HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-01-18 CRC MINSMINUTES'OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
JANUARY 18, 1996
January 18, 1996 City. Attorney's Conference Room 4:30 p.m.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Campbell, Jack Blakely, Deric
Prescott, John Dorso, and Rosie Bystrak
MEMBERS ABSENT: Janet Lawry, Sharon Reid
STAFF PRESENT: City Attorney Bruce Boogaard
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Campbell at 4:30 p.m.
The roll was called and all members were present except Members
Lawry and Reid who asked to be excused due to prior commitments.
Chairman Campbell discussed ethics training. Since Bruce Boogaard
is the attorney for the Board of Ethics, it was suggested that he
give a presentation to this group at the next meeting with emphasis
on ethical issues relating to the Charter.
Approval of Minutes
MSUC (Prescott/Dorso) to approve the minutes of November 16, 1995.
Discussion of New Meeting Date.
The members decided to change their standard meeting time to the
third Monday of 'the month, with the next meeting being held on
February 19, 1996 at 4:30 p.m.
Vacancy Reform
The City Attorney distributed a copy of his analysis for
Proposition F on Vacancy Reform for the March 26, 1996 election and
asked the members if they had any changes they wished to see made.
No changes were requested.
The Attorney pointed out how we attempted to get by with a
plurality vote instead of a majority, but the Council deadlocked.
However, the Council will have to deal with this issue if there is
not a clear winner in the March election. A special election in
June would cost approximately $125,000 and if we wait until
November, the costs would be around $22,500, with only a three week
term. The Charter states the Council has to pick a date for a
runoff selection as soon as practicable.
Member Blakely commented on how mellow the local newpaper has been
in that there have been no articles regarding the election. In the
Charter Review Commission Minutes
January 18, 1996
Page 2
future, he feels this Commission should bring up the critical cost
savings of a plurality vs. majority for special elections. He
questioned if changing the Charter to reflect a different seating
date for an appointed person would make a difference. The .City
Attorney explained in detail from his chart the terms, seating
dates and short/long term elections to the members.
Member Prescott wants to get rid of the majority rule. Chair
Campbell commented the upcoming election probably will not yield a
majority winner because there are five candidates.
Potential Discussion regarding Campaign Contributions
City Attorney Boogaard briefly discussed the proposed ordinance he
is submitting to the City Council on January 23, 1996 to amend the
campaign contribution ordinance to apply the City's contributions
prohibitions and limitations to independent expenditure 'committees.
The ordinance changes the current campaign contribution regulatory
scheme by making the same contributions limitations ($250) and
prohibitions now applicable to candidates apply to independent
expenditure committees.
The Commission addressed the issue generally by discussing business
contributions,. special interest groups and their ability to
generate lots of money, possible formation of more independent
groups, and improper transfer of assets between committees with the
conclusion reached that this item is not a Charter -related issue.
MSUC (Blakely/Prescott) to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
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Lorraine Kraker, Secretary
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