Here is the last issue and my article below:Â Stehly-NL
Some think the charter works just fine as is, some would like to tear it to shreds completely. I personally think it needs some tweaks that would help it work better. We don’t need to throw the baby out with the bath water. So what would those charter amendments look like?
• Remove the mayor as a city councilor. He would no longer have VETO power or break ties. A five vote majority would be a pass unless reconsidered, and a tie would mean failure. It would require six votes to pass taxation and fee increases.
• The mayor would no longer chair meetings. He would be requested like director heads to be in attendance in the audience to answer questions only.
• The mayor would be responsible only as the employee manager of the city.
• The council would write the budget starting from ground zero each year with the mayor only having equal input.
• The council would be responsible for all legislation, only taking advice from department heads and the mayor. The mayor could no longer introduce legislation without consent of the council.
• All major planning, rezone proposals, fee increases would have to go through FULL council first before being introduced to the Planning Commission or other departments pertinent.
• The finance department, like the audit department would be under the control of the council and NOT the mayor.
• The city council would have their own attorney and legal department to research legislation. Simple changes like this to the charter would guarantee more equal participation from the council while regulating the mayor’s REAL duties as a city manager instead of an all powerful official.