BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Starke’s charter review process got underway with an orientation last week, led by City Clerk Chrissy Thompson.
City Manager Drew Mullins joined Thompson along with Commissioner Bob Milner in thanking committee members for their interest in serving and all they will contribute during the process. The result of that process will be proposed revisions for the city commission to consider placing on the ballot next November.
The goal is a very different document. Thompson said the city’s attorneys have already been at work cutting much of what is no longer relevant. The final charter will be streamlined from more than 70 pages to around a dozen. That is how insignificant most of the charter language has become in the nearly 100 years since it was last reviewed.
What is in the remaining pages will be heavily influenced by the 10 charter committee members. They represent a cross section of the community although many also have a lot in common, like Brenda Donaldson and Glenda Ruise, both of whom are retired after serving more than 30 years in the school system. Courtney Williamson has worked in Bradford schools and is now a stay-at-home mom.
Most committee members have roots in Bradford County, but only one was named for it. Bradford “Brad” Smith is the sheriff’s chief deputy, and Jeff Johnson is the city’s former police chief, who said the charter review is long overdue. Michael Heeder also works for the sheriff in the emergency management office.
Harry Hatcher III is retired from business but on staff at First Baptist Church, and Samantha Caldarelli is retired from UPS and has spent recent years taking care of her mother. She sees the committee as an interesting opportunity to serve outside her home, while Al Hunter’s life of service includes 20 years with the U.S. Air Force and his current support of the local American Legion. And Jennifer Weller has served disabled adults at The Arc of Bradford County.
While the attorneys can weed out the outdated language about obsolete roles, what will remain are the committee’s ideas about how the city should function. Thompson discussed a short wish list from management that included holding all city election in November of even-numbered years to align with state and federal elections. This should improve voter turnout as well as eliminate the cost of contracting with the county supervisor of elections in odd-numbered years, according to Thompson.
The other request is that the language be plainly understood so it is clear what they are asking voters to approve next year.
Committee members are being provided with materials to study, including charters from other cities and guides on various forms of city government.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 4 p.m. at city hall. The meetings are open to the public, and input is welcome. Thompson will try to live stream the meeting on her Facebook page where you can also watch city commission meetings.
