ERTY  City ofLiberty Hill, TX Home Rule Charter Commission  Regular Called Meeting - Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 6PM City Council Chamber, 2801 RR 1869, Liberty Hill,TX 78642  Meeting minutes:  Commissioners Present: Bryan Rivera Karlyn Keller Cathy Enderle Daniel Duckworth Matt Pappas Bill Brannan Ron Rhea Luke Jernejcic Logan E. Yarborough Jennifer Brandes at 6:08 Commissioners Absent: Wanda Sweeney Jessica Solis Danny Barringer Cory Brandes Day Wright City Staff Present:  Marianella 'Nella' Joseph, City Attorney City Secretary Elaine Simpson, Recording Secretary Joe Crawford, Legal Counsel  1. Welcome / Establish Quorum / Call to Order Call to order at 6:09 PM by Chair Bryan Rivera.  Administration of Oath of Office for the following Commissioners: Appointed on March 13, 2024 Logan E. Yarborough and. Jennifer Brandes Regular Called Meeting, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Meeting minutes  Home Rule Charter Commission City of Liberty Hill, TX  Page 1of5    City Secretary Simpson administered the Oath ofOffice for new Commissioner Logan E. Yarborough at 6:05 PM. She administered the Oath of Office for Jennifer Brandes at 7:24 PM. A photographer for The Liberty Hill Independent was on hand to take a photo of the Commission Chair Rivera began the meeting with a few housekeeping items, introductions. Then explained that this meeting is basically a 'Review' meeting for the benefit oft the new members, as well as tol benefit the Commissioners by bringing everyone 'up to speed" on the information that will be  for an upcoming story.  presented to the City Council next week at the Special Joint Meeting.  3) Public Comments  Regarding items not on this agenda/Public Comments: Those desiring to speak on a topic not listed on the agenda, please complete a. speaker form and present it to the City Secretary before the meeting. Speakers will have three minutes each to: speak, this time cannot be transferred. or shared. Commissioners may not take action during this item and any responses will be limited toj factual statements, recitation ofexisting policy, or request for the topic to Regarding topics listed as an agenda item/During specific agenda item: Commissioners. request that speakers complete a speaker. form, indicate which agenda item they are interested in speaking about, and: submit form to the City Secretary before the agenda item is addressed. Speaker forms may be emailed to the City, Secretary before the  be placed on aj future agenda.  meeting at simpon@lbemhilacges  None.  4) Regular Agenda Items  a) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding review ofthe timeline and activities ofthe Charter Commission since July 2023. (Bryan Rivera, Nella Joseph,  Elaine Simpson)  This item will be a review oft the history, meetings, and activities of the Commission, in order to Jennifer Brandes introduced herselfand explained that she worked for the Chamber of Commerce when her family first moved here tol Liberty Hill, and she is anxious to contribute. Logan Yarborough introduced himself and explained that he is a recent Navy retiree, who now City Attorney Nella Joseph began by reviewing the progress oft the City sO far. So far, the City has achieved the population required (more than 5,000 residents) in order to start the process of becoming Home Rule. Next, the City Council established and appointed the members oft the  bring the newest members 'Up To Speed'.  works in recruitment.  Home Rule Charter Commission City of Liberty Hill, TX  Regular Called Meeting, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Meeting minutes  Page 2 of5    Commission, they began meeting in. July 2023, with hopes ofb being ready to call an election for November 2023. Then the target date was updated tol May 2024, then pushed back to where itis now at at target date oft taking the proposed Charter to the voters in November 2024. There was a discussion ofs some oft the pros and cons of becoming al Home Rule City. Having a Charter will be a customized "Constitution' for the city. We will be able to establish the structure and routines of the city the way that works best for us. It was noted that al Home Rule City cannot be involuntarily annexed into another, bigger city. Also, it was noted that Home Rule Cities have an advantage over General Law cities when it comes to getting Federal grant money. City Attorney Nella Joseph explained that by her estimation, the Commission is about % way through this process. The proposed Charter needs to go to City Council in. July, and the Special Election will be called for November 2024, by Ordinance to be passed in August. City Secretary Simpson presented the PowerPoint presentation. (See ExhibitA')  The Commissioners discussed possible updates to the syllabus. Art. IV: and Art. V, Initiative, Referendum and Recall. June 10th, Regular Meeting - Finance, Charter Amendments and Misc.  