Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Legal Department
CM/ ACM: Anita Burgess, City Attorney
Date: October 11, 2016
SUBJECT
Title
Receive a report, hold a discussion and provide Staff direction regarding the establishment of a Charter Review Committee.
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.
Respectfully submitted:
Anita Burgess
City Attorney
Prepared by:
Aaron Leal
First Assistant City Attorney