back to charter committee home page

CHARTER ISSUES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MARCH 28, 2002

MINUTES

Volusia County Library Support Center
1290 Indian Lake Road
Daytona Beach, Florida 32124
5:30 p.m.

Roll Call

The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Jon Kaney at 5:40 p.m. Those present were Jack Ascherl, Doug Daniels, Senta Goudy, James Huger, Charles Matousek, Allen Watts, Linda White, Matt Greeson and Dona DeMarsh from the County Manager’s Office, and Dan Eckert County Attorney. Also present was Dr. T. Wayne Bailey, Advisor to the Committee, Lyda Longa, Jim Cameron, John Williams, and Ludi Lelis.

Approval of Minutes of the Meeting of March 18, 2002

Jimmy Huger made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Senta Goudy seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Discussion Regarding the Position of Chair of the Volusia County Council

Matt Greeson gave a brief overview of the materials that were distributed at the previous meeting as well as those that were mailed to the committee members.

The committee decided to create a "moving paper" as a method for discussion and development of the proposed changes to the charter. Allen Watts began the discussion by saying that he felt that the Chair should be able to succeed themselves. The committee agreed with that suggestion.

Senta Goudy proposed that the Chair be elected At-Large by popular vote.

Jack Ascherl stated that the Council elects the "leader of leaders". He feels that this provides the best potential for a team to work together.

Jimmy Huger shares Mr. Ascherl’s opinion regarding the Chair.

Senta Goudy stated that when the Chair is elected by the Council, they could be elected by 1/5 of the county rather than the whole.

Linda White stated that she felt that accountability is a key part of the Chair being elected at large and that when elected at large, the Chair is more accountable to the people rather than to just their peer group.

Charles Matousek stated that he had read the annotated charter which gives history and background on each of the points in the charter. First, we were a smaller county, and at the time only larger counties had popularly elected Chairs. The second reason related the Chair relationship to the mayor/city relationship.

Allen Watts stated that he felt that a Chair elected by Council is similar in nature to the electoral college. He continued on to say that the County has a much larger population than when the charter was first created and that there is a much greater population living inside cities.

Linda White stated that the demographics of our county have changed and with a popularly elected Chair that diversity has a better chance of being represented.

Jimmy Huger stated that when he was Chair sectionalism was not a factor and that it did not matter if you were elected by a district because as Chair, you represented the entire county.

Jack Ascherl agreed with Mr. Huger. He went on to say that once elected to the Council, members look at things on a County-wide basis. He stated that the two At-Large members do provide a broader picture. His concern is that a county-wide election would bring involvement of special interests.

Doug Daniels stated that an elected Chair has greater clout and authority. He felt that district members elected as Chair by the Council have a conflict of interest. He also stated that special interest groups have an easier time influencing four votes for a Council elected Chair, than influencing the entire county for a popularly elected Chair.

Senta Goudy stated that the County’s role is becoming more important. She stated that the Council members function in a full-time capacity rather than a part-time role, partially due to the $33,000 salary they receive. She feels that the motivations for serving have changed.

Dr. Bailey asked the committee if they were looking for a Chair for the County Council or a Chair of the County. He urged them not to make the County Manager role less viable.

Jon Kaney pointed out to the committee that the two members opposing the popularly elected chair position are both past Chairs of the County Council.

Charles Matousek stated that while small decisions are easier to make, he recommended making bolder changes. Senta Goudy agreed.

Allen Watts reminded the committee of Dr. Bailey’s term "administrivia." He feels that the County Council is getting into the minute parts of decision making – forcing themselves into a full-time role. He stated that Council members used to be part-time and were largely broad policy makers. Most members agreed that County Council is getting too involved in minutia.

After discussion a tentative vote was held on the following proposal: The County Council Chair shall be elected by popular vote. The proposal passed with Jimmy Huger and Jack Ascherl voting no.

Jimmy Huger stated that he felt there should be no changes to the responsibilities of the County Manager. All members present voted yes.

Allen Watts stated that he felt that the term of office for the Chair should be four years. All members were in favor of that proposal.

Jimmy Huger stated that the Chair should only succeed themselves once. All member voted yes except Senta Goudy.

Under the issue of the authority and responsibilities of the County Council Chair, Jack Ascherl stated that he felt it should be left as is. Senta Goudy agreed with the addition of an annual Quality of Life/State of the County report. Jon Kaney suggested looking at the responsibilities outlined in the Broward County Charter. It was suggested that a comparision of chair’s job descriptions be compiled. It was determined that as time was short, this discussion would be on the agenda for the next meeting.

Public Participation

John Williams asked the committee to look at the issue of partisan elections. Jon Kaney stated that this is one area the County Council asked that the committee not discuss.

Jim Cameron provided all members with a copy of the Halifax Chamber position statement on the charter issues.

With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

back to county council home page

 

Comments or questions?
E-mail the

Volusia County, Florida.