City Council tackles charter revision recommendations

"Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act requires that every change in voting practice, procedure or standards be precleared [by the U.S. Department of Justice]," he stated.

He said as a general rule, that can not be done until approved by the voters. Further, Falk said he believed there would be enough time even if they did not get started until first approved by voters.

As a result, Cole suggested the resolution be postponed indefinably, but council voted to withdraw it as suggested by Councilman Mike Martinez.

"I think a postponement signifies it would come back at a later date," Martinez said. "If it were to come back, based on questions I am hearing, it would very likely be different than it is on the agenda."

Members did approve the city-appointed committee's recommendation for voters to decide whether the municipal election should be moved from May to November.

Council also passed a series of campaign finance reforms to be placed on the ballot, including more disclosure of bundled campaign contributions received by officeholders and the city, and providing that information to the public in an easily accessible, central location.

Limits on bundled campaign contributions by registered lobbyists were also approved including a maximum of $1,750 per city candidate for individual bundlers and a maximum of $3,500 per candidate per election for firms that bundle.

Councilwoman Laura Morrison postponed two items until May 24 to allow for further discussion. These recommendations would require special reporting of campaign contributions made in the last nine days before an election, as well as the enhancement of the reporting of independent expenditures in city elections.