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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Charter Committee - 09/21/2021CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE 21 SEPTEMBER 2021 The South Burlington City Charter Committee held a meeting on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, at 5:00 p.m., in Conference Room 334, City Hall, 180 Market Street. MEMBERS PRESENT: P. Taylor, R. Plant, P. Engels, D. Kinville, C. Hafter ALSO PRESENT: J. Baker, City Manager 1. Instructions on exiting the building in case of emergency: Mr. Taylor provided instructions on exiting in case of an emergency. 2. Agenda Review No changes were made to the Agenda. 3. Comments & Questions from the public not related to the Agenda: No issues were raised. 4. Election of Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk-Secretary: The floor was opened for nominations for Chair. Mr. Plant nominated Mr. Taylor. Mr. Hafter seconded the nomination. There were no further nominations, and Mr. Taylor was elected unanimously. Ms. Kinville then nominated Mr. Hafter for Vice Chair. Mr. Plant seconded. There were no further nominations, and Mr. Hafter was elected unanimously. Mr. Hafter nominated Mr. Kinville for Clerk-Secretary. Mr. Plant seconded. There were no further nominations, and Ms. Kinville was elected unanimously. Mr. Taylor explained that the City Charter meets only when the City Council calls them into session for a specific agenda. Mr. Hafter asked whether committee members can bring something to the City Council and request that the City Charter Committee address it. Ms. Baker said they can. The Council would still have to approve the request. Ms. Baker added that this is part of the reason for this meeting as she recommended a policy/strategy process to the City Council, and committees are now making recommendation regarding any policy issues. CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE 21 SEPTEMBER 2021 PAGE 2 Ms. Baker also noted that there may be some items coming to the City Charter Committee. She has heard there is an interest in considering the composition of the City Council. There are now 5 members, all of whom are elected at large. Interest has been expressed in having more members and possibly having a “ward system” and a mayor. The Committee may be tasked with exploring those models and making recommendations to the City Council. Another potential issue is a reconsideration of the local option tax on rental cars at the Airport. This was sent to the Legislature two years ago and was not brought forward. Mr. Hafter noted that the City Charter Committee had endorsed that tax as well as an additional 1 cent local option sales tax. Mr. Hafter also noted the potential for a “weak mayor” system. This person would have no administrative responsibilities but would act as Chair of the City Council, which would be elected by wards. The “weak mayor” would vote only to break a tie. Mr. Hafter said with a population now over 20,000, the cost of running an “at large” election is significant. It is also difficult for an individual to respond to 20,000 constituents, and Councilors end up listening to the “loudest voices.” Mr. Engels added that most of the people elected to the Council live in the Southeast Quadrant because they are the ones with enough money to run a campaign in an “at large” election. Mr. Taylor suggested that the election districts could serve as “wards.” He also noted that there is the potential for re-districting coming up soon. Ms. Baker suggested engaging the School Board in this discussion. Ms. Kinville agreed a ward system should be looked at. She showed a map of the city’s 4 election districts. With one or 2 Council members from each district, a “weak mayor” could break any tie. Ms. Baker said that with a population of 20,000, having 7 members on the Council would provide more perspectives. Members agreed this would be a good topic for discussion. Mr. Taylor cited another issue that could come to the City Charter Committee involves efforts by several municipalities to have legislation enacted that would grant automatic approval of a community’s desired charter change if a similar change was approved by the State Legislature. Ms. Baker said this is an issue of “local control,” and it has twice been voted down by the Legislature. She added that such a charter change would still have to be approved by the local community seeking the change. She noted this is being looked at by VLCT. CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE 21 SEPTEMBER 2021 PAGE 3 Ms. Baker also noted there are still some gender issues in the Charter. Members felt these should be cleared up. Ms. Baker stressed that part of any City Charter process should involve airing in the community so that the public is better informed. Mr. Hafter asked how any changes in the city’s districting would be handled. Ms. Kinville said the city will learn in mid-October whether this will happen. If it does, it would be effective on 1 July 2022. Ms. Baker advised that she will write the Committee’s report to go to the Council As there was no further business to come before the Committee, Mr. Engels moved to adjourn. Mr. Plant seconded. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.