Published: May 07, 2008 05:24 pm            

Joshua voters to weigh in on propositions

Longer council terms suggested

By Matt Smith

msmith@trcle.com



In addition to voting on the mayor and three council seats, Joshua residents will vote on 10 propositions Saturday. Several proposed changes reflect attempts to bring city rules in line with recent changes in state law and the Texas Constitution, said Mary Beth Thomas, Joshua city secretary.

“The city should update the charter every five years, and that hasn’t been done,” Thomas said. “The city attorney suggested the proposals based on feedback and suggestions from the council.”

The propositions address council terms, qualifications and rules as well as financial and other concerns.

Proposition 1 would require the city secretary to maintain a correct and complete description and official map that detail city boundaries, including recent annexations or disannexations.

Proposition 2 clarifies Joshua’s home-rule authority. It would do so by explicitly noting Joshua’s local control and authority, as provided under the Texas Constitution, pertaining to control of public streets and property, the use of public streets and property by utilities and certain authority to annex property.

Proposition 3 deals with travel expense reimbursement. The mayor receives $15 per month and council members $10 per month to cover travel expenses associated with attending meetings. Proposition 3 would alter those amounts to actual, documented expenses, which require council approval.

Proposition 4 would remove restrictions on adoption of emergency ordinances and allow the council to adopt such ordinances when necessary to address a public emergency affecting life, health or property.

Proposition 5 would change the term of office for the mayor and council members from two to three years.

“The council recommended that,” Thomas said. “You win a spot, and in two years it’s over if you don’t get re-elected. They thought this would give them a chance to get more experience and see some of their projects through.”

Proposition 6 would create a minimum age of 21 to run for city council. Presently no age limit exists.

Lance Vaden, an 18-year-old challenging incumbent Merle Breitenstein for the mayor’s seat, would be allowed to serve if elected, Thomas said, because he ran before the propositions came to a vote.

Proposition 6 also addresses when city council vacancies need to be filled by special election and when council members may appoint to the position.

Proposition 7 would allow the city manager to appoint directors or heads of city administrative departments without council approval, as is now the rule. The city manager would still have to notify council members of such hirings. Also, the city secretary, though appointed by council, would report to and be supervised by the city manager.

Proposition 8 would allow the city to operate under a month-to-month budget should the council not adopt a budget in a timely fashion. It would also authorize emergency appropriations in the event of a city emergency.

Proposition 9 would change the requirements for a city initiative, referendum or recall. Initiatives and referendums require signatures of qualified voters equaling 15 percent of those who voted in the last election. A recall petition requires 35 percent. Under Proposition 9, all three would require 15 percent.

Proposition 10 would require that minutes from city council meeting be kept in a manner consistent with state law.

        

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