Thu, Dec 04 2008
|
Published September 06, 2008 11:35 pm - Review of city charter picking up speed By D. E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
City councilors are expected to revisit on Monday a proposal to review the city’s charter to get an idea about what, if anything, needs to be changed. Mayor John Tyler Hammons floated a proposal to conduct a top-to-bottom review two weeks ago, but the idea was shot down by other city councilors who want to preserve the city’s present form of government. While Hammons was attending the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., an alternative measure was placed on the table for a limited review. Ward IV Councilor Jim Ritchey said he would be in favor of a review if the form of government and other measures, such as the employees’ pension system, were exempt. Ritchey’s proposal sparked extensive dialogue about whether there is a need for any review and how — and by whom — that review would be conducted. As the debate unfolded Tuesday during the Public Works Committee meeting, the intended objectives of the proposed charter review appeared to become less clear. “I think we’re a little premature acting on this,” Ward II Councilor James Gulley said during the discussion. Vice Mayor Robert Perkins said, “We should identify what areas we want to review.” Ward I Councilor Bob Luttrull said it sounds like “we’re confused,” and David Jones, who also represents Ward I, said it “sounds like we need to get on the same page.” Ritchey, wanting to push the matter forward, said he agreed with Hammons that some type of review should done. He disagreed, however, with the mayor’s idea to appoint a nine-member panel of citizens to conduct the review. “I still think at least four councilmen should be on that committee,” Ritchey said, acknowledging that fewer than five councilors could meet without invoking the mandates of the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act. “Then the councilors who are not on the committee could pick five community representatives to serve” on the panel. While committee members were unable to establish a panel or decide how such a committee would be selected, they did advance the issue by approving a measure authorizing a limited review of the city charter. Defining those limitations will be among the topics city councilors are expected to address Monday. The reasoning behind the push for a charter review is varied. Hammons said he proposed the exercise in response to voters’ demand for change. Ritchey said there is one section that requires prospective firefighters to establish residency in Muskogee for one year before they are eligible to apply for the job. With several firefighters expected to retire during the next few years, Ritchey said it is vital to review that item to see if change is recommended. 
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
More from the Local News section
City wants to charge for cleanup Porter man killed in crash was thankful for his family Fort Gibson brick sidewalks a no go |
Print this story
E-mail this story
Post to del.icio.us
Discuss this story
 |
 |
 |
|||||||
|
|||||||
 |
|
|
© 2008, The Muskogee Phoenix P.O. Box 1968; Muskogee, OK 74402 (918) 684-2828 Email News tips & feedback |
|
Popular Business directory links - Muskogee Apartments | Muskogee Attorneys | Muskogee Auto Dealers | Muskogee Auto Parts | Muskogee Auto Repair | Muskogee Beauty Salons | Muskogee Car Rental | Muskogee Dentists | Muskogee Doctors | Muskogee Flowers | Muskogee Hotels | Muskogee Insurance | Muskogee Loans | Muskogee Mortgages | Muskogee Movers | Muskogee Pizza | Muskogee Realtors | Muskogee Restaurants | Muskogee Storage | Muskogee Tax Preparation | Muskogee Travel | Muskogee Featured | More...
|
|
Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. • CNHI Classified Advertising Network • CNHI News Service |