A public hearing will be held during the June 22 City Council meeting, City Manager Don Magner said. Speakers will be allowed five minutes to voice their opinions. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.
Council formed a charter review committee made up of Richardson residents in December. Per Richardson’s charter, a commission must convene every 10 years, however, they do not have to make recommendations.
The details
There are several proposed amendments to the charter including increasing council member pay. Currently, council members are paid $100 per meeting they attend. The commission recommended increasing pay to $1,200 a month; however, council members suggested increasing pay to $150 per meeting.
The commission recommended an amendment allowing commission members, such as those on the City Plan Commission, to be allowed to hold a contract with the city, such as economic incentives or the Home Improvement Incentive Program. During discussions, council members voice concerns about appearances of impropriety if the amendment moved forward.
What else
Other recommended changes include adding a one-year residence requirement to run in a district and adding a continuity of government in the case of a disaster. In the event of a disaster and a quorum, five council members, cannot be assembled, the remaining council members must ask Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins to appoint a commission of five or less residents eligible to hold office.
Other changes include updates to ensure the charter complies with state and federal laws, adding clarifying language to some sections and adding a definitions section.
What’s next
Following the public hearing, council will consider input from the committee and the public before making a decision. Council has until Aug. 11 to call an election, which will be held Nov. 4.
