or three (3) persons in case of tie for second place) for any
such office in the first election shall be placed upon the ballot to be voted on in such runoff election;
and, in case of a tie vote in the runoff election or in the first election if there are only two (2)
candidates, as to the two (2) candidates, the Council shall order subsequent elections in the same
manner as the runoff election until the tie vote between the two (2) candidates has been resolved.
5.06 Canvassing and Election Results
Returns of every municipal election shall be delivered forthwith by the Election Judges to the Town
Secretary with a copy of the returns sent to the Mayor. The Council shall canvass the returns, investigate
the qualifications of the candidates and declare the official results of the election in accordance with the
Texas Election Code. The results of every municipal election shall be recorded in the minutes of the
Council. The qualified person receiving a plurality majority of the votes cast for any office shall
thereupon be declared elected by said Council. The decision of the Council, as to qualifications of
candidates, shall be conclusive and final for all purposes.
6.01 Scope of Recall
Any elected Town official, whet ter eleeted to offiGe by theed veters of e Town or appd-by
the ce meil to fill ^ N,aoaB^•', shall be subject to recall and removal from office by the qualified voters of the
Town on grounds of incompetency, misconduct, malfeasance in office or who knowingly or intentionally
violates any provision of the Charter.
6.04 Procedure After Filing Petition for Recall
(a) Upon the filing of a petition, the Town Secretary shall review the petition to determine the existence of
the requisite number of signatures of qualified voters and whether the form of the petition complies with
the provisions of this Charter. The Town Attorney shall review the petition for legal sufficiency.
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(b) Within ten (10) business days after the petition is filed, the Town Secretary shall complete a certificate
as to its sufficiency, specifying, if it is insufficient, the particulars wherein it is defective and shall promptly
send a copy of the certificate to the person(s) who filed the petition by registered mail.
(c) A petition certified insufficient for lack of the required number of valid signatures or due to inadequate
form or content may be amended once if each of the following requirements are met:
(1) the person(s) who filed the petition with the Town Secretary files a notice of intention to amend it with
the Town Secretary within five (5) business days after receiving the copy of this certificate via registered
mail; and,
(2) such person(s) also file a supplementary petition upon additional papers within ten (10) business days
after receiving the copy of such certificate. Such supplementary petition shall comply with the
requirements of section 6.02. Within five (5) business days after the supplementary petition is filed, the
Town Secretary shall complete a certificate as to the sufficiency of the petition as amended and promptly
send a copy of such certificate to the person(s) who filed the petition for recall via registered mail as in the
case of an original petition.
(d) If a petition or amended petition is certified sufficient and in compliance with the terms of this Article
of the Charter, the Town Secretary shall present this certificate to the Council at its next regular Council
meeting or special meeting called for this purpose and immediately shall notify the Councilmember whose
removal is sought and provide him with a copy of his petition by registered or certified mail.
(e) No signature to a recall petition shall remain effective or be counted if it was placed upon the petition
more than forty-five (45) days prior to filing of the recall petition with the Town Secretary.
(f) If the Councilmember whose removal is sought does not resign within seven (7) days after the certified
petition is presented to the Council, the Council, at its next regular meeting or at a specially called meeting,
shall order a recall election to be held on the first uniform election date occurring on or after the 45°i day
after the date the election is ordered.
(y A Geunealmembeer 1,vhee vessig—s-"eoified in this see-tionmay net -be subsequently`appointed to the
GOURG4.
6.06 Official Ballot
Any Officer so elected shall hold office only during the unexpired term of his predecessor. Any person
sought to be removed may be a candidate to succeed himself and, unless he requests otherwise in writing,
the Town Secretary shall place his name on the official ballot without nomination. The names of other
candidates for such position shall be placed on the official ballot in the same manner as provided in Article
V of this Charter. At such election, the candidate receiving a plums majority of all votes cast for such
office, according to the rules regulating the election of Councilmembers as set forth in this Charter, shall be
declared elected. At such election, if some person other than the incumbent receives a plwality majority of
all votes cast for such office, the incumbent shall thereupon be deemed removed from the office upon the
qualification of his successor. In case the party who receives. a plur-alib` majority of all votes cast at said
election should fail to qualify within the (10) days after receiving notification of his election, the office
shall then become vacant. If the incumbent receives a plumlity majority of all votes cast at such election,
he shall continue in office and shall not be subject to any other recall for any grounds existing prior to said
election. In the event that a runoff election is required, the procedure set forth shall be followed.
Proposed Wording Clean:
3.01 Number, Selection, Term
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11=90FT11
The Council shall consist of seven (7) members, a Mayor and six (6) Councilmembers, elected from the
Town at -large -by -place in the manner provided in Article V, for a term of three (3) years or until their
successors have been elected and take office as provided in Article V. Each Councilmember shall be
elected to and occupy a place on the Council, such Places being numbered one (1), two (2), three (3), four
(4), five (5), and six (6). Upon adoption of this Charter, all duly elected or appointed members of Council
and Mayor shall remain in office until their term of office expires. The office of Place 6 shall be created on
the date the Charter becomes effective.
3.02 Qualifications
(a) Each person who becomes a candidate for Mayor or Councilmember shall meet the following
qualifications:
(1)
be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the first day of the form to be filed;
(2)
be a citizen of the United States;
(3)
be a qualified voter of the Town;
(4)
reside and have resided for at least twelve (12) months preceding the election within
the corporate limits of the Town;
(5) no candidate may file for more than one office or position number per election; and,
(6) no employee of the Town shall continue in such position after becoming a candidate for a
Town elective office.
(b) When any member of the Council no longer possesses all of the qualifications specified in this section,
or is convicted of a felony or any offense involving moral turpitude while in office, the office shall
immediately and automatically become vacant. The Council shall be the judge of the qualifications of its
members in accordance with Section 3.04(b) and for these purposes shall have the power to subpoena
witnesses and require the production of records.
3.04 Vacancies, Forfeiture of Office, Filling of Vacancies
(a) The office of the Mayor or a CounciImember shall become vacant upon the Mayor or Councilmember's
death, resignation, removal from office (in any manner authorized by law), or forfeiture of office.
(b) The Mayor or a Councilmember shall forfeit his office if during a term of office, the Mayor or
Councilmember:
(1) lacks any qualification for the office prescribed by this Charter or by other law;
(2) is convicted of a felony crime or is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; or,
(3) fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the Council without being excused by
the Council.
The Council shall, by an affirmative 314 vote of the entire membership, be the judge in matters involving
forfeiture of office by a Councilmember or the Mayor. Forfeiture of office pursuant to this section may be
appealed to an appropriate court as provided by law,
(c) if there is a vacancy in the office of Mayor, a new Mayor shall be elected by special election within one
hundred twenty (120) days after such vacancy occurs, in accordance with the Texas Constitution and the
Texas Election Code.
(d) A vacancy in the office of a Councilmember shall be filled by special election within one hundred
twenty (120) days after such vacancy occurs, in accordance with the Texas Constitution and the Texas
Election Code. If the vacated office is that of Mayor Pro -Tem, the Town Council shall elect a new Mayor
Pro -Tem at the next regular meeting.
(e) Vacancies filled by special election shall be for the remainder of the term that was vacated.
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3.10 Special Meetings
The Mayor or four (4) members of the Council may call special meetings by giving notice to the Town
Secretary of the nature of the meeting, the items for consideration, and the proposed date and time of the
meeting. The Town Secretary shall notify each member of the Council of the time of such meeting and
purpose thereof. Only matters mentioned in the call shall be considered.
3.12 Quorum
A majority of the Council, not including the Mayor, shall constitute a quorum to do business. A number
less than a quorum may adjourn from time to time and compel the attendance of absent members. Except as
otherwise specifically provided herein or as provided by law, four (4) Councilmembers, shall constitute a
quorum for the purpose of transaction of business and no action of the Council shall be valid or binding
unless adopted by the affirmative vote of four (4) or more members of the Council, or as required by State
law or this Charter. If the Council is reduced to less than four (4) members on account of vacancies, the
remaining members shall constitute a quorum for the sole purpose of calling an election.
3.16 Procedure for Enacting Ordinances and Resolutions; Publications
(a) Ordinances and resolutions may be passed at any regular meeting or special meeting called for that
purpose provided notice has been given in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(b) All ordinances, exclusive of emergency ordinances defined by Section 3.17 of this Charter, shall be
considered and passed in open meeting of the Council. All persons interested shall have the opportunity to
be heard. The Town Attorney shall opine as to legality all ordinances prior to final adoption. Every
ordinance, resolution or motion shall require on passage the affirmative vote of four (4) or more members
of Council present unless more is required by State law.
