Charter Amendment Committee

Agenda

1. REVISED
2. SPECIAL MEETING
3. (This agenda becomes final 24 hours prior to the start time of the Special Meeting)
4. CALL TO ORDER
5. ROLL CALL
6. 1. Recommendation to review the Charter Amendment Committee Mission Statement. (See the October 24, 2006 meeting)
   Agenda Item
7. 2. Recommendation to provide a Meeting Overview and discuss the remaining Charter Amendment Committee and City Council Schedule.
   Agenda Item
8. 3. Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
   Agenda Item
   Action: approve recommendation Passed

   A motion was made by Councilmember O'Donnell, seconded by Councilmember DeLong, to approve recommendation to delete obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. The motion carried by the following vote:

9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
10. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Members of the public are invited to address the Committee.
11. ADJOURNMENT
12. I, Gloria Harper, City Clerk Specialist, certify that the agenda was posted not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting _____________________________ Date: ________________
13. NOTE: An agenda may be obtained from the City Clerk Department prior to the meeting or can be mailed if the City Clerk is provided self-addressed, stamped envelopes mailed to: City Clerk Dept., City Hall Plaza Level, 333 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach CA 90802. You may view the agenda on the Internet at www.longbeach.gov. E-Mail correspondence can be directed to cityclerk@longbeach.gov. Agenda items may be reviewed in the City Clerk Department or the Plaza Level Information Desk at the Main Library. Communicate through the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (562) 570-6626. If a special accommodation is desired pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, or if you need the agenda provided in an alternate format, please phone the City Clerk Department at (562) 570-6101 by 12 noon Monday, the day prior to the meeting. Inquire at the City Council Chamber Audio-Visual Room for an assistive listening device.
14. 07-0020 Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
    Agenda Item
    Action: approve recommendation Passed

    A motion was made by Councilmember DeLong, seconded by Councilmember Lerch, to approve recommendation to refer to the City Council the establishment of a Reapportionment Commission. The motion carried by the following vote:

15. 07-0020 Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
    Agenda Item
    Action: approve recommendation Passed

    A motion was made by Vice Chair B. Lowenthal, seconded by Councilwoman Gabelich, to recommend changing the term limits of the Harbor and Water Commission to three four-year terms. The motion carried by the following vote:

16. 07-0020 Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
    Agenda Item
    Action: approve recommendation Passed

    A motion was made by Councilmember O'Donnell, seconded by Vice Chair B. Lowenthal, to recommend changing the number of terms a City Councilmember's name can appear on the ballot from two four-year terms to three four year terms and to allow successful primary write-in candidates in all elections to appear on the General Election run-off ballot. The motion carried by the following vote:

17. 07-0020 Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
    Agenda Item
    Action: approve recommendation Passed

    A motion was made by Vice Chair B. Lowenthal, seconded by Councilwoman Gabelich, to recommend that the Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity be referred to the full City Council. The motion carried by the following vote:

18. 07-0020 Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
    Agenda Item
    Action: approve recommendation Passed

    A motion was made by Councilmember DeLong, seconded by Councilmember S. Lowenthal, to recommend that the Mayor have strong veto authority requiring a two-third override of all Councilmembers. The motion carried by the following vote:

19. Also present: City Manager Gerald Miller; Chief City Attorney Robert Shannon,; Assistant Chief City Attorney Heather Mahood; City Clerk Larry Herrera; Financial Management Director Michael Killebrew;Raphael Soneshein, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, California State University, Fullerton; and City Clerk Specialist Gloria Harper. Mayor Foster gave opening remarks. Invocation: Moment of Silence. Flag Salute: Councilmember Patrick O'Donnell, Fourth District. Professor Soneshien gave a brief overview of his creditials and associations, and provided the committee with directions on how the meeting should be facilitated.
20. At 2:08 P.M., Mayor Foster called the meeting to order.
21. 07-0020 Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
    Agenda Item
    Action: approve recommendation Passed

    A motion was made by Vice Chair B. Lowenthal, seconded by Councilwoman Gabelich, to recommend the establishment of an Independent Compensation Committee to determine City Council Compensation, to be selected by citywide elected officials. The motion carried by the following vote:

22. 07-0020 Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
    Agenda Item
    Action: approve recommendation Passed

    A motion was made by Councilmember DeLong, seconded by Councilmember Lerch, to recommend that the following items be received and filed: Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; Certification of Available Funds to fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; Enhancement of the budge process relative to settinga mandatory minimum staffing ration based on population for public safety personnel; Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor. The motion carried by the following vote:

