Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Legal Department
CM/ ACM: Anita Burgess, City Attorney
Date: October 11, 2016
SUBJECT
Title
Consider approval of a resolution creating a Charter Review Committee to consider and advise the City Council whether and in what manner to revise various provisions of the City Charter; and providing an effective date.
Body
BACKGROUND
In the past several months, citizens have suggested to the City Council to adopt a comprehensive ordinance governing ethics among elected officials, appointed officials and key City Staff. However, there is an issue as to whether the Denton City Charter’s regulation governing ethics, which adopted the states conflict of interest statute (Tex.Loc.Govt.Code, Chapter 171), as well as the City Charter’s nepotism provision, prevents the City from adopting a comprehensive ethics ordinance. Thus, at its September 27, 2016 Work Session, the City Council determined that a citizens’ Charter Review Committee should be created via resolution to address this issue. In addition, the City Council also requested that other sections in the Denton City Charter be studied by the Charter Review Committee for possible amendment. Attached for the City Council’s consideration is a Resolution that establishes the citizens’ Charter Review Committee.
OPTIONS
Approve or deny the Resolution.
RECOMMENDATION
City Staff recommends approval of the Resolution.
EXHIBITS
Resolution
Respectfully submitted:
Anita Burgess
City Attorney
Prepared by:
Aaron Leal
First Assistant City Attorney