(c) The descriptive caption or title of an ordinance that imposes a penalty, fine or forfeiture, and the
penalty for violating the ordinance, shall be published at Ieast once in the official newspaper of the Town.
(d) An ordinance required to be published takes effect when the publication requirement is satisfied,
unless the ordinance provides otherwise. An ordinance that is not required to be published takes effect
when adopted unless the ordinance provides otherwise.
(e) All ordinances and resolutions may be admitted and received in all courts, subject to the rules of
evidence and laws of jurisdictions where proof of such ordinances and resolutions are tendered, without
further proof.
3.17 Emergency Ordinances
The Council may adopt emergency ordinances only to meet public emergencies affecting the life, health,
property or the public peace in accordance with State law. In particular, such ordinances shall not levy
taxes, grant or renew or extend a franchise or regulate the rate charged by any public utility for its services.
An emergency ordinance shall be introduced in the form and manner generally prescribed for ordinances,
except that it shall be plainly designated in the title as an emergency ordinance and shall contain, after the
enacting clause, a declaration stating that an emergency exists and describing it in clear and specific terns.
An emergency ordinance can be adopted with or without amendment or rejected at the meeting at which it
was introduced. The affirmative vote of four (4) members of the Council shall be required for adoption.
After adoption the ordinance shall be published as required by law, but may become effective immediately
upon enactment.
5.01 Elections
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The general Town election shall be held annually on a date in accordance with the laws of the State of
Texas and as established by Town ordinance, commencing in the year 2008, at which time officers will be
elected to fill those offices which become vacant that year. The Council may, by ordinance, order a special
election, fix the time and place for holding same and provide all means for holding such special election.
The Mayor and six (6) Councilmembers shall be elected and serve in the following manner:
(a) The Mayor shall have a three-year term beginning with the May 2009 election.
(b) Councilmembers elected at the May 2009 election shall draw lots to determine Places 1 and 2. Places 1
and 2 shall receive a two-year term at the May 2009 election; thereafter, Places 1, and 2 shall have three
year terms.
(c) Councilmembers elected at the May 2010 election shall draw lots to determine Places 3, 4, and 5.
Places 3 and 4 shall receive three year terms and Place 5 shall receive a two year term; thereafter, Places 3,
4, and 5 shall have three-year terms
(d) The vacancy created by the addition of the office of Place 6 shall be filled by special election within
one hundred twenty (120) days after such vacancy occurs in accordance with the Texas Constitution and
the Texas Election Code. The term of Place 6 shall be from and atter the special election to be held in
accordance with this paragraph until the May 2012 election; thereafter, Places 6 shall have three year terms.
(e) The candidate for Mayor who receives a majority of all votes cast for all the candidates for such office
at the election shall be declared elected.
(f) The candidate for election to each Place on the Council, who receives a majority of all votes cast for all
the candidates for such Place at the election, shall be declared elected.
(g) In the event any candidate for an office fails to receive a majority of all votes cast for all the candidates
for such office at such election, the Town Council shall, upon completion of the official canvass of the
ballots, issue a call for a runoff election to be held within thirty (30) days following the issuance of such
call, or in accordance with the Texas Election Code. The two (2) candidates receiving the highest number
of votes (or three (3) persons in case of tie for second place) for any such office in the first election shall be
placed upon the ballot to be voted on in such runoff election; and, in case of a tie vote in the runoff election
or in the first election if there are only two (2) candidates, as to the two (2) candidates, the Council shall
order subsequent elections in the same manner as the runoff election until the tie vote between the two (2)
candidates has been resolved.
5.06 Canvassing and Election Results
Returns of every municipal election shall be delivered forthwith by the Election Judges to the Town
Secretary with a copy of the returns sent to the Mayor. The Council shall canvass the returns, investigate
the qualifications of the candidates and declare the official results of the election in accordance with the
Texas Election Code. The results of every municipal election shall be recorded in the minutes of the
Council. The qualified person receiving a majority of the votes cast for any office shall thereupon be
declared elected by said Council. The decision of the Council, as to qualifications of candidates, shall be
conclusive and final for all purposes.
6.41 Scope of Recall
Any elected Town official shall be subject to recall and removal from office by the qualified voters of the
Town on grounds of incompetency, misconduct, malfeasance in office or who knowingly or intentionally
violates any provision of the Charter.
][DRAFT
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6.06 Official Ballot
Any Officer so elected shall hold office only during the unexpired term of his predecessor. Any person
sought to be removed may be a candidate to succeed himself and, unless he requests otherwise in writing,
the Town Secretary shall place his name on the official ballot without nomination. The names of other
candidates for such position shall be placed on the official ballot in the same manner as provided in Article
V of this Charter. At such election, the candidate receiving a majority of all votes cast for such office,
according to the rules regulating the election of Councilmembers as set forth in this Charter, shall be
declared elected. At such election, if some person other than the incumbent receives a majority of all votes
cast for such office, the incumbent shall thereupon be deemed removed from the office upon the
qualification of his successor. In case the party who receives a majority of all votes cast at said election
should fail to qualify within the (10) days after receiving notification of his election, the office shall then
became vacant. If the incumbent receives a majority of all votes cast at such election, be shall continue in
office and shall not be subject to any other recall for any grounds existing prior to said election. In the event
that a runoff election is required, the procedure set forth shall be followed.
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Proposed Amendment: Add Council Compensation
Current Wording with Strikethrough Bold Changes:
3.05 Compensation
ensatina; provided, however-, thaey
The Council shall determine the compensation of the Mayor and Councilmembers by ordinance, but
no ordinance increasing such salary shall become effective until the date of commencement of the
terms of Council members elected at the next regular election. The Mayor and Councilmembers shall
be entitled to reimbursement of any necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties,
when approved by Council or their designee.
Proposed Wording Clean:
3.05 Compensation
The Council shall determine the compensation of the Mayor and Councilmembers by ordinance, but no
ordinance increasing such salary shall become effective until the date of commencement of the terms of
Council members elected at the next regular election. The Mayor and Councilmembers shall be entitled to
reimbursement of any necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties, when
approved by Council or their designee.
Transitional Provisions
12.06 Initial Compensation of Mayor and Councilmembers
The Mayor shall receive compensation in the amount of $125 per Council meeting, not to exceed $250 per
month; and each Councilmember shall receive compensation in the amount of $100 per Council meeting,
not to exceed $200 per month. Such amounts shall remain in effect until changed by the Council in
accordance with the provisions of this Charter.
Page 1 of 1
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Proposed Amendment: Comply with Texas Election Code
Current Wordine with Strikethroueh Bold Chans?es:
5.01 Elections
(e) Except as specifically provided in this section, in the case of a tie vote as between two (2) or more
candidates, a special election shall be called by the Council in accordance with the Texas Election
Code. Go it The r.. „cil shall order- a-sp� •,1cc�areleetionatless than (30) danor- moFe th
f (4 0) days after- the regular election to _ -see e 4he tie vote as between -susleandidates If the tie
does not prevent the filling of the vacancies then the special election shall not be required.
6.04 Procedure After Filing Petition for Recall
(f) If the Councilmember whose removal is sought does not resign within seven (7) days after the certified
petition is presented to the Council, the Council, at its next regular meeting or at a specially called meeting,
shall order a recall election. The date selected for the recall election shall be the earliest available date
in accordance with the Texas Election Code for which all legal requirements to verify the petition
and call the election may be met. e4eetion ^M eleetionmate oar
after the 45'' day ager- the date the eleetion-is ordered
7.02 Petition
Qualified voters of the Town may initiate legislation by submitting a petition addressed to the Council
which requests the submission of a proposed ordinance or resolution to a vote of the qualified voters of the
Town. Said petition must be signed by qualified voters of the Town equal in number to twenty (20) percent
of the number of qualified voters at the last regular municipal election of the Town, and each copy of the
petition shall have attached to it a copy of the proposed legislation. The petition shall be signed in the same
manner as recall petitions are signed, as provided in Section 6.02 of this Charter, and shall be verified by
oath in the manner and form provided for recall petitions in Section 6.03 of this Charter. The petition may
consist of one or more copies as permitted for recall petitions in Section 6.04 of this Charter. Such petitions
shall be filed with the person performing the duties of Town Secretary, who after verification of the petition
as provided in Section 6.04 of this Charter, shall present the petition and proposed ordinance or resolution
to the Council at its next regular or special meeting called for this purpose. Upon presentation to the
Council of the petition and draft of the proposal, ordinance or resolution, it shall become the duty of the
Council, within the twenty (20) days from the date of presentation to determine whether the proposed
ordinance complies with Section 7.01 and to either vote to adopt such ordinance or resolution without
alteration as to meaning or effect or to call a special election. A special election shall be held on the
earliest available date in accordance with the Texas Election Code for which all legal requirements to
verify the petition and call the election may be met. �r-sixty
(60) days frefia dame election is of erg At the election, the qualified voters of the Town shall be
allowed the opportunity to vote on the question of adopting or rejecting the proposed legislation. However,
if any other municipal election is to be held within sixty (60) days after the filing of the petition, the
question may be voted on at such election.