23. 07-0020 Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
    Agenda Item
    Action: approve recommendation Passed

    A motion was made by Councilwoman Gabelich, seconded by Councilmember S. Lowenthal, to recommend that each commissioner serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and the City Council and under certain circumstances can be removed. The motion carried by the following vote:

24. 07-0020 Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
    Agenda Item
    Action: approve recommendation Passed

    A motion was made by Vice Chair B. Lowenthal, seconded by Councilmember Lerch, to recommend that the time the Mayor and Council have to review the budget be increased to 90 days and that a line item veto be added to the Mayor’s authority. The motion carried by the following vote:

25. 07-0020 Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
    Agenda Item
    Action: approve recommendation Passed

    A motion was made by Councilmember O'Donnell, seconded by Vice Chair B. Lowenthal, to recommend that the Mayor concur in the appointment and removal of the City Manager and City Clerk as nominated by the City Council with mayoral veto authority requiring a two-third override; and confirm the appointment of the Assistant City Manager with the concurrence of the City Manager. The motion carried by the following vote:

26. ROLL CALL
27. 07-0020 Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
    Agenda Item
    Action: approve recommendation Passed

    A motion was made by Vice Chair B. Lowenthal, seconded by Councilmember S. Lowenthal, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:

28. 07-0020 Discussion of whether or not the Charter Amendment Committee shall refer to the City Council for consideration the following reforms for placement on a ballot for decision by the voters of the City of Long Beach: a. Obsolete Sections (See the October 24, 2006 meeting) i. Deletion of obsolete Charter sections: Section 903 pertaining to public recreation tax levy; Section 1714 pertaining to library tax levy; Section 1717 pertaining to transportation tax levy; Section 1724 pertaining to Municipal Band tax levy; Section 1700 pertaining to Fiscal Year; Section 1707 pertaining to the General Purpose Reserve Account; and Section 1500 pertaining to the organization of the Department of Public Utilities as presented in a City Attorney memo dated May 7, 2004. b. City Governance i. Role of Mayor and City Council; (See Charts from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Full-Time versus Part-Time Council; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iii. Granting City Council power to conduct investigations; (See Chart on Council Investigations from the December 11, 2006 meeting) iv. Revision of Term Limits; v. Mayoral veto authority (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) c. Boards and Commissions i. Appointment and confirmation of commissions and whether to provide for "pleasure" appointments, with potential reinstatement by Council; ii. City Council review of Commission actions: amendment of Article XII to provide for a City Council veto of certain actions taken by the Harbor Commission; iii. Commission term lengths - revision of the terms of office for the Harbor Commission and the Water Commission to provide for a maximum of three four-year terms. d. Administration, Budget and Legal i. Lengthening time for Mayor and Council review of budget to 90-days; (See Chart on Budget Process from the December 11, 2006 meeting) ii. Article XXI of the City Charter regarding Normal Earliest Age for Service Retirement; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iii. Certification of Available Funds to Fulfill Collective Bargaining Agreements and Establishment of a Retirement Reserve; (See the November 6, 2006 meeting) iv. Enhancement of budget process relative to setting a mandatory minimum staffing ratio based on population for public safety personnel; (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) v. City Council Compensation including discussion of Independent Compensation Commission; (See Chart from the December 11, 2006 meeting) vi. Consolidation of City Attorney and City Prosecutor; (See the December 12, 2006 meeting) vii.City Prosecutor's responsibilities during Civil Service Commission Appeals; (See the December 11, 2006 meeting) viii.Charter provision to maintain parks in perpetuity. (See the November 27, 2006 meeting) e. Elections i. Election cycle changes; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) ii. Clarification of thirty-day residency requirement, to run from the close of nomination period; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iii. Allow successful primary write-in candidates to appear on the General Election run-off ballot; (See the November 14, 2006 meeting) iv. Prohibition of individuals from being a candidate for two City offices during the same election. f. Decennial Redistricting i. Change to 10-year redistricting cycle from a 5-year cycle; ii. Establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission. g. Effective date of Charter changes
    Agenda Item
    Action: approve recommendation Passed

    A motion was made by Councilmember DeLong, seconded by Councilwoman Gabelich, to recommend that the City Prosecutor’s responsiblities during Civil Service Commission Appeals be eliminated. The motion carried by the following vote: