Minutes 09/12/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 12, 2023  In order to eliminate confusion over something as important as candidacy filing deadlines, it is proposed to amend the Charter so as to conform to the state law filing deadline – 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday in June. Discussion:  To initiate a Charter amendment, state law requires that City Council adopt a Resolution requesting the General Assembly to adopt legislation modifying the Charter.  In addition to changing the filing deadline in Section 3.02 or the Charter, the proposed amendment also requests the General Assembly to make three other modifications: Change the deadline for filing the names and addresses of Campaign Treasurers o to match the new candidacy filing deadline (Section 3.02). Change a reference from “Chapter 9” of Title 24.2 of the Code of Virginia to o “Chapter 9.3” of Title 24.2 of the Code of Virginia (Chapter 9 was repealed in 2006 and the Code provisions referenced are now part of Chapter 9.3) (Section 3.02). Change the timeframe for City Council to make an appointment to fill a Council o vacancy from 60 days to 45 days. The Charter currently provides for 60 days, but Section 2.2-228 of the Virginia Code provides for 45 days, so amending the Charter to match the state code will avoid any future confusion about the applicable timeframe (Section 3.04). Financial impact:  N/A. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the Resolution. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The adopted Resolution will be forwarded to the City’s legislative delegation so that a bill to amend the Charter can be submitted for consideration by the General Assembly. Motion by Ms. Lucas-Burke, and seconded by Mr. Hugel, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: “RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA BY AMENDING SECTION 3.02 REGARDING NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR AND SECTION 3.04 REGARDING CITY COUNCIL VACANCIES. BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia: That the General Assembly of Virginia is hereby requested to amend the Charter of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, as follows: 1. Amend Chapter 3. City Council, section 3.02 (Nomination of candidates), as shown on Exhibit A hereto; and 2. Amend Chapter 3. City Council, section 3.04 (City Council vacancies), as shown on Exhibit A hereto.” Ayes: Barnes, Hugel, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Tillage, Whitaker, Glover Nays: None - New Business - 23 - 287 - Boards and Commissions  There were no appointments.