Charter Review 2013/07/31ANAHEIM CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Thursday, July 31, 2013
6:00 p.m.
Anaheim City Council Chambers
200 Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim 92805
The meeting notice, agenda and related materials were duly posted on July 26, 2013.
PRESENT: Committee Members: Todd Ament, Tom Dunn, Amanda Edinger, Craig Farrow,
Ernesto Medrano, Keith Olesen. Member Gloria Ma'ae joined the dais at 6:16 p.m.
STAFF: City Manager's Office: Paul Emery, Assistant City Manager and Margie Otto, Senior
Analyst; Linda Andal, City Clerk; Michael Houston, City Attorney; and Raphael Sonenshein,
Consultant
1. Call meeting to order. The meeting of the Charter Review Committee of July 31, 2013
was called to order by City Clerk, Linda Andal at 6:07 p.m. in the Council Chambers of
Anaheim City Hall located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
2. Introductions. Self- introductions by city staff, consultant and Charter Review
Committee members.
3. Public Comments. None.
4. Elect Committee Chair and Vice Chair.
Member Farrow nominated Todd Ament to Chair (AYES — 7. NOES — 0). With no further
nominations, Member Ament was elected Chair.
Chair Ament nominated Ernesto Medrano to Vice Chair (AYES — 7. NOES — 0). With no further
nominations, Member Medrano was elected Vice Chair.
5. Overview of Committee Reference Binder.
City Attorney, Michael Houston provided a brief overview of the content tabs included in the
reference binder provided to the committee: i) General overview, advising that the Political
Reform Act applied to this committee and recusal on votes could apply and should be
addressed with the city attorney, ii) summary of rules of order, iii) Brown Act summary which he
mentioned he would discuss in greater detail as reflected in the agenda, iv) various council
reports, v) Council transmittals, vi) foundations of a Charter City, vii) comparison between
general law cities and charter cities viii) printed hard copy of the city charter; ix) personal
financial gain and x) transparency laws which he pointed out that as an officer of the city, the
committee was subject to the public records act and as such, communication received or sent in
connection with their official capacity could be subject to disclosure, with some exceptions.
Meeting of the Charter Review Committee
July 31, 2013
Page 2 of 3
6. Brown Act Presentation.
City Attorney, Michael Houston provided an in -depth overview and purpose of the Brown Act,
advising that all meetings of the committee shall be open and public. In response to Member
Farrow's inquiry regarding discussion by less than a quorum, Mr. Houston provided examples of
a chain serial meeting and hub and spoke -type serial meeting, as well as what would not
constitute a meeting. Discussion regarding meetings ensued and Mr. Houston advised that best
practice would be to avoid communication in mass to avoid problems from arising. He outlined
the rules of agenda items and non agenda items, public comments, closed session providing
that the committee would not have items of closed session, and consequences of violating the
Brown Act.
7. Overview of Charter Review Process / Committee's role.
Raphael Sonenshein, consultant, explained the role of the Charter Commission occurred at set
intervals, was temporary, and must create its own success. He advised he would focus on the
big picture and would share ideas for the commission that he believed would be helpful. Mr.
Sonenshein provided information on the attributes of successful committees, including the
dynamics and communication between members. He recommended the committee remain
flexible and open to items brought before the committee during the course of the process.
Mr. Sonenshein shared the process would have three parts — committees work, what the city
council would do with the committee's work, and what the electors would do with the
committee's work. Discussion took place regarding the planning of future committee meetings,
advising the committee that staff would work based on the Committee's direction, as well as
discussion about outreach and the benefits of reviewing comparable charter cities.
8. Overview of Anaheim's Charter Structure.
Mr. Sonenshein provided a brief overview of Anaheim's Charter for purposes of familiarizing the
committee with the various charter sections of the charter, advising that the committee would
have future meetings to discuss specific sections of the charter in depth.
9. Approved proposed meeting calendar.
City Clerk, Ms. Andal presented two proposed meeting calendars for approval; a Wednesday
calendar and Thursday calendar.
Member Dunn moved to adopt the Thursday calendar, seconded by Member Farrow. VOTE:
AYES — 7. NOES — 0. Motion Passed.
Further discussion regarding availability ensued and Member Ma'ae motioned to amend the
previously approved calendar to revise the next Committee meeting date from August 15 to
Meeting of the Charter Review Committee
July 31, 2013
Page 3 of 3
August 22 and return to the Committee with additional revisions to the calendar to
accommodate for the stated conflicts. Member Farrow seconded. VOTE: AYES — 7. NOES — 0.
Motion Passed.
10. Approve meeting minutes.
Member Edinger moved to approve the July 18, 2013 meeting minutes, seconded by Member
Medrano. VOTE: AYES — 7. NOES — 0. Motion passed.
11. Committee Comments / Staff Comments.
Member Farrow thanked Mr. Sonenshein for his presentation.
Member Ma'ae apologized for arriving late and thanked everyone for their time and the privilege
to be a part of the committee.
Member Dunn was appreciative of the availability of staff during this process and Mr.
Sonenshein's expertise.
Chair Ament thanked staff for their work and the committee for electing him Chair.
12. Adjournment. At 8:06 P.M. Chair Ament adjourned the meeting to August 22, at 6:00
p.m., Anaheim Council Chambers.
Re e tfully submitted,
Jvm
Linda N. Andal, CMC
City Clerk