A brief follow-up presentation concerning proposed changes to the City Charter was presented at this week’s City Council meeting, followed by a public hearing concerning the amendments. The City Council has been reviewing several proposed amendments at its regular work sessions and meetings since June 2, when they were originally presented by the Charter Review Commission.
Key topics under consideration include:
- Adding the requirement for prospective City Council members representing Places 1-4 to be a resident of the district they wish to represent for at least one year prior to election (rather than the current one-year Richardson residency requirement) and that they continuously reside in that district during their term in office.
- Adding a Code of Ethics requirement for City Council members and members of Boards, Commissions and Committees, to be reviewed every two years. (The City Council Code of Ethics is currently codified in the Municipal Code of Ordinances.)
- Adding a Continuity of Government provision to enable City government business to continue in the event the majority of City Council members are unable to perform their duties due to disaster.
- Increasing City Council compensation.
- Updating language and definitions.
Next steps include further review by the City Council at the scheduled July 14 and July 21 work session meetings.
If the Council decides to move forward with proposed amendments, a Charter amendment election may be called in August, with a public vote taking place in November.
Monday’s presentation: Click here
