HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988/07/25 Charter Review Commission Minutes
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MINUTES OF THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
July 25, 1988
Council Conference Room
7:00 p.m.
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Members Present:
Chairman Campbell, Members Susan Fuller,
Jack Blakely, Sharon Reid, Mary Frances
Click
Hembers Absent:
Carlos Batara
Ci ty Attorney Tom Harron~1
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Staff Present:
Chairman Campbell called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
MSUC (Reid/Blakely) to approve the minutes of the meetings of
July 11, 1988 and July 18, 1988.
REPORT TO COUNCIL
Chairman Campbell noted that he had received criticism for
setting the Mayor's salary too low. A figure of 70% of the Board
of Supervisor's salary had been suggested to him. Member Blakely
noted tha t the approved proposal results in a 20% raise, i. e. ,
approximately $6,000. The consensus was that there was no doubt
that Greg Cox as Mayor deserves more, but the Committee is
concerned that if you ask for too much, the voter s may re ject
it. Member Rei d sai d tha t she shared thi s concern abou t the
voter's reaction and also felt that the 60% figure was an attempt
to compare the duties associated with the positions of Supervisor
and Mayor. Member Click noted that the Mayor has a very heavy
schedule. Member Fuller stated that she agreed with all the
statements made, but does not feel uncomfortable with the 60%
figure. The consensus of the Committee was not to make any
changes.
City Attorney Harron gave an update on the activities of the
League of Cities and FPPC with regard to Proposition 73 and 68.
A meeting was to be held in Sacramento on July 26.
CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
Member Reid felt the questions to be addressed included (1)
enforcemen t; ( 2 ) point of disclosu re, i . e., the regulation of
contributions which come in late in the campaign in an attempt to
avoid being disclosed; (3) loans; (4) the period when
contributions may be raised; (5) who can give contributions; (6)
what level do you have to disclose; and (7) what monetary limit
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Charter Review Minutes
Meeting of July 25, 1988
Page 2
should be placed on contributions. Wi th regard to the monetary
limit, Member Reid suggested a limit of $250 for discussion
purposes. MSUC (Reid/Blakely) that the time periods in which
contributions may be made be consistent with the State
initiative's time period, once that is resolved by the Fair
Political Practices Commission.
ENFORCEMENT
Member Reid expressed a concern that an independent counsel might
run up expenses in enforcing the campaign ordinance. She
suggested that we develop a form to detail charges made.
Cha i rman Campbell expressed hi s oppos i t ion to pu t t ing too many
restrictions on complaints. Forms may discourage something that
we don't wan t to di scourage . The consensus of the Commi t tee is
that it would not require forms. The Committee directed Attorney
Harron to check with other cities on their experience with
enforcement.
LOANS
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Member Reid noted that personal loans have to be reported under
the Poli tical Reform Act. Member Fuller noted tha t commercial
loans market interest rates are not subject to contribution
limits under the League model ordinance. Member Click stated
that she felt loans from a candidate to him or herself should not
be subject to limitation, although they would be reported.
Attorney Harron suggested that loans and contributions be limited
to the same amount, for example, $250. A candidate would have no
limit on what he or she can loan himself or herself. The
Committee tentatively supported this.
Member Reid felt there was a problem with the League's model
ordinance with regard to contributions from persons under 18.
These are deemed to be contributions of the parent. Member Click
noted that the contribution doesn't have to be reported if it's
under $100. The consensus was to adopt the League proposal.
Member Reid raised the question of whether a business can
contribute to a candidate or whether business contributions
should be prohibited. Member Click thinks businesses should be
allowed to contribute and would like to limit PACs to one
contribution. Chairman Campbell expressed his strong feeling
that businesses should not be prohibited from contributing, but
should have the same limit as individuals. Member Blakely
pointed out the differences between large and small businesses
with regard to campaign contributions. Member Reid expressed her
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Charter Review Minutes
Meeting of July 25, 1988
Page 3
strong opposition to allowing business contributions. She raised
the example of one person who has several businesses and can make
multiple contributions, as opposed to the individual who can only
make one contribution. Member Fuller agreed that prohibitions on
business contributions result in a very conservative ordinance,
but would be in line with the recommendations from Crossroads.
The Committee agreed to give further consideration to this issue
at its next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
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