by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Like the first day of school, the initial meeting of the Charter RevisionCommission Tuesday was full of introductions, rules and discussion of what the next eight months will entail.
City Council President Ronnie Fussell, who chose the 15-member commission approved by Council, introduced key City staff members who will work as aides for the project while likening the commission’s endeavor of looking over the City’s charter for potential changes to a visit to the doctor.
“It’s a major checkup,” said Fussell, regarding the commission’s duty, one that takes place every 10 years. “It’ll be poked, punched and dissected to see how each specific area is functioning. My goal was to not have a specific agenda, but instead how it’s working as the body together for the citizens.”
If any of the 26 areas of the charter aren’t functioning as they should, said Fussell, it is up to the commission to review it and offer recommendations on how to make it better.
“That’s my charge to you,” said Fussell to the commission. “It’s a major checkup and it’s something our founding fathers thought well enough to include in our charter and it’s a great thing.”
Deputy General Counsel Steve Rohan was introduced as a liaison for the group and gave a brief explanation of the Sunshine Laws, which the commission is subject to even as an advisory board. With the legal and government experience many of the members have, though, Rohan said he didn’t foresee any problems on the subject.
Prior to individual introductions, Commission chair Wyman Duggan expressed his thanks to Fussell on behalf of the commission for the opportunity, something each member echoed.
“It’s an obligation we all take seriously and are looking forward to,” said Duggan. While many of the commission members knew or were somewhat familiar with each other, not being as familiar with everyone will be key to the upcoming discussions.
“It really is a diverse group of people,” said member Martha Barrett, a former Duval County School Board member. “I knew over half of them coming in. I’m really looking forward to what everyone has to say and getting started.”
The clock starts ticking on the eight-month project June 30. The first working meeting is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. and Duggan announced that prior to the commission jumping in the charter for their thoughts and views, he wanted to hear the public’s thoughts and concerns and will use the meeting to do so.
“That’s the time it’s scheduled for,” said Duggan, “but I want to hear from all of them (the public).” The public can also submit comments via e-mail at [email protected].
The next meeting will take place in late July when the board will discuss concerns as individuals before potentially breaking up into subcommittees for larger issues, which Duggan said he believes will be a better use of time.
“I was pleased with how the meeting went,” said Duggan. “It’s kind of like the first day of school and getting prepared. I’m very impressed by the group here and absolutely ready to get started.”
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