7.03 Referendum
Qualified voters of the Town may require that any ordinance or resolution passed by the Council be
submitted to the voters of the Town for approval or disapproval by submitting a petition for this purpose
within forty-five (45) days after the ordinance or resolution becomes effective. Said petition shall be
addressed, prepared, signed and verified as required for petitions initiating legislation as provided in
Section 7.02 of this Charter and shall be submitted to the person performing the duties of Town Secretary.
The Town Secretary shall present the petition to the Council at its next regular or special meeting called for
this purpose. Upon presentation of the petition to the Council, it shall become the duty of the Council,
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within twenty (20) days from the date of presentation to reconsider such ordinance or resolution. If
Council does not repeal the ordinance or resolution either in its entirety or as specified in the petition,
Council shall call a special election. Pending the holding of such election, such ordinance or resolution
shall be suspended and shall not later take effect unless a majority of the qualified voters voting thereon at
such election shall vote in favor thereon. A special election small be held on the earliest available date in
accordance with the Texas Election Code for which all legal requirements to verify the petition and
call the election may be met. first u :f r election date occurring on afier sixty ncm days f.,,.,, +He date
the-elee-tien-is ardered. At the election, the qualified voters of the Town shall be allowed the opportunity to
vote on the question of approving or disapproving the ordinance or resolution. However, if any other
municipal election is to be held within sixty (60) days after the filing of the petition, the question may be
voted on at such election.
Proposed WordingClean:
5.01 Elections
(e) Except as specifically provided in this section, in the case of a tie vote as between two (2) or more
candidates, a special election shall be called by the Council in accordance with the Texas Election
Code. If the tie does not prevent the filling of the vacancies then the special election shall not be
required.
6.04 Procedure After Filing Petition for Recall
(f) If the Councilmember whose removal is sought does not resign within seven (7) days after the certified
petition is presented to the Council, the Council, at its next regular meeting or at a specially called meeting,
shall order a recall election. The date selected for the recall election shall be the earliest available date in
accordance with the Texas Election Code for which all legal requirements to verify the petition and call the
election may be met.
7.02 Petition
Qualified voters of the Town may initiate legislation by submitting a petition addressed to the Council
which requests the submission of a proposed ordinance or resolution to a vote of the qualified voters of the
Town. Said petition must be signed by qualified voters of the Town equal in number to twenty (20) percent
of the number of qualified voters at the last regular municipal election of the Town, and each copy of the
petition shall have attached to it a copy of the proposed legislation. The petition shall be signed in the same
manner as recall petitions are signed, as provided in Section 6.02 of this Charter, and shall be verified by
oath in the manner and form provided for recall petitions in Section 6.03 of this Charter. The petition may
consist of one or more copies as permitted for recall petitions in Section 6.04 of this Charter. Such petitions
shall be filed with the person performing the duties of Town Secretary, who after verification of the petition
as provided in Section 6,04 of this Charter, shall present the petition and proposed ordinance or resolution
to the Council at its next regular or special meeting called for this purpose. Upon presentation to the
Council of the petition and draft of the proposal, ordinance or resolution, it shall become the duty of the
Council, within the twenty (20) days from the date of presentation to determine whether the proposed
ordinance complies with Section 7.01 and to either vote to adopt such ordinance or resolution without
alteration as to meaning or effect or to call a special election. A special election shall be held on the
earliest available date in accordance with the Texas Election Code for which all Iegal requirements to
verify the petition and call the election may be met. At the election, the qualified voters of the Town shall
be allowed the opportunity to vote on the question of adopting or rejecting the proposed legislation.
However, if any other municipal election is to be held within sixty (60) days after the filing of the petition,
the question may be voted on at such election.
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7.03 Referendum
Qualified voters of the Town may require that any ordinance or resolution passed by the Council be
submitted to the voters of the Town for approval or disapproval by submitting a petition for this purpose
within forty-five (45) days after the ordinance or resolution becomes effective. Said petition shall be
addressed, prepared, signed and verified as required for petitions initiating legislation as provided in
Section 7.02 of this Charter and shall be submitted to the person performing the duties of Town Secretary.
The Town Secretary shall present the petition to the Council at its next regular or special meeting called for
this purpose. Upon presentation of the petition to the Council, it shall become the duty of the Council,
within twenty (20) days from the date of presentation to reconsider such ordinance or resolution. If
Council does not repeal the ordinance or resolution either in its entirety or as specified in the petition,
Council shall call a special election. Pending the holding of such election, such ordinance or resolution
shall be suspended and shall not later take effect unless a majority of the qualified voters voting thereon at
such election shall vote in favor thereon. A special election shall be held on the earliest available date in
accordance with the Texas Election Code for which all legal requirements to verify the petition and call the
election may be met. At the election, the qualified voters of the Town shall be allowed the opportunity to
vote on the question of approving or disapproving the ordinance or resolution. However, if any other
municipal election is to be held within sixty (60) days after the filing of the petition, the question may be
voted on at such election.
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Proposed Amendment: Clarify Appointment Procedure
Current Wording with Strikethrough Bold Changes:
4.02 Town Manager - Appointment and Qualifications
(a) The Council, by m ri+.. • ote-ofAnd seFving, shall appoint a Town
Manager, who shall be the chief administrative officer of the Town.
4.07 Town Secretary
The Council, by majeFity vote of the entireGenn61 qualified -and -serer shall appoint a Town Secretary
who shall act as the Secretary to the Council and shall hold office at the pleasure of the Council. He shall
be entitled to a seat at the Council table at all official meetings.
4.11 Judge of Court
The Council, by majerity vsfe f •hle a.,+;.o r..,,„oil qualified and -serving, shall by ordinance appoint one or
more Judges of the Municipal Court. A Judge shall be a resident of this state, be a citizen of the United
States, a licensed attorney in good standing, licensed to practice in the State of Texas and must have two (2)
or more years of experience in practicing law in this state.
4.12 Clerk of the Court
The Council, by majorit), vale of a entire -Eeus3eil qualified and sem shall by ordinance provide for
the appointment of a Clerk of the Town of Trophy Club Municipal Court of Record and shall also provide
for the appointment of such Deputy Clerks as the Council determines appropriate. The Clerk shall keep the
records of the Municipal Courts of record, issue process, and generally perform the duties as provided by
law and established by Council. The Council may require the Clerk, before entering upon the duties of the
office, to execute a good and sufficient surety company bond, in such amount as the Council may demand,
payable to the Town and conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of the office, the premium
of such bond to be paid by the Town. The Council shall fix the compensation for the Clerk. The authority
to set compensation may be delegated at the discretion of Council.
4.14 Town Attorney --Appointment & Qualifications
The Council by majoFity veteof the shall appoint an attorney licensed
and in good standing to practice in the State of Texas as the Town Attorney. He shall serve at the
discretion of the Council and he shall receive for his services such compensation as may be fixed by the
Council. The authority to set compensation may be delegated at the discretion of Council.
Proposed Wording Clean:
4.02 Town Manager - Appointment and Qualifications
(a) The Council shall appoint a Town Manager, who shall be the chief administrative officer of the Town
4.07 Town Secretary
The Council shall appoint a Town Secretary who shall act as the Secretary to the Council and shall hold
office at the pleasure of the Council. He shall be entitled to a seat at the Council table at all official
meetings.
4.11 Judge of Court
The Council shall by ordinance appoint one or more Judges of the Municipal Court. A Judge shall be a
resident of this state, be a citizen of the United States, a licensed attorney in good standing, licensed to
practice in the State of Texas and must have two (2) or more years of experience in practicing law in this
state.
