BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Monitor Editor
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS— The Keystone Heights Charter Review Committee added two new issues to its list of proposed changes to the municipality’s governing document during its July 21 meeting.
One rule would prevent council members from directing the work of staff members other than the city manager. The proposal is based on a current Clay County government policy.
“So, this rule would make a firewall between the city council and the workers underneath the city manager’s authority,” said Charter Review Committee Chair Larry Peoples.
The second proposal would increase the threshold for city purchases that require a bid. Now, the city must seek bids for all purchases over $10,000.
City Attorney Rich Komando said that some vendors are not responding to low bid requests because the small purchase amounts are not worth the time required to respond to the bid request.
The committee also clarified ballot language on two proposed charter amendments they agreed upon in earlier meetings.
One would create a censure policy to reprimand council members who exhibit unacceptable behavior. A second proposal would change the mayor’s position from one chosen by voters in a city-wide election to one selected by the council.
The Charter Review Committee recommends changes to the city’s governing document. All proposed changes recommended by the committee must be approved by voters during an April 11, 2023, election to take effect.
