Title
Discuss and consider items requested for review by the City Attorney.
Body
DISCUSSION:
The City Attorney will provide information regarding the following items previously discussed at previous Charter Review Committee meetings.
1. Language to allow three (3) Councilmembers, not including the Mayor, to constitute a quorum.
Sec. 2.14. - Quorum; voting.
Any four (4) A majority of the members of the Council (which will not may include the Mayor) shall constitute a quorum necessary for the transaction of official business at any meeting of the Council. Voting shall be by "aye" or "no" on roll call or by a show of hands. Except as specifically provided for in this Charter or by state law, a majority vote of the members of the Council present is required for the passage of an ordinance, resolution, or other matter. Any member may call for a roll call vote at any time on any matter being voted on by the Council, and the vote of each member shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting. Any Councilmember abstaining from voting shall not be taken as an affirmative or a negative vote [OR] Any Councilmember abstaining from voting on a motion shall be taken as voting "aye" in favor the motion.
2. Research and provide pros and cons related to adding an at-large Councilmember.
In 2013, a judgment of the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas found that the pre-2013 at-large voting system in Farmers Branch violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (42 U.S.C. ?1973). See, Fabela v. City of Farmers Branch, No. 3:10-cv-1425-D (N.D. Tex. 2012). In the Fabela case, the federal court approved a settlement that restructured the voting scheme to the current 5-member district arrangement. However, the judgment contains the following language:
"Provided, further, the City is not precluded from amending its election system pursuant to state law and the city charter so long as any amendment is consistent with the requirements of the Voting Rights Act. ....
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