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Auburn + Lewiston Drafting A New Charter January 14, 2015.

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Presentation on theme: "Auburn + Lewiston Drafting A New Charter January 14, 2015."— Presentation transcript:

1 Auburn + Lewiston Drafting A New Charter January 14, 2015

2 Agenda 1.What we’ve been doing 2.Questions so far on some key issues City Council: composition, terms, President Mayor: terms, term limits, power, duties Holding Other Offices First Council Meeting After Election Quorum Voting Appropriations When An Ordinance Takes Effect Audit Committee 3.Your reactions and input 4.Other thoughts, ideas

3 City Council Composition Auburn. 5 ward councilors, 2 “at large” Lewiston. 7 ward councilors, no “at large” (only mayor is “at large”) Draft Charter.* 11 ward councilors with 2 or more wards straddling river – Each ward representing ~5,400 persons, roughly same as present – “At large” councilor is the mayor * Nothing is final. We’re presenting what we’ve been thinking and talking about so far.

4 Councilor Terms Auburn and Lewiston. 2 years, not staggered Draft Charter. Leaning toward 3 years staggered – More complex than today and some elections would be out of sync with state/national elections – Staggering allows for “continuity” – Would the Mayor’s term need to be staggered too?

5 Mayor Terms and Limits Auburn. 2 year term, no limits Lewiston. 2 year terms, limit is 3 successive terms Draft. 2 year terms – Some CC members see value in term limit depending on power invested in mayor, but others feel there should be no term limit – If limits, mayor needs at least 6 or 8 years to accomplish goals. – If staggered city council, should the mayor also serve for a 3 year term?

6 Mayor Power and Duties Auburn. Preside, vote only in case of tie, appoint committees Lewiston. Preside, vote only in case of tie or when there is a council vacancy or absence of councilor, appoint committees Draft. Preside, vote only in case of tie, appoint committees with council approval, present annual “state of city” message – Should mayor be full voting member or only to break tie or vote in councilor absence? – Why note allow the mayor to have full vote? – Broadly, how much power should a mayor have vis a vis the city manager and council?

7 Council President Auburn. None Lewiston. Council elects President for 2 year term, acts as mayor during temporary absences. Draft. Council elects President for 2 year term, acts as mayor during temporary absences

8 Holding Other Offices Auburn. Mayor and councilors may not hold other public offices Lewiston. Mayor and councilors may hold other public offices Draft. Uncertain, seeking more input

9 First Council Meeting After Election Auburn. 45 days after election Lewiston. After January swearing in Draft. 45 days after election – Do not want too much time to elapse before new council comes together. – What if there is a mayoral run off election?

10 Quorum Auburn. Majority of voting members Lewiston. 4 members Draft. Majority of elected members If mayor can vote in certain situations, does his/her presence enable a quorum

11 Process for Voting Appropriations Auburn. Read on 2 separate days, unless unanimous vote of Councilors present and voting Lewiston. Normal resolve vote Draft. Read on 2 separate days, unless rule has been dispensed by vote of 8 of 11 Councilors Bonus Question: What should constitute a super majority – 2/3, 3/4, 7/8 -- and what issues should require such a majority to pass?

12 Ordinance Takes Effect Auburn. 5 days after passage Lewiston. 30 days Draft. 30 calendar days after passage, unless otherwise specified in ordinance Note: There would be a separate provision for “emergency ordinances.”

13 Audit Committee Auburn. Audit committee of 2 Councilors, 2 School Committee who agree on fifth member Lewiston. Audit firm reports to full city council Draft. Audit committee of 2 Councilors, 2 School Committee who agree on 5 th member, hire and direct audit firm, receive report, present to joint City Council and School Committee meeting Is there a need for an audit committee or should the full city council serve in that role?


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