1979-08-08 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

• • • Special Meeting 8/8/79 2 • 2. CONSIDER APPROVING PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 1166 - ORDINANCE APPROVING THE REVISIONS TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO SUBMIT THE PORTIONS OF SUCH WHICH AFFECT VOTING, ALONG WITH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION, TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FOR APPROVAL; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE - Mr. H. P. Pfeiffer, Chairman of the Charter Revision Committee was recognized and addressed the Commission, stating that many hours had been spent in revising .the Charter and felt that they had something good to present to the people and making changes to meet the current laws and recommended that the Commission approve the proposed Charter and ordinance authorizing the City Attorney to submit it to the Justice Department for approval. There would be future meetings of the Charter Revision Committee to discuss drawing of lines for districts. Further, in order to meet the time tables, we need to proceed. If approved, the information could be mailed to the Justice Department the next day. Commissioner Cline apologized for not being able to attend the Charter Revision Committee meeting held on Monday, due to illness. However, had some problems with some of the language in the Charter. Further stating that she felt the Justice Department was not interested in housekeeping, but if sent, could some of the language still be changed. The City Attorney was of the opinion that the Justice Department was interested in the form of government; the number of officials; and felt we could change the language and probably have no problem with the Justice Department. The Voting Rights Act makes it necessary to get prior approval from the Justice Department when any changes effecting voting are made. We propose to have a seven member Council, four by district and 3 at large with a three year term. Commissioner Cline asked if we submit the proposed Charter to the Justice Department and we vote in January, if voted down, what would we do? The Attorney stated that we would continue under the old Charter. Commissioner Cline stated that she felt there was some mis- information out. The Attorney stated that the proposed Charter will allow for a City Manager form of government; the bond sections were re-written. The solution for the mis-information will be neighborhood meetings. •