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4.12 Clerk of the Court
The Council shall by ordinance provide for the appointment of a Clerk of the Town of Trophy Club
Municipal Court of Record and shall also provide for the appointment of such Deputy Clerks as the Council
determines appropriate. The Clerk shall keep the records of the Municipal Courts of record, issue process,
and generally perform the duties as provided by law and established by Council. The Council may require
the Clerk, before entering upon the duties of the office, to execute a good and sufficient surety company
bond, in such amount as the Council may demand, payable to the Town and conditioned for the faithful
performance of the duties of the office, the premium of such bond to be paid by the Town. The Council
shall fix the compensation for the Clerk. The authority to set compensation may be delegated at the
discretion of Council.
4.14 Town Attorney—Appointment & Qualifications
The Council shall appoint an attorney licensed and in good standing to practice in the State of Texas as the
Town Attorney. He shall serve at the discretion of the Council and he shall receive for his services such
compensation as may be fixed by the Council. The authority to set compensation may be delegated at the
discretion of Council.
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II.1119117
Proposed Amendment: Code of Ethics and Conduct
Current Wording with Strikethrouch Bold Chances:
None
Proposed Wording Clean:
11.14 Code of Ethics and Conduct; Ethics Commission
(a) The Town Council shaIl adopt by ordinance a code of ethics and conduct that is consistent with the
provisions of this Charter and applicable to elected officers, appointed board, commission, and committee
members, and employees of the Town.
(b) The Town Council shall establish by ordinance an independent Ethics Commission to administer and
enforce the Code of Ethics and Conduct ordinance.
No member of the Commission may hold elective or appointed office under the Town or any other
government or hold any political party office.
Insofar as possible under State law, the Town Council shall authorize the board to issue binding advisory
opinions, conduct investigations on its own initiative and on referral or complaint from officials or citizens,
subpoena witnesses and documents, refer cases for prosecution, impose administrative fines, and to hire
independent counsel.
The Town Council shall appropriate sufficient funds to the Ethics Commission to enable it to perform the
duties assigned.
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Proposed Amendment: Budget Process Enhancement
Current Wording with Stritr through Bold Changes:
3.06 Mayor
The Mayor shall preside over the meetings of the Council, and perform such other duties consistent with
the office as may be imposed upon him by this Charter and by ordinances and resolutions passed in
pursuance thereof. He may participate in the discussion of all matters coming before the Council and in
case of a tie vote, he shall have a casting vote. He shall sign, after authorization by the Council, all
contracts, conveyances made or entered into by the Town, all bonds, warrants and any other obligations
issued under the provisions of this Charter, in the manner prescribed in the ordinance authorizing the
signing of any such obligation. He shall present an annual state of the Town message, which shall
include setting out needs and goals for the Town. He shall be recognized as the official head of the
Town by the courts for the purpose of serving civil process, by the Governor for the purpose of enforcing
military law and for all ceremonial purposes.
3.08 Powers of the Council
All powers of the Town, and the determination of all matters of policy, shall be vested in the Council.
Without limitation of the foregoing, and among the other powers that may be exercised by the Council, the
following are hereby enumerated for greater certainty:
(a) Appoint and remove a Town Manager as hereinafter provided;
(b) Adopt the budget of the Tows; Town, and remain fully advised as to the financial condition and
future needs of the Town;
(c) Authorize the issuance and sale of bonds by a bond ordinance;
(d) Develop long term goals for the Town and strategies to implement goals;
(d e) Inquire into the conduct of any office, department or agency of the Town and authorize investigations
as to municipal affairs;
(e f) Provide for such additional boards, commissions and corporations not otherwise provided for in this
Charter, as may be deemed necessary, and appoint the members of all such boards, commissions and
corporations. Such boards, commissions and corporations shall have all powers and duties now or hereafter
conferred and created by this Charter, by Town ordinance or by State Iaw;
(€g) Adopt and modify the zoning plan, and a building code, including electrical and plumbing codes, of
and for the Town; and to require building permits;
(g h) Adopt and modify the official map of the boundaries of the Town and its extraterritorial jurisdiction;
(h i) Adopt, modify and carry out plans proposed by the Town Planning and Zoning Commission for the
clearance of slum districts and rehabilitation of blighted areas;
(f j) Adopt, modify and carry out plans proposed by the Town Planning and Zoning Commission for the
replanning, improvement and redevelopment of any area or district which may have been destroyed in
whole or in part by disaster;
(fi k) Regulate, license and fix the charges or fares made by any person, firm or corporation owning,
operating or controlling any vehicle of any character used for the carrying of passengers for hire or the
transportation of freight for hire on the public streets and alleys of the Town;
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(k 1) Provide for the establishment and designation of fire limits, and prescribe the kind and character of
buildings or structures or improvements to be erected therein; provide for the erection of fireproof buildings
within said limits; provide for the condemnation of dangerous structures, buildings, dilapidated buildings or
buildings calculated to increase the fire hazard, and prescribe the manner of their removal or destruction,
within said limits;
(I m) Provide for a sanitary sewer and water system, and require property owners to connect their premises
with sewer system and provide the penalties for failure to make sanitary sewer connections;
(m n) Provide for sanitary garbage disposal, and set fees and charges therefor, and provide penalties for
failure to pay such fees and charges; define nuisances and to prohibit same, and provide penalties for
violations;
(a o) Provide for all necessary public utilities and set fees and charges therefor and provide penalties for
misuses of same;
(e p) Exercise exclusive dominion, control and jurisdiction (including the right to close and abandon
streets and alleys) in, upon, over and under the public streets, avenues, sidewalks, alleys, highways,
boulevards and public grounds of the Town; provide for the improvement of same as set forth in State law
or as determined appropriate by the Council in order to meet a municipal purpose;
(p q) Compromise and settle any and all claims, demands and lawsuits, of every kind and character, in
favor of, or against, the Town;
(q r) Require bonds, both special and general, of such contractors and others constructing or building for
the Town as Council determines appropriate, and to set up standards, rules and regulations therefor;
(r s) Pass ordinances defining and prohibiting misdemeanors and provide penalties for violations;
(s t) Provide and/or arrange for any and all "civil defense measures" and "public shelter measures" for the
Town and for the citizens thereof, deemed necessary for the public welfare;
(t u) Exercise, or delegate to the Mayor, extraordinary and total executive powers (on a temporary basis)
during the existence and duration of any major public disaster, for the public welfare; and,
(a v) Name and designate an "Official Newspaper" for the Town and cause only the caption of duly
enacted ordinances to be published except as provided otherwise by law.
3-.30 9.09 Audit and Examination of Town Books and Accounts
The Council shall cause an independent annual audit to be made of the books and accounts of every
department of the Town and may provide for more frequent audits as it deems necessary. Such audit shall
be made by a Certified Public Accountant who shall be selected by the Council and who shall have no
interest, direct or indirect, in the financial affairs of the Town government or in any of its officers. The
Council may designate such accountant or firm annually or for a period not exceeding two (2) years,
provided that the designation for any particular year shall be made no later than thirty (30) days atter the
beginning of such fiscal year. Nothing herein shall prevent the Council from redesignating the same
accountant or firm which has previously been designated to prepare an audit. No Certified Public
Accountant shall serve more than six (6) consecutive years.
4.05 Powers and Duties
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The Town Manager shall be the chief administrative officer and head of the administrative branch of the
Town. He shall be responsible to the Council for the proper administration of all the affairs of the Town
and to that end shall have the power and be required to:
(a) Oversee the effective enforcement of all applicable laws and ordinances, implement the directives and
policies established by Council and oversee the administration of contracts and franchises to ensure
compliance with the terms approved by Council;
(b) Appoint, suspend and/or remove all or any one of the heads of departments and all subordinate officers
and employees of the Town in accordance with applicable laws and policies. The Town Manager may
authorize any administrative officer subject to the Manager's direction and supervision to exercise these
powers with respect to subordinates in that officer's department, office or agency;
(c) Direct and supervise the administration of all departments;
(d) Attend all meetings of the Council, except when excused by the Council. The Town Manager shall
have the right to take part in discussion but shall not vote;
(e) Prepare a-pr-opesedbudget e l; a r- the budget of the TeAu;
prav4de-suc-h-ape pa s
r-equiFed by law; and submit the annual budget and capital program to the Town Council, and
implement the final budget approved by Council to achieve the goals of the Town;
(f) Submit to the Town Council and make available to the public, by end of December, a complete
report on the finances and administrative activities of the Town as of the end of each fiscal year,
including outcomes and performance related to that fiscal year's goals and provide Cost of Service
delivery comparisons for a representative sample of North Texas towns;
(g) Keep the Town Council fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the Town;
(411) Make recommendations to the Council concerning affairs of the Town and facilitate the work of the
Council in developing policy;
(gi) Provide staff support services for the Mayor and Councilmembers;
(j) Assist the Council in developing goals and strategies for the next fiscal period;
(k) Assist the Council to develop long term goals for the Town and develop strategies to implement
those goals;
(hl) Encourage and provide staff support for regional and intergovernmental cooperation;
(im) Promote partnerships among Council, Staff and citizens in developing public policy and building a
sense of community;
(iii) Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by Council, by this Charter, by ordinance or other law;
and,
(lto) Be the custodian of all municipal records of the Council and recommend to the Council rules and
regulations to be adopted by ordinances to protect the safety and security of the municipal records.
