City Council Minutes 2001 08 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting August 21,2001 Page 8 Mayer asked for City Attorney for clarification on the issue. City Attorney Light stated the provision is a verbatim restatement of an existing section of the current Ethics Code, except for the use of the phrase "public body member," otherwise both phrases are exactly the same. Mayer stated that there would be some vigorous debate over the Charter. He noted that he has just received a copy of the final document and needs to review it thoroughly. He concurred with Councilman Howard that the Charter would govern the City. Howard noted that in that particular section, the Charter did not define personal and private. City Attorney Light stated that the State Ethics Code has a provision that officers of a statutory city would need to be recused in situations involving personal interests. Howard asked if the Charter has stipulated a reasonable view. Light stated that if there were a situation that went to litigation, a Judge would look at the provision of the Charter. Levihn stated that a number of the Council members have not had an opportunity to review the finalized Charter, and the City Attorney needs time to provide a legal opinion on the questions asked this evening. He noted that there is a lengthy agenda, and asked that Council move on with the next agenda item. City Attorney Light advised Council on the statutory requirements that pertain to Home Rule Charters. He stated that within 30 days, or by September 20, 2001, the Council is required to publish and give notice of an election to the voters. Within 60 days, a ballot title must be set and an election must be held within 60 to 150 days from this evening. Light explained that Staff has discussed procedures and inclusion of the documents for Council consideration to allow the Charter to appear on the November 6th ballot. He anticipated that on September 4, 2001, a Resolution to fix the ballot title would come before Council. He noted that the entire Charter would be published in the Louisville Times. Light stated that the only action required this evening is that the Council accept the Charter. MOTION: Brown moved that Council accept the Charter, seconded by Levihn. All in favor. Howard voted no. With respect to the Charter, Sisk stated that he appreciated the candor expressed by all the citizens. He noted that the Charter would be studied, discussed and debated for the next three months.