EXHIBIT I
000255
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
City of Riverside
October 23, 2003, 7 p.m.
La Sierra High School Performing Arts Center
4145 La Sierra Avenue
MINUTES
PRESENT: Chair Eric Haley, Vice Chair Ben Johnson and Members Dale McNair, Rusty Bailey, Ray Higgins, Mike Teer, Barry Johnson, Marjorie von Pohle, Marcia McQuern, Gar Brewton, Rose Mayes, Art Garcia, William Turpin, and Stan Stosel
13,
ABSENT: Dorothy Bailey (excused), Connie Leach, and Damon Castillo See November excusing Connie STAFF PRESENT: Colleen Nicol, Janis Lowry, Gregory Priamos, and Tricia Ruiz ALSO PRESENT: Barbara Purvis, Tina and Ron Diaz, Bob Frost, Carolyn Grant, Mary Lou and Rudy Morales, William R. Bailey, Jr., Lindsay Abercrombie, Richard Puskas, Bennee and Andrew Hetzner, Lyle Staudt, Holly Gilbreth, Amanda Delfin, Walter White, Eve Delfin, Cynthia Halladay, Kameron Rentschler, Mary Sheppy, Nicole Packwood, Yolanda Garland, Catherine Barrett-Fischer, Kristina Blake, Krystal Macias, Don Walters, and others Chair Eric Haley convened the Charter Review Committee meeting at 7 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given to the Flag.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There were no comments presented at this time.
STAFF OVERVIEW OF ISSUES
City Attorney Priamos review the purpose and scope of the Charter, the Charter Review Committee's power and duties, the Committee's charge, issues for consideration, and process for presentation of recommendations to the City Council for placement on a future ballot.
PUBLIC INPUT OF CHARTER ISSUES
Bennee Hetzner spoke in support of City Council terms limits of no more than two consecutive four-year terms. Don Walters expressed his views on the Mayor and Councilmembers salary suggesting a cost of living rather than substantial increases. Ron Diaz thanked everyone for serving on the Charter Review Committee and discussed the methods used to determine the Mayor and Councilmembers salary, cost of living increases, and asked if the Committee had contacted other cities to determine their methods for setting Mayor and Councilmember salaries. Mr. Diaz also spoke regarding run-off elections and instant run-off voting and asked for clarification of the primary election of Councilmembers by Ward with run-off elections at large and the definition of part-time/full-time Councilmembers. Rae Solstice suggested increasing the number of Wards as the City grows in population. William R. Bailey, Jr., CRC-17
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supports election of the Mayor in even-numbered years to permit an incumbent Councilmember to run for Mayor without forfeiting their council seat. He suggests the Committee consider the pros and cons of a primary election of Councilmembers by Ward with run-off elections at large.
He supports the Council-Manager form of government and increasing the public works contract threshold amount to $75,000 - $100,000 to save time and money. Gloria Lopez and Creg Quiroz oppose primary election of Councilmembers by Ward and run-off election at large and Ms. Lopez asked whether the Committee has staff to do research on issues raised at their meetings. Don Walters does not favor at-large election of Councilmembers. A student questioned Charter Article IX regarding the personnel merit system. Rudy Morales and Gloria Lopez do not favor at-large election of Councilmembers as Wards with higher voter tumout would carry undue influence on election results. One Poly High School student who resides in the County asked how to become a part of a Ward. Ron Dlaz commented on nepotism and the City's hiring practices.
Member Teer conducted an informal audience poll on part-time versus full-time Councilmembers, the Mayor receiving a vote, and the Mayor's veto power. Member Higgins assured those present that competent and adequate staff support were available to the Committee. Member Garcia encouraged the public to attend the bi-monthly Charter Review Committee meetings.
Gloria Lopez feels that Councilmember salaries should be tied to an external factor similar to County Supervisors whose salaries are tied to Superior Court Judges. Bennee Hetzner commented on the Mayor and Councilmembers Salary Commission recommendations being rejected by the City Council which should never happen again. Don Betro recommends the part-time versus full-time City Council needs to be reviewed in depth. He does not favor full- time politicians and supports the Council-Manager type of government.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjoured at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Aris Dowry -
JANIS LOWRY
Deputy City Clerk
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
1. First public forum held
IO DO:
1. Interview remaining Councilmembers
2. Schedule future Community Forums
3. Schedule topics for future deliberation
4-5
CRC-18
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October 23, 2003
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
There were no written reports for this
meeting
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