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ARTICLE PK
BUDGET, FINANCE AND TAXATION
9.01 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Town shall begin on the first (1st) day of October and end on the last (30th) day of
September of each calendar year. Such fiscal year shall also constitute the budget and accounting year.
9.-93 Aunu"udget
The-oper-a III'budget message shall ..1..a the budget ; fir nl to —RR .1 ♦„ o9 l
Wiese programs $ gan---at19-al goals and 66 ,, , ,, ,;f ..«. «... !s, for the ensuing fiscal year. It
shall
933 e4e-pfoposed finaneial policies ofthe -r..Arn, aB ni,.,ll inel.,de-533chet-her mate -rials, the
Town I�Ianager- deems neeessap�.
The "L' budget g.
�g.,, .,t;. e fie f t et al and _ant . .,red t .,tee Feven es, and otheC ineeme-afid
expe d4wes supporting, the prop vsedfiscal budget and n «ed to the etre Hale
and expeases, the «er-thmeatinseme and -e" 'a•u-ctt4or= ie
next three yeEffs-;
fhj-The pFapased-Beals d exppe--dhibaFes e€ea .6-, depa—en., OF-Pane-tiaH, Feassns for pmpased
i --eases Ar- deer -eases that . niateril ods to measupeoutc:91nes and PeFfennanee related to e
Beals;
(e) A sd3edule showing e debt senrice Fequ4efnent d e on all outstanding in tedness aid all any
proposed debt;
(d) --The source or basis of the estimates shall b"the-f9recast;,
(e) The total of the used a endituHs shall not exeead flie elated lege and -tlae ee-af
available funds; and,
r'Sue er-iaRarmatien as mp�y e required by State law, the Council -or deemed -appropriate by the
Town NWagen
9.02 Submission
The Town Manager shall submit to the Council a proposed budget and accompanying message
before the first day of August of each year.
9.03 Budget Message
The Town Manager's message shall explain the budget both in fiscal terms and in terms of the work
programs„ linking those programs to organizational goals and community priorities. It shall outline
the proposed financial policies of the Town for the ensuing fiscal year and the impact of those policies
on future years. It shall describe the important features of the budget, indicate any major changes
from the current year in financial policies, expenditures, and revenues together with the reasons for
such changes, summarize the Town's debt position, including factors affecting the ability to raise
resources through debt issues, and include such other material as the Town Manager deems
desirable.
9.04 Budget
The budget shall provide a complete financial plan of all Town funds and activities for the ensuing
fiscal year and, except as required by law or this charter, shall be in such form as the Town Manager
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deems desirable or the Council may require for effective management and an understanding of the
relationship between the budget and the Town's strategic goals. The budget shall begin with a clear
general summary of its contents; shall show in detail all estimated income citing the source or basis of
the estimates, indicating the proposed property tax levy, and all proposed expenditures, including
debt service, for the ensuing fiscal year; and shall be so arranged as to show comparative figures for
actual and estimated income and expenditures of the current fiscal year and actual income and
expenditures of the three prior fiscal years and the projected budgets for the next three fiscal years;
the total of the proposed expenditures shall not exceed the total estimated income and the balance of
available funds. The budget shall indicate in separate sections:
(1) The proposed goals and expenditures for current operations during the ensuing fiscal year,
detailed for each fund by department or by other organization unit, and program, purpose or
activity, method of financing such expenditures, and methods to measure outcomes and performance
related to the goals;
(2) Proposed longer term goals and capital expenditures during the ensuing fiscal year, detailed for
each fund by department or by other organization unit when practicable, the proposed method of
financing each such capital expenditure, and methods to measure outcomes and performance related
to the goals; and
(3) The proposed goals, anticipated income and expense, profit and loss for the ensuing year for
each utility or other enterprise fund or internal service fund operated by the Town, and methods to
measure outcomes and performance related to the goals. For any fund, the total of proposed
expenditures shall not exceed the total of estimated income plus carried forward fund balance
exclusive of reserves.
9.05 Council Action on Budget
(a) Budget Preparation. The Council shall provide to the Town Manager goals for the next fiscal
period, by the end of January of the current fiscal year.
(b) Notice and Hearing. The Council shall review the proposed budget and revise it as deemed
appropriate prior to general circulation for public hearing. The Council shall publish the general
summary of the budget and a notice stating:
(1) The times and places where copies of the message and budget are available for inspection by
the public, and
(2) The time and place, not less than two weeks after such publication, for public hearings on the
budget.
(c) Amendment Before Adoption. After the public hearing, the Council may adopt the budget with
or without amendment. In amending the budget, it may add or increase programs or amounts and
may delete or decrease any programs or amounts, except expenditures required by law or for debt
service or for an estimated cash deficit, provided that no amendment to the budget shall increase the
authorized expenditures to an amount greater than total estimated income plus the balance of
available funds.
(d) Adoption. The Council shall adopt the budget by ordinance not later than the 30th day of
September. Adoption of the budget shall constitute appropriations of the amount specified as
expenditures from the fund indicated.
(e) Failure to Adopt a Budget. If the Council fails to adopt the budget by the beginning of the fiscal
year, the amounts appropriated for the current fiscal year shall be deemed adopted for the ensuing
fiscal year until the Council adopts a budget for the ensuing fiscal year.
(1) "Publish" defined. As used in this article, the term "publish" means to print in the contemporary
means of information sharing, which includes but is not limited to, one or more newspapers of
general circulation in the Town, and, if available, in a web site.
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9.06 Amendments after Adoption
(a) Supplemental Appropriations. If during or before the fiscal year the Town Manager certifies that
there are available for appropriation revenues in excess of those estimated in the budget, the Council
by ordinance may make supplemental appropriations for the year up to the amount of such excess.
(b) Emergency Appropriations. To address a public emergency affecting life, health, property or the
public peace, the Council may make emergency appropriations. Such appropriations may be made
by emergency ordinance. To the extent that there are no available unappropriated revenues or a
sufficient fund balance to meet such appropriations, the Council may by such emergency ordinance
authorize the issuance of emergency notes, which may be renewed from time to time, but the
emergency notes and renewals of any fiscal year shall be paid or refinanced as long term debt not
later than the last day of the fiscal year next succeeding that in which the emergency appropriation
was made.
(c) Reduction of Appropriations. If at any time during the fiscal year it appears probable to the
Town Manager that the revenues or fund balances available will be insufficient to finance the
expenditures for which appropriations have been authorized, the Town Manager shall report to the
Council without delay, indicating the estimated amount of the deficit, any remedial action taken by
the Town Manager and recommendations as to any other steps to be taken. The Council shall then
take such further action as it deems necessary to prevent or reduce any deficit and for that purpose it
may by ordinance reduce or eliminate one or more appropriations.
(d) Transfer of Appropriations. At any time during or before the fiscal year, the Council may by
resolution transfer part or all of the unencumbered appropriation balance from one department,
fund, service, strategy or organizational unit to the appropriation for other departments or
organizational units or a new appropriation. The Town Manager may transfer funds among
programs within a department, fund, service, strategy or organizational unit and shall report such
transfers to the Council in writing in a timely manner.
(e) Limitation. No appropriation for debt service may be reduced or transferred, except to the extent
that the debt is refinanced and less debt service is required, and no appropriation may be reduced
below any amount required by law to be appropriated or by more than the amount of the
unencumbered balance thereof
(i) Effective Date. The supplemental and emergency appropriations and reduction or transfer of
appropriations authorized by this section may be made effective immediately upon adoption.
9.07 Administration and Fiduciary Oversight of the Budget
The Council shall provide by ordinance the procedures for administration and fiduciary oversight of
the budges.