April gth meet in a Special Joint meeting with City Council to review progress on the Charter. May 13th, Regular Called Charter Commission meeting to discuss possibly Art. II and definitely  June 17th, Possible 'Extra Meeting'. review progress with City Council. So far, what has been done? 'clean copy' format. tonight.  June 26", at 5:30 (may schedule for 5PM) City Council Regular Called Workshop meeting,  City Attorney Joseph explained that there are some sections oft the proposed Charter that the Commission has reviewed and approved, shel has provided copies oft these sections tonight in There are still sections that are 'in progress." Some oft these are provided in 'red line' version She explained that she is working from a 'Model Charter' which is similar to a template or format. Iti is not required tol be used but is commonly used and is 'standard' language.  No formal action was taken.  b) Review, discussion and consideration and possible action regarding the proposed draft City Attorney Joseph discussed most of the progress on the draft City Charter/Model Charter  City Charter / Working Document. (Nella Joseph, Bryan Rivera)  working document as part of agenda item 4.a.).  Home Rule Charter Commission City of Liberty Hill, TX  Regular Called Meeting, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Meeting minutes  Page 3of5    No action was taken.  c) Discussion, consideration, and possible action to update the 6-month syllabus adopted at City Attorney Joseph discussed most ofthe meeting schedule/ 6-month syllabus as part of  the Commissions meeting February 2024. (E. Simpson)  agenda item 4.a.). No action was taken.  d) Discussion and consideration of appointment of new City Attorey for the Commission. Ms. Joseph is leaving the Bojorquez Law Firm and will brief the Commission regarding plans for Ms. Joseph introduced Joseph Crawford, who will be the new City Attorney. He will take over as legal counsel for the Commission with regards to this City Charter project. He will take over preparing the working draft oft the charter for each meeting as the Commission progresses.  (N.Joseph)  change in Legal Counsel for this Commission.  No formal action was taken.  e) Discussion, consideration, and possible action to formulate the proposed agenda for the Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Special Called Joint Meetings between City Council and Home It was determined that the Commission would proceed to draft an agenda for the Special Called Joint meeting using the PowerPoint slide deck as reviewed tonight. There may need to be the addition ofa slide for 'pros' regarding moving to a Home Rule Charter form of government. Also, it may be helpful to add a slide explaining the role ofthe template 'Model Charter.'  Rule Charter Commission. (B. Rivera, E. Simpson, N.. Joseph)  There was no formal action taken.  Home Rule Charter Commission City of Liberty Hill, TX  Regular Called Meeting, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Meeting minutes  Page 4of5    5) Adjournment  There being no other business on the agenda, and no objection from the Commissioners, Chair Approved by the Home Rule Charter Commission this Blkayd of May 2024, by a vote of  Rivera adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:24 PM. LAyes, Naysa and Abstaining. With  -  absent.  Approved: Chair Bryan Rivera Attest:  Elaine Simpson,City Secretary  EE  ER  *  Home Rule Charter Commission City of Liberty Hill, TX  Regular Called Meeting, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Meeting minutes  Page 5 of5    HOME RULE  CHARTER  REVIEW4-3-2024    AGENDA  4) Regular Agenda Items  a) Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding review of the time-line and activities of the Charter Commission since. July 2023. (Bryan Rivera, Nella Joseph, Elaine Simpson)  This item will be a review of the history, meetings and activities of the Commission, in order to bring the  newest members 'Up To Speed".  b) Review, discussion and consideration and possible action regarding the proposed draft City Char  /Working Document. (Nella Joseph, Bryan Rivera)  c) Discussion, consideration and possible action to update the 6-month syllabus adopted at the  Commissions meeting February 2024. (E. Simpson)  d) Discussion and consideration of appointment of new City Attorney for the Commission. (N.Joseph Ms.. Joseph is leaving the Bojorquez Law Firm and will brief the Commission regarding plans for change  in Legal Counsel for this Commission.  e) Discussion, consideration and possible action to formulate the proposed agenda for the Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Special Called. Joint Meeting between City Council and Home Rule Charter Commission. (B.  