Is it time for a charter convention?

So , you ask what is a charter convention?

Municipalities that previously adopted home rule have a city charter. It probably has amendments which the community’s voters approved over the years. The charter is the “Bible,” so to speak, where policies, procedures, requirements and the like are found all together in a single governance document for the particular municipality. It has such provisions as the number of city council seats, their terms of office and how they are to be elected. Also, it establishes the type of local government which most commonly under home rule is the councilmanager form of government. It sets forth how city departments are to be created, the key responsibility of the city manager and much, much more.

CROSS CURRENTS

or disapprove to keep specific provisions updated, the city has the authority to call a charter convention. Such an action by the city council would cause a group of Westminster citizens to be authorized to review the entire city charter and propose specific changes to resolve old issues, clarify vague language and even propose changes to help “stay in tune with the times.”

Ultimately, Westminster voters would need to decide the outcome of the revised city charter.

Perhaps a goal for 2024 approved the public financing system in Nov. 2018.

10 miles per hour, the current fine of $60 would go to $120. Speeding of 10-19 mph over the speed limit would change from $160 to $320 while speeding of 20+ mph would change from $250 to $499 - the maximum civil penalty allowed for a single traffic offense or infraction.

Staff initially recommended designating one location in each of the four city wards. They are Fox Run Parkway (Ward 1), Larson Lane/112th Place (Ward 2), Community Center Drive (Ward 3) and Melody Drive (Ward 4).

As described by backers of the proposal, it was to help empower regular residents while limiting the influence of large campaign contributors.

With our fast changing society - like for example the introduction of email on the Internet back in the 1980’s - a community’s city charter can become outdated over time.

Changing times warrant updating governance document

In Westminster, the voters approved establishing a home rule government with a city charter in 1957. A group of citizens were then charged with drafting a city charter which ultimately was adopted by the voters in 1958. At that point in time, Westminster was a sleepy, semi-rural bedroom suburban community of approximately 10,000 residents.

Today, the city houses approximately 117,000 residents plus the city went from being in one county to two and from one school district to three. The land area expanded from less than four square miles to more than 31 square miles.

As you can imagine, many aspects of the 1958 community have changed as we move forward in 2023. That is 65 years.

While individual charter amendments have been and can be submitted to voters to approve

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I know this idea is not a part of the city council’s 2023 Strategic Plan, since they just reviewed this year’s plan on Jan. 30. However, I want to plant a seed for Westminster and other home rule municipalities. While I know it would involve a lot of work, perhaps it is timely to call such a charter convention in 2024. For Westminster, such major considerations could potentially include introducing a more equal geographical representation of council members. Some configuration of at-large and district or wards could be included in the updating of the charter.

Anyway, it’s something to think about.

Northglenn eyes “Safety Sensitive Zone” program

The City Council recently reviewed a unique proposed traffic safety which would clamp down on speeders at specific geographical location in Northglenn. The program would be to “address certain areas that pose a public safety risk based on the combination of high traffic volume and/or dangerous speeds with pedestrian traffic.”

The proposed ordinance to implement the program would establish mandatory enhanced penalties for traffic citations and speeding violations. Fines would be doubled on those roadways designated as a safety sensitive zone. The fine would be mandatory with no option to plea bargain while the points involved in the infraction may be reduced on the discretion of the municipal prosecutor.

Doubling fines for speeding

For speeding violations of below

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The intent of the program is “focus on changing motorists’ behavior—sends a strong message to violators that speeding will not be tolerated, enhance current patrol/traffic unit enforcement efforts, financial deterrent for the motorist and clearly signed, visible reminder that reducing speeding traffic is a priority of the city.”

Specific signs would be included for the designated areas to alert motorists. The four speed radar flasher signs that show both speed and volume of traffic cost approximate $10,000 each. Funds are available in the 2023 Budget to cover the costs.

A comprehensive community outreach and awareness program has been included in staff’s work up for this new program. I applaud the City of Northglenn to implement this “tough on speeding” effort to let the motoring public know that the city is focused on reducing speeding.

More cities should consider this extra effort to deal with speeding motorists. Speeding is a universal issue and concern for towns and cities and more enforcement is badly needed.

Unique approach to partially “level the playing field”

Candidates for city council universally complain about an “unlevel playing field.” What they are talking about is the issue of uneven campaign dollars to power their campaigns. Usually, there are a couple or a few who are able to raise “big bucks” while the rest are left with small or mediocre dollar amounts.

The City and County of Denver previously addressed this dilemma with the establishment of the Fair Election Fund. Voters

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This coming April’s Denver election will be the first time funds will be disbursed to all candidates who are willing to accept the funds. The money comes from the city’s general fund based on an annual appropriation of $2.88 per Denver resident per year. There are built-in caps on the amount candidates can receive from the city fund. Mayoral candidates may get up to $750,000, at-large council candidates are limited to a top set of $250,000 and City Council candidates from wards may receive up to $125,000 according to Denver’s elections handbook. Funds were distributed recently matching more than 11,000 contributions of $50 or less to qualifying candidates totaling over $4.2 million. The small contributions are matched on a nineto-one ration which turns a $50 contribution into a $500 amount.

Creating a larger mix of candidates

I think the general concept of distributing public funds to candidates on an equitable basis has merit. First, it plays down the large contributors. Secondly, it encourages small contributions based on whatever amount the municipality wishes to set with the approval of the voters. Thirdly, it opens up the opportunity for some candidates to run who otherwise would not be able to “afford” to single handedly finance their own campaign.

In the end, it is likely to produce more candidates and perhaps a more diverse set of choices. It’s not for every community, but I applaud Denver and its residents in being willing to provide tax dollars to help more candidates throw their hat in the ring. It’s a concept which is worthy of discussion at many council study session tables.

Bill Christopher is a former Westminster city manager and RTD board member. His opinions are not necessarily those of Colorado Community Media. You can contact him at bcjayhawk68@ gmail.com.

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