9.03-Eapital-Faeilities-andPrepeFq -Budget
Re+ON"Managar shall pose annually a five• l5! j'•^..'.: Capital Facilities and fte erJy budget, t, .,,1,i.,1.
may -be fevised and extended eto indivate eapital pr-ovemengeedb g or- in pr-aeess e€
const-FueLien or acquisttion, and which shall revs e
repnse"f a,fams;
aswid p r -"ase' to b deftaken
tr
ilk@A�
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r,.. Cast esti ,a4e ,.ie ,dean edule5-f$r gash sue ravan3en �
the estimated effeet an the ta�E levy; d-,
OpeFatiEg and makitaining e faeilities to be eenstrusted end aver-
the
verthe five (5) year ^eried.
9.08 Capital Program
(a) Submission to Council. The Town Manager shall prepare and submit to the Council a five (5)
year capital program no later than three months before the final date for submission of the budget.
The capital program shall be revised and extended each year with regard to capital improvements
still pending or in process of construction or acquisition.
(b) Contents. The capital program shall include:
(1) A clear general summary of its contents;
(Z) Identification of the long-term goals of the community as identified by the Council;
(3) A list of all capital improvements (facilities and property) and other capital expenditures which
are proposed to be undertaken during the five (5) rascal years next ensuing, with appropriate
supporting information as to the necessity for each;
(4) Cost estimates and recommended time schedules for each
improvement or other capital expenditure;
(5) Method of financing upon which each capital expenditure is to be reliant;
(6) The estimated annual cost of operating and maintaining the facilities
to be constructed or acquired;
(7) A commentary on how the plan addresses the sustainability of the community and the region of
which it is a part; and
(8) Methods to measure outcomes and performance of the capital plan related to the Iong-term
goals of the community.
3:30 9.09 Audit and Examination of Town Books and Accounts
The Council shall cause an independent annual audit to be made of the books and accounts of every
department of the Town and may provide for more frequent audits as it deems necessary. Such audit shall
be made by a Certified Public Accountant who shall be selected by the Council and who shall have no
interest, direct or indirect, in the financial affairs of the Town government or in any of its officers. The
Council may designate such accountant or firm annually or for a period not exceeding two (2) years,
provided that the designation for any particular year shall be made no later than thirty (30) days after the
beginning of such fiscal year. Nothing herein shall prevent the Council from redesignating the same
accountant or firm which has previously been designated to prepare an audit. No Certified Public
Accountant shall serve more than six (6) consecutive years.
9.04- Submission t
The T,,,..., l�,r....ager- shall submit to the r..0iE 1 a proposed -bud et and a •. MessElge b8fbve the
first day L, e Gotmeil • hall ' riow PFOPC352tY Litt get and favise it • ., lea med
�p13r$I31ate pr-ier-to-abl
enera eua#ien f ,.....b! EM--
o•
9.^�blie-N%tice-and4lear-ing
4e, I-shal esE-in-the Nitin cipal Buildingand-publish inth� �ffleial Hewspaper-as regtir-ed-by State
law prior. to any required publio a an the b Opt a fietiee stating the timrmn_.,nd place where eepies ..r
the inessage and budget are availabe feF4ffipeetien by -the e, and the time a plaee ofeaeh-pW3,l e
hearing.
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9-06-Amendinent-13efore Adepfieo
The Council may adept the l,udge+„ n ifih rift,..,.* . ...-.. eHt at n .-epla . OF -special eeting. In
b
amending the budg it m add „yprogramser-amend m r delete r d.....
r- feF debt sepvice or- for- estimated cash d ei*-
pl6i'lded that ne aHlendmerA t9t—he budget shall iIi eH vat b ccaier-
• eeR.o plus the balance of available funds.
n•n�eption
The Council, b majer-ib, oto shall adept the budget by e
Septemer: Adeption of the budget ec-iced as expenditures
€rem thefund i dieated.
9M. 9.10 Defect Shall Not Invalidate Tag Levy
Errors or defects in the form or preparation of the budget or the failure to perform any procedural
requirements shall not nullify the tax levy or the tax rate.
9:99 Failure to Adapts -Budget
Elie -Ge "e budget by eginaing f_the Piss year� the eu*t&-appFepl7ated f$F-the
cuffent fiscal year shall -be -deemed adepted-fer-e-ensuin , fiss l year until the Couneg-adepts-"udgetw
theme '�seal-year:
9.4-0 9.11 Public Records
Copies of the approved operation budget, capital facilities and property budget and supporting papers shall
be filed with the 'Town Secretary and shall be public records available to the public for inspection upon
request.
9419.12 Specified Reserve Fund
Specified reserve funds may be created for specific purposes, and may be used only for such purposes.
942 9.13 Changes in Budget
The Council may make changes in the budget for any municipal purpose or as otherwise permitted by Iaw.
9,13 Emcrgenzy-Approp iatiens
q=e-mee"- pubfle-emer=eneyereate ea4h,
pFepe ease;-aeras-other;ns�the ed by l r,+h`yeil m make emerge
appr-epFiatiens, and may authaAze the issua se of efne-debt ar-ates:
9.14 Red, i n -or A - mpriatiens
Nat", time g the f4senl year it appears pre Manager- that e
:n be f� nt tmr eet theto the 'l M,itflaUt 7�dieatin�
the estimated amoHntef the of~nit�ny Femedial -actions taken by 1,i 1 hi«nre�le
The nn,, ,sil hall th take s oh eFaetie&,as4t-dee eeessa y to pFa ent-e -
A ps-te-be-tsilceFi�xxc�vzrncra�narr-u�crrzaxxc-amu
9.1x_5_T�_�ra..sfer-or A „prepriAons
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At aF*44fle dt Tb g the fiscal year- +l e Town �,r.�x may4 s for- eneumbered
app .iati ,,. 1,.,,.,nce , tr ee and transfer- pai4 or all of
any encumbered appmpi4atiea bal ce 4@Fa one dep etiN office^opnay4a-analhen 'r�e TwAn
Manager-
946-Lunitahons
No appFapF4 i9n-f6r-debt sen i6e FFiay-be redllGEd eF tMSfeHedrandng apprep is jen-m,--j-be-r-edueed
belew arty amount required 3law to be�pp. , .; «e l .,r by mere than aftleunt ofthe eneumber2d
balCmee thereof.--
9-17
thereo9.17 E ee&e Dale
The supplemental an ac apprepriatiens awe zed by this seetion may be made effective
immediately upon adeptien of theme t -amendments.
91,8 9.14 Authority to Incur Indebtedness
The Council shall have the power to incur, create, refund and refinance indebtedness and borrow money for
public purposes, to issue special or general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, funding and refunding bonds,
time warrants, certificates of obligation and other evidences of indebtedness and to secure and pay the same
in the manner and in accordance with the procedures provided and required by State law.
949 9.15 Bonds Incontestable
All bonds of the Town having been issued and sold and having been delivered to the purchaser thereof,
shall thereafter be incontestable and all bonds issued to refund in exchange for outstanding bonds
previously issued shall and after said exchange be incontestable.
920 9.16 Borrowing in Anticipation of Property Tag
In any budget year, the Council may, by resolution, authorize the borrowing of money in anticipation of the
collection of the property tax for the same year whether levied or to be levied. Notes may be issued for
periods not exceeding one (1) year and must be retired by the end of the budget year in which issued.
9-.24 9.17 Use of Bond Funds
Any and all bond funds approved by a vote of the qualified voter of the Town will be expended only for the
purposes stated in the bond issue and as otherwise authorized by law.
9-3 918 Power to Tax
The Council shall have the power to levy, assess and collect taxes within the jurisdiction of the Town for
any municipal purpose.
943 9.19 Tag Rate
The tax rate shall be calculated, publicized and adopted in accordance with State law.
9-.24 9.20 Other Rules and Regulations
Except as otherwise provided by law or this Charter, the Council shall have the power to provide by
ordinance or resolution such rules, regulations and mode of procedure to enforce and facilitate the
collection by and payment to the Tax Assessor and Collector of all taxes due the Town as it may deem
expedient, and may provide such penalty and interest as prescribed by State law for the failure to pay such
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taxes.
Proposed WordinLr Clean:
3.06 Mayor
The Mayor shall preside over the meetings of the Council, and perform such other duties consistent with
the office as may be imposed upon him by this Charter and by ordinances and resolutions passed in
pursuance thereof. He may participate in the discussion of all matters coming before the Council and in
case of a tie vote, he shall have a casting vote. He shall sign, after authorization by the Council, all
contracts, conveyances made or entered into by the Town, all bonds, warrants and any other obligations
issued under the provisions of this Charter, in the manner prescribed in the ordinance authorizing the
signing of any such obligation. He shall present an annual state of the Town message, which shall include
setting out needs and goals for the Town. He shall be recognized as the official head of the Town by the
courts for the purpose of serving civil process, by the Governor for the purpose of enforcing military law
and for all ceremonial purposes.