Rivera, E. Simpson, N.. Joseph)  2    4) REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS  A) DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING REVIEW OF THE TIME-LINE AND ACTIVITIES OF THE CHARTER COMMISSION SINCE JULY 2023. (BRYAN RIVERA, NELLA JOSEPH,  ELAINE SIMPSON)  THIS ITEM WILL BE A REVIEW OF THE HISTORY, MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSION, IN ORDER TO BRING THE NEWEST MEMBERS 'UP TO SPEED'.    FIRSTVERSION OF THE SYLLABUS-JULY 2023  Proposed Syllabus:  HOME RULE CHARTER COMMISSION (City Secretary's proposed 'syllabus') Home Rule Charter Commission on 2nd Monday evenings oft the month at 6:001 PM. July 10th will do Oath ofOffice and disseminate materials, may possibly do some 'City Charter 10l'type presentation and some basic Board and Commission orientation): Introduction of Blodgett Book August 14th Blodgett Book -- Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8 September 1lth... Review of previous meetings(s). Blodgett Book Chapter 9 and To avoid Columbus Day, HRC will move to Tuesday, October 10th. Review of previous meeting(s). Blodgett Book Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 November 13th Review of previous meetings. Blodgett Book Chapter 13 and December Ilth Review of previous meetings. Blodgett Book Chapter 15: and January 8th Review of previous meeting(s). Blodgett Book Chapter 17. Review of Draft Charter Version and voting to forward to the City Council.  We may have to add: some Special Meetings therei in case we are not making the progress we need to. City Manager Brandenburg will: addt these: as weg go The expectation: from city staffis that the Commission will want to focus on the Blodgett Book Texas Home Rule Charters (2010) by Blodgett as most consideri it tol be the definitive book on' Texas Home Rule Charters. The members ofthe Commission might want to review other information on the topic, and links to these willl be provided. The Commissioners were provided witht their 3 ring binders containing the text oft the Blodgett Book. They were also provided thej printed version of the 'Becoming Home Rule' as composed (and Marianella 'Nella' Joseph. Mayor Pro Tem Crystal Mancilla expressed her appreciation for all the members of the Commission and noted that the City Council will be working inl harmony with the Commission: and look forward tor receiving the proposed There was no formal actiont taken on this agenda item.  along.  Chapter 10.  by City Attorney presented)  Chapter 14 Chapter 16  draft Charter.    REVIEW- -THE MODEL CHARTER  Atthe first entire meeting - August 2023, the Commissioners began reviewing the  Introduction Preamble I oft the City Articlel Powers Article :S City Council Article! I: CityManager Article MJ Departments.Otice Agencies Article V Financial Management Article V: Elections Article) VI: Role ofPublic Engagement Article VI: General Provisions Articlel IX: Charter Amendment Article x: Transition and Severability Appendix 1: Options for Mayor-Coundil Cities Appendix 2: Context for Social Equity and Local Governance Charter Revision Steering Committee andy Working Groups  'Model Charter' as Attorney Nella Joseph.  presented  by City  The Commissioners jumped into the consideration of Introduction and Preamble. Also, they read the first part of  Book.  Blodgett  OBojorquez Law Firm, PC (2023)    READ - THE BLODGEITBOOK  The Home Rule Charter commissioners  This book is the definitive book about Texas Home Rule City Charters and is used by most Charter Commissions. Although iti is a little out of date now, and does go more thorough into some topics than the Commission needed, it was still helpful. At this time, the focus is on the Model Charter, and the new members are not expected to read the entire Blodgett Book right away, unless they  read the book:  Texas Home Rule Charters By Blodgett  desire to do SO.    AUGUST-SEPT2023  The Commissioners determined during these meetings that they were agreeable to choosing the Form of Governmentfort the new Charter to be Council - Manager Form  The Commissioners: spent asignificant amount oftimec determining the Role/Powers oft the City Manager, the City Councila andt the Mayor, respectively. Commissioners: agreedt tol leavet ther number of Council Members at5, andl leavet theirt terms of office to 3year, ast they arer now. Herea aret the qualifications for  runningf for office:  of Government. The  acandidate must: BeaUnited States citizen, Bel 18 years ofage ord older (to runf for City Council) or21 years ofageo or older (ton run for Mayor) upont the commencement ofthet term tol bef filled atthe (3) Haveb been: aresident ofthe! State of1 Texas andy within thec city