Title
Matters relative to adding a recall provision to the City Charter
Body
SUMMARY:
At the request of City Council, the City Manager and City Clerk met with Suzanne Smith from the Cumberland County Elections Commission regarding the request by Councilman Souza for the voters to have a "confidence" vote on the current members of Council. She contacted the State Election Commission and there are no provisions in State law or the City's Charter to conduct such an election.
The City Manager and City Clerk have researched other avenues for the Council in the future. After reviewing other city's recall provisions, they have put together proposed legislation drawing from other cities and the model charter for "Modified City Manager-Council" under Tennessee Code Annotated. The proposed legislation would require a petition signed by at least 33% of the registered voters, posting of a cash bond to cover the costs should the vote fail, and an affirmative vote of 66% of the voters to be effective.
It would be recommended that its addition to the City Charter be voted on in November at the same time as the charter change regarding term limits. Senator Burks and Representative Sexton have been contacted and the bill can be filed during this session of the General Assembly.
BUDGET ACCOUNT: Not applicable
Recommended Action
NECESSARY COUNCIL ACTION: Approve resolution.