3.08 Powers of the Council
All powers of the Town, and the determination of all matters of policy, shall be vested in the Council.
Without limitation of the foregoing, and among the other powers that may be exercised by the Council, the
following are hereby enumerated for greater certainty:
(a) Appoint and remove a Town Manager as hereinafter provided;
(b) Adopt the budget of the Town, and remain fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs
of the Town;
(c) Authorize the issuance and sale of bonds by a bond ordinance;
(d) Develop long term goals for the Town and strategies to implement goals;
(e) Inquire into the conduct of any office, department or agency of the Town and authorize investigations
as to municipal affairs;
(f) Provide for such additional boards, commissions and corporations not otherwise provided for in this
Charter, as may be deemed necessary, and appoint the members of all such boards, commissions and
corporations. Such boards, commissions and corporations shall have all powers and duties now or hereafter
conferred and created by this Charter, by Town ordinance or by State law;
(g) Adopt and modify the zoning plan, and a building code, including electrical and plumbing codes, of
and for the Town; and to require building permits;
(h) Adopt and modify the official map of the boundaries of the Town and its extraterritorial jurisdiction;
(i) Adopt, modify and carry out plans proposed by the Town Planning and Zoning Commission for the
clearance of slum districts and rehabilitation of blighted areas;
0) Adopt, modify and carry out plans proposed by the Town Planning and Zoning Commission for the
replanning, improvement and redevelopment of any area or district which may have been destroyed in
whole or in part by disaster;
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(k) Regulate, license and fix the charges or fares made by any person, firm or corporation owning,
operating or controlling any vehicle of any character used for the carrying of passengers for hire or the
transportation of freight for hire on the public streets and alleys of the Town;
(1) Provide for the establishment and designation of fire limits, and prescribe the kind and character of
buildings or structures or improvements to be erected therein; provide for the erection of fireproof buildings
within said limits; provide for the condemnation of dangerous structures, buildings, dilapidated buildings or
buildings calculated to increase the fire hazard, and prescribe the manner of their removal or destruction,
within said limits;
(m) Provide for a sanitary sewer and water system, and require property owners to connect their premises
with sewer system and provide the penalties for failure to make sanitary sewer connections;
(n) Provide for sanitary garbage disposal, and set fees and charges therefor, and provide penalties for
failure to pay such fees and charges; define nuisances and to prohibit same, and provide penalties for
violations;
(o) Provide for all necessary public utilities and set fees and charges therefor and provide penalties for
misuses of same;
(p) Exercise exclusive dominion, control and jurisdiction (including the right to close and abandon streets
and alleys) in, upon, over and under the public streets, avenues, sidewalks, alleys, highways, boulevards
and public grounds of the Town; provide for the improvement of same as set forth in State law or as
determined appropriate by the Council in order to meet a municipal purpose;
(q) Compromise and settle any and all claims, demands and lawsuits, of every kind and character, in favor
of, or against, the Town;
(r) Require bonds, both special and general, of such contractors and others constructing or building for the
Town as Council determines appropriate, and to set up standards, rules and regulations therefor;
(s) Pass ordinances defining and prohibiting misdemeanors and provide penalties for violations;
(t) Provide and/or arrange for any and all "civil defense measures" and "public shelter measures" for the
Town and for the citizens thereof, deemed necessary for the public welfare;
(u) Exercise, or delegate to the Mayor, extraordinary and total executive powers (on a temporary basis)
during the existence and duration of any major public disaster, for the public welfare; and,
(v) Name and designate an "Official Newspaper" for the Town and cause only the caption of duly enacted
ordinances to be published except as provided otherwise by law. .
4.05 Powers and Duties
The Town Manager shall be the chief administrative officer and head of the administrative branch of the
Town. He shall be responsible to the Council for the proper administration of all the affairs of the Town
and to that end shall have the power and be required to:
(a) Oversee the effective enforcement of all applicable laws and ordinances, implement the directives and
policies established by Council and oversee the administration of contracts and franchises to ensure
compliance with the terms approved by Council;
(b) Appoint, suspend and/or remove all or any one of the heads of departments and all subordinate officers
and employees of the Town in accordance with applicable laws and policies. The Town Manager may
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authorize any administrative officer subject to the Manager's direction and supervision to exercise these
powers with respect to subordinates in that officer's department, office or agency;
(c) Direct and supervise the administration of all departments;
(d) Attend all meetings of the Council, except when excused by the Council. The Town Manager shall
have the right to take part in discussion but shall not vote;
(e) Prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the Town Council, and implement the
final budget approved by Council to achieve the goals of the Town;
(f) Submit to the Town Council and make available to the public, by end of December, a complete report
on the finances and administrative activities of the Town as of the end of each fiscal year, including
outcomes and performance related to that fiscal year's goals and provide Cost of Service delivery
comparisons for a representative sample of North Texas towns;
(g) Keep the Town Council fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the Town;
(h) Make recommendations to the Council concerning affairs of the Town and facilitate the work of the
Council in developing policy;
(i) Provide staff support services for the Mayor and Councihnembers;
0) Assist the Council in developing goals and strategies for the next fiscal period;
(k) Assist the Council to develop long term goals for the Town and develop strategies to implement those
goals;
(1) Encourage and provide staff support for regional and intergovernmental cooperation;
(m) Promote partnerships among Council, Staff and citizens in developing public policy and building a
sense of community;
(n) Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by Council, by this Charter, by ordinance or other law;
and,
(o) Be the custodian of all municipal records of the Council and recommend to the Council rules and
regulations to be adopted by ordinances to protect the safety and security of the municipal records.
ARTICLE IX
BUDGET, FINANCE AND TAXATION
9.01 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Town shall begin on the first (1st) day of October and end on the last (30th) day of
September of each calendar year. Such fiscal year shall also constitute the budget and accounting year,
9.02 Submission
The Town Manager shall submit to the Council a proposed budget and accompanying message before the
first day of August of each year.
9.03 Budget Message
The Town Manager's message shall explain the budget both in fiscal terms and in terms of the work
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programs, linking those programs to organizational goals and community priorities. It shall outline the
proposed financial policies of the Town for the ensuing fiscal year and the impact of those policies on
future years. It shall describe the important features of the budget, indicate any major changes from the
current year in financial policies, expenditures, and revenues together with the reasons for such changes,
summarize the Town's debt position, including factors affecting the ability to raise resources through debt
issues, and include such other material as the Town Manager deems desirable.
9.04 Budget
The budget shall provide a complete financial plan of all Town funds and activities for the ensuing fiscal
year and, except as required by law or this charter, shall be in such form as the Town Manager deems
desirable or the Council may require for effective management and an understanding of the relationship
between the budget and the Town's strategic goals. The budget shall begin with a clear general summary of
its contents; shall show in detail all estimated income citing the source or basis of the estimates, indicating
the proposed property tax levy, and all proposed expenditures, including debt service, for the ensuing fiscal
year; and shall be so arranged as to show comparative figures for actual and estimated income and
expenditures of the current fiscal year and actual income and expenditures of the three prior fiscal years and
the projected budgets for the next three fiscal years; the total of the proposed expenditures shall not exceed
the total estimated income and the balance of available funds. The budget shall indicate in separate
sections:
(1) The proposed goals and expenditures for current operations during the ensuing fiscal year, detailed for
each fund by department or by other organization unit, and program, purpose or activity, method of
financing such expenditures, and methods to measure outcomes and performance related to the goals;
(2) Proposed longer term goals and capital expenditures during the ensuing fiscal year, detailed for each
fund by department or by other organization unit when practicable, the proposed method of financing each
such capital expenditure, and methods to measure outcomes and performance related to the goals; and
(3) The proposed goals, anticipated income and expense, profit and loss for the ensuing year for each
utility or other enterprise fiord or internal service fund operated by the Town, and methods to measure
outcomes and performance related to the goals. For any fund, the total of proposed expenditures shall not
exceed the total of estimated income plus carried forward fund balance exclusive of reserves.
9.05 Council Action on Budget
(a) Budget Preparation. The Council shall provide to the Town Manager goals for the next fiscal period, by
the end of January of the current fiscal year.