limits ofthe City ofLiberty Hillf for: atleast 12 months asofthed deadline for filing fort the office. (4) Noth have beenc convictedo ofaf felony for which! heors shel has not beenp pardoned ord otherwise relcased fromt the resulting disabilities, and (5) Noth have beenf found mentally incompetent bya finalj judgement ofthe Court. There was noi interesti ini requiring eithera filing feef forc city candidates, norv wast there anyi interesti ina 'petition' or 'petition inl lieud off filing fee'. The Commissioners determined byc consensus that they would like City Manager Paul Brandenburg and City Attomey Nella Joseph toopineo ont the proposed" 'required orientation for thej jobofCity Council/Mayor'. The Commissioners werei inf favor ofr requiring training inOpen Mectings Act and Public Information Act, asv well: as appropriate training in Govemmental! Finance and Ethics. Ataf future meeting, the Commission will discusst the bestv waytor require this training. (from the September 11,2023 meeting minutes)  Commissioners discussed Introduction and Preamble and both. The Commissioners have been interested in being exacting, correct, and clear aboutthe proposed language they  the agreed on  want to  propose.  A few things that were agreed upon were:    OCTOBER 2023 REVIEW  IN OCTOBER 2023 -THE  COMMISSIONERS REVIEWED SOME 'DECISION POINTS' THAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED DURING THE MEETING. THEY BEGAN WITH A REVIEW OF THE  WORK OF THE COMMISSION sO FAR:  Chapter 11, Elections. Decisions made already:  Chapter 12 - City Manager Decisions made already:  Mayor will only vote in case ofat tie and will not have Veto power. The Council and Mayor will serve terms of3 years. The Elections will be held int the same fashion as currently, contracting with the County Election Office and will conduct elections accordingto current Statue/Election Code. The elections will continue to be One person, One Vote. Council Members & Mayor elected At Large/by Place. Minimum age to run for City Council = 18 years or older. Minimum age to run for Mayor = 21 years of age or older. a candidate must: Bea a United! States citizen, Be 18 years of age or older (to run for City Council) or 21 years of age or older (to run for Mayor) upont the commencement. of the term to be filled at the election. Have been a resident oft the State of Texas and within the city limits of the City of Liberty Hill for at least 12 months as oft the deadline fori filingf for the office. Not have been convicted ofaf felony for which he or she has not been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities, and Not have been found mentally incompetent bya at final judgement oft the Court. Iflegally possible with 3-year terms, plurality votingi is preferred.  Council / Manager form of Government. City Manager will have residency requirements as established by City City Manager will be appointed. City Manager will serve as CEO of the City. City Manager job criteria will list qualifications and experience, not education and experience.  Council.    NOV-DECEMBER 2023  In November 2023 -the Commissioners voted on the Introduction and the Preamble. Also, Articlel of the Model Charter, Form of Government. They began to discuss 'Powers of the City' including Officers of the City. Agreed on the language for first two sections for the proposed charter: Form of Government, and Powers of the City. In December 2023, the Commissioners submitted ar review of their work for the Year for the December 14th Board and Commission Appreciation Night.  These are their activities and accomplishments: Held first organizational meeting on July 10th, elected officers and completed Board and Committee Member training. Have held 6 meetings. Have currently read Chapters 1-140 of the book Texas Home Rule Charters (2010) by Blodgett. This is considered the definitive book about City Charters in Texas and usually read by Charter Commissions during their work to each meeting, they have reviewed select sections ofa 'Model Charter, customizing itto fit the  Home  compose a proposed  Rule Charter. At  needs of Liberty Hill.    JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2024  In. January, the City Council agreed with the request of the Commission to extend the work oft the Commission into July 2024 and to aim for a target election date of November 2024 for the Election for the voters to consider the proposed Charter. There were several reasons for this decision: Agreed Deadline for completion July 2024 Target Election November 2024 Reasons: -More time to draft -Review and finalize Charter -Provide to City Council -Promotion Campaign:  Here is the proposed draft of the syllabus 2.6.2024 February: Rest of Article IV (Mayor and City Council), begin Article V (Departments, Offices, Agencies) March: Article VI (Financial Management Budget), Article VII (Elections). /Misc April: Article VIII - Charter Amendments, any other remaining Articles -1 Miscellaneous. Joint Meeting with May: Proof/additional review with Council's input June: Review the final draft, make additional changes July: Discussion with City Council - Approval of Charter August: Calling ofElection September/October: Election Education November 5: Election  City Council  10    EDUCATION CAMPAIGN - FIRST  ROUGH DRAFT  Home Rule Charter Education Plan  9D SocialMedio  MediaPubications  Workshops  Events (Requires Volunteers) March23- Capsule Liberty Parke Block Party July3- Booth at Independence Day Spectacular October 19- Booth at Sculpture Festival  DirectMail (fBudget Allows) October- Flyers registered voters hangers on downtown and Liberty Parke homes  February Storyi in April?-City Thel Independent April- Story in Connect LHTX July- Story in Liberty Hill Digest Hall for entire September- Press Release with coverager request to allr media outlets  August- Video September- Video October- -Video October- Voting Reminders  Council Workshop Contribute to Time mailed to all Council Workshop April 20- Bootha at October Door  June 10- City October 8- Town community  11    MARCH MEETING WAS NOT HELD = ASPECIAL MEETING WAS HELD IN  APRIL  Personnel Changes on the Commission resulted in there not being enough members to call a meeting. (There were  April 9, 2024 the Commissioners will host the City Council in a Special Joint Meeting. A presentation for reviewt to bring the Council members Up to Speed will be shown (similar to this?). Council Members who are not seeking re-election will have this opportunity to provide input to the Commission.  fewer than 15)  On March 13 and March 27, Council appointed replacement members. At the April 3, 2024 Special Called meeting, they will be sworn in officially.  12    4) REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS  B) REVIEW, DISCUSSION AND  CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE PROPOSED DRAFT CITY CHARTER / WORKING DOCUMENT. (NELLA  JOSEPH, BRYAN RIVERA)    SEE HANDOUTS FROM NELLA  JOSEPH  What has been approved by the  What is in process/being considered  Commission:  14    WHATIS LEFT?  Introduction Preamble  Article : Powers of the City Article : City Council Article I: City Manager  Article IV: Departments. Office. Agencies Article V: Financial Management Article VI: Elections Article VIE: Role of Public Engagement Article VII: General Provisions Article IX: Charter Amendment Article x: Transition and Severability Appendix 1: Options for Mayor-Council Cities Appendix 2: Context for Social Equity and Local Governance Charter Revision Steering Committee and Working Groups  OBojorquez Law Firm, PC (2023)  15    4) REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS  C) DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO UPDATE THE 6- MONTH SYLLABUS ADOPTED AT THE COMMISSIONS MEETING FEBRUARY 2024.  (E. SIMPSON)    ASTHE COMMISSION STANDS:  Here is the proposed draft ofthe syllabus 2.6.2024 February: Rest of Article IV (Mayor and City Council), begin Article V (Departments, Offices, Agencies) March: Article VI (Financial Management Budget), Article VII (Elections), /Misc April: Article VIII - Charter Amendments, any other remaining Articles - Miscellaneous. Joint Meeting with May: Proof'additional review with Council's input June: Review the final draft, make additional changes July: Discussion with City Council Approval of Charter August: Calling of Election September/October: Election Education November 5: Election  April 9th:  May 13th:  City Council  June 10th:  July 8th: ? August  17    4) REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS  D) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF NEW CITY ATTORNEY FOR THE COMMISSION. (N.JOSEPH)  MS.JOSEPH IS LEAVING THE BOJORQUEZ LAW FIRM AND WILL BRIEF THE COMMISSION REGARDING PLANS FOR CHANGE IN LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THIS  COMMISSION.    INTRODUCTION OF. JOE  19    4) REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS  E) DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO FORMULATE THE PROPOSED AGENDA FOR THE TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024, SPECIAL CALLED JOINT MEETING BETWEEN CITY COUNCIL AND HOME RULE CHARTER COMMISSION. (B. RIVERA, E. SIMPSON, N.JOSEPH)    JOINT MEETING  AGENDA TEMS:  1.) Review of activities and accomplishments of the Commission.  2.) Review of proposed schedule of meetings/syllabus and possible addition of  new/additional meetings to get on track.  3.) Possible scheduling of October Town Hall Style Meeting.  4.)Council Members ask questions and provide input regarding Model Charter.  21