(b) Notice and Hearing. The Council shall review the proposed budget and revise it as deemed appropriate
prior to general circulation for public hearing. The Council shall publish the general summary of the
budget and a notice stating:
(1) The times and places where copies of the message and budget are available for inspection by the
public, and
(2) The time and place, not less than two weeks after such publication, for public hearings on the budget.
(c) Amendment Before Adoption. After the public hearing, the Council may adopt the budget with or
without amendment. In amending the budget, it may add or increase programs or amounts and may delete
or decrease any programs or amounts, except expenditures required by law or for debt service or for an
estimated cash deficit, provided that no amendment to the budget shall increase the authorized expenditures
to an amount greater than total estimated income plus the balance of available funds.
(d) Adoption. The Council shall adopt the budget by ordinance not later than the 30th day of September.
Adoption of the budget shall constitute appropriations of the amount specified as expenditures from the
fund indicated.
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(e) Failure to Adopt a Budget. If the Council fails to adopt the budget by the beginning of the fiscal year,
the amounts appropriated for the current fiscal year shall be deemed adopted for the ensuing fiscal year
until the Council adopts a budget for the ensuing fiscal year.
(0 "Publish" defined. As used in this article, the term "publish" means to print in the contemporary means
of information sharing, which includes but is not limited to, one or more newspapers of general circulation
in the Town, and, if available, in a web site.
9.06 Amendments after Adoption
(a) Supplemental Appropriations. If during or before the fiscal year the Town Manager certifies that there
are available for appropriation revenues in excess of those estimated in the budget, the Council by
ordinance may make supplemental appropriations for the year up to the amount of such excess.
(b) Emergency Appropriations. To address a public emergency affecting life, health, property or the public
peace, the Council may make emergency appropriations. Such appropriations may be made by emergency
ordinance. To the extent that there are no available unappropriated revenues or a sufficient fund balance to
meet such appropriations, the Council may by such emergency ordinance authorize the issuance of
emergency notes, which may be renewed from time to time, but the emergency notes and renewals of any
fiscal year shall be paid or refinanced as long term debt not later than the last day of the fiscal year next
succeeding that in which the emergency appropriation was made.
(c) Reduction of Appropriations. If at any time during the fiscal year it appears probable to the Town
Manager that the revenues or fund balances available will be insufficient to finance the expenditures for
which appropriations have been authorized, the Town Manager shall report to the Council without delay,
indicating the estimated amount of the deficit, any remedial action taken by the Town Manager and
recommendations as to any other steps to be taken. The Council shall then take such further action as it
deems necessary to prevent or reduce any deficit and for that purpose it may by ordinance reduce or
eliminate one or more appropriations.
(d) Transfer of Appropriations. At any time during or before the fiscal year, the Council may by resolution
transfer part or all of the unencumbered appropriation balance from one department, fund, service, strategy
or organizational unit to the appropriation for other departments or organizational units or a new
appropriation. The Town Manager may transfer funds among programs within a department, fund, service,
strategy or organizational unit and shall report such transfers to the Council in writing in a timely manner.
(e) Limitation. No appropriation for debt service may be reduced or transferred, except to the extent that
the debt is refinanced and less debt service is required, and no appropriation may be reduced below any
amount required by law to be appropriated or by more than the amount of the unencumbered balance
thereof
(0 Effective Date. The supplemental and emergency appropriations and reduction or transfer of
appropriations authorized by this section may be made effective immediately upon adoption.
9.07 Administration and Fiduciary Oversight of the Budget
The Council shall provide by ordinance the procedures for administration and fiduciary oversight of the
budget.
9.08 Capital Program
(a) Submission to Council. The Town Manager shall prepare and submit to the Council a five (5) year
capital program no later than three months before the final date for submission of the budget. The capital
program shall be revised and extended each year with regard to capital improvements still pending or in
process of construction or acquisition.
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(b) Contents. The capital program shall include:
(1) A clear general summary of its contents;
(2) Identification of the long-term goals of the community as identified by the Council;
(3) A Iist of all capital improvements (facilities and property) and other capital expenditures which are
proposed to be undertaken during the five (5) fiscal years next ensuing, with appropriate supporting
information as to the necessity for each;
(4) Cost estimates and recommended time schedules for each
improvement or other capital expenditure;
(5) Method of financing upon which each capital expenditure is to be reliant;
(6) The estimated annual cost of operating and maintaining the facilities
to be constructed or acquired;
(7) A commentary on how the plan addresses the sustainability of the community and the region of
which it is a part; and
(8) Methods to measure outcomes and performance of the capital plan related to the long-term goals of
the community.
9.09 Audit and Examination of Town Books and Accounts
The Council shall cause an independent annual audit to be made of the books and accounts of every
department of the Town and may provide for more frequent audits as it deems necessary. Such audit shall
be made by a Certified Public Accountant who shall be selected by the Council and who shall have no
interest, direct or indirect, in the financial affairs of the Town government or in any of its officers. The
Council may designate such accountant or firm annually or for a period not exceeding two (2) years,
provided that the designation for any particular year shall be made no later than thirty (30) days after the
beginning of such fiscal year. Nothing herein shall prevent the Council from redesignating the same
accountant or firm which has previously been designated to prepare an audit. No Certified Public
Accountant shall serve more than six (6) consecutive years.
9.10 Defect Shall Not Invalidate Tax Levy
Errors or defects in the form or preparation of the budget or the failure to perform any procedural
requirements shall not nullify the tax levy or the tax rate.
9.11 Public Records
Copies of the approved operation budget, capital facilities and property budget and supporting papers shall
be filed with the Town Secretary and shall be public records available to the public for inspection upon
request.
9.12 Specified Reserve Fund
Specified reserve funds may be created for specific purposes, and may be used only for such purposes.
9.13 Changes in Budget
The Council may make changes in the budget for any municipal purpose or as otherwise permitted by law.
9.14 Authority to Incur Indebtedness
The Council shall have the power to incur, create, refund and refinance indebtedness and borrow money for
public purposes, to issue special or general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, funding and refunding bonds,
time warrants, certificates of obligation and other evidences of indebtedness and to secure and pay the same
in the manner and in accordance with the procedures provided and required by State law.
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9.15 Bonds Incontestable
All bonds of the Town having been issued and sold and having been delivered to the purchaser thereof,
shall thereafter be incontestable and all bonds issued to refund in exchange for outstanding bonds
previously issued shall and after said exchange be incontestable.
9.16 Borrowing in Anticipation of Property Tax
In any budget year, the Council may, by resolution, authorize the borrowing of money in anticipation of the
collection of the property tax for the same year whether levied or to be levied. Notes may be issued for
periods not exceeding one (1) year and must be retired by the end of the budget year in which issued.
9.17 Use of Bond Funds
Any and all bond funds approved by a vote of the qualified voter of the Town will be expended only for the
purposes stated in the bond issue and as otherwise authorized by law.
9.18 Power to Tax
The Council shall have the power to levy, assess and collect taxes within the jurisdiction of the Town for
any municipal purpose.
919 Tax Rate
The tax rate shall be calculated, publicized and adopted in accordance with State law.
9.20 Other Rules And Regulations
Except as otherwise provided by law or this Charter, the Council shall have the power to provide by
ordinance or resolution such rules, regulations and mode of procedure to enforce and facilitate the
collection by and payment to the Tax Assessor and Collector of all taxes due the Town as it may deem
expedient, and may provide such penalty and interest as prescribed by State law for the failure to pay such
taxes.
In. t7:�IIl
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Proposed Amendment: Franchise term
Current Wording with 5trikethrou h Bold Changes:
10.03 Power to Grant Franchise
The Council shall have the power by ordinance, after public hearing, to grant, renew, and extend all
franchises of every character operating within the Town and to amend the same, provided, however, that no
franchise shall be granted for an indeterminate term. teFm an�'�nt-ne frane,;;P- Snal"e granted f " ^ ra�
exceeding t my (en) th;- -, "0" years f..,m the date e€the ., „t Fenewal . ex-tension—No grant or
franchise to construct, maintain, or operate and no renewal or extension of such grant shall be exclusive.
All required publication costs shall be paid by the franchisee.
Proposed Wording „Clean:
10.03 Power to Grant Franchise
The Council shall have the power by ordinance, after public hearing, to grant, renew, and extend all
franchises of every character operating within the Town and to amend the same, provided, however, that no
franchise shall be granted for an indeterminate term. No grant or franchise to construct, maintain, or
operate and no renewal or extension of such grant shall be exclusive. All required publication costs shall
be paid by the franchisee.
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