Monday, October 31, 2011
Solid waste millage renewal, city commissioners' terms and filing issues up for vote.
The Nov. 8 election is approaching quickly, and Royal Oak voters will be asked to elect a mayor, three city commissioners and two school board members. They will also decide the fate of four proposals to amend the City Charter. Charter Amendment Proposal A will ask voters to decide on a solid waste millage renewal. Proposals B, C and D deal specifically with the charter itself. Rob Moore of the Royal Oak Charter Review Committee said his group, which comprises four residents at large and Commissioner David Poulton, meets monthly to review the charter. “We are always looking for ways to make it more efficient,” Moore said. Moore said city administrators, such as City Manager Don Johnson, offer the committee recommendations. “Sometimes it is…
Royal Oak voters will be asked to change the beginning and end of city commissioners' terms in office to reduce "lame duck" period.
On Nov. 8, voters will cast their ballots for or against Charter Amendment Proposal B. According to the Royal Oak Charter Review Committee, Proposal B would change the time when city commissioners' terms in office begin and end if approved. Commissioners' terms of office currently expire at noon the first Monday in December after the election. In order not to shorten a sitting official’s term of office, the change would be phased in over the course of several years beginning in 2013. By 2017, all terms would begin at 7:30 p.m. the third Monday after the election. This proposal is designed to reduce the “lame duck” period when a new City Commission is elected and to facilitate a smoother transition. Currently, the City Charter at Chapter …
Sunday, October 30, 2011
The millage covers services including curbside leaf collection, hazardous waste drop-off and storm cleanup.
On Nov. 8, voters will cast their ballots for or against Charter Amendment Proposal A. According to the Royal Oak Charter Review Committee, Proposal A would reauthorize a 1-mill authorization for curbside recycling and other waste services if approved. It would include curbside leaf collection, brush collection, hazardous waste drop-off, street- sweeping and emergency storm cleanup. The millage was first approved in 1991. Proposed Amendment to Chapter 8, Section 11(B) of the Royal Oak City Charter to Allow for a Renewal Refuse Collection, Disposal and Curbside Recycling Millage. The proposed amendment to the Royal Oak Charter, if approved, would allow the City to levy a millage for a period not to exceed five (5) years up to 1.00 mil, to …
Royal Oak voters will be asked to change the petition filing deadlines for candidates in accordance with state law.
On Nov. 8, voters will cast their ballots for or against Charter Amendment Proposal C. According to the Royal Oak Charter Review Committee, Proposal C is a “housekeeping” amendment. If enacted, it would bring the City Charter in compliance with recent changes in state law regarding petition filing deadlines for prospective candidates. The proposed changes to the Charter at Chapter Four, Section 2, if adopted, would make it clear that the Charter recognizes state law for filing deadlines concerning nominating petitions for prospective candidates for city elective office. Shall the proposal be adopted? Yes or No Charter Amendment Proposal A — Would reauthorize solid waste millage. Charter Amendment Proposal B — Would change beginning and …
Royal Oak voters will be asked to decide if candidates should be required to pay filing fees when they turn in their nominating petitions.
On Nov. 8, voters will cast their ballots for or against Charter Amendment Proposal D. According to the Royal Oak Charter Review Committee, Proposal D would require candidates to pay filing fees at the same time they turn in their nominating petitions (4:00 pm on the ninth Tuesday before the election). Currently, the City Charter at Chapter Four, Section 2, requires a filing fee to be paid to the City Treasurer on behalf of each candidate not later than 4:00 p.m. of the ninth Tuesday preceding the election in question. The proposed changes, if adopted, would require the filing fee to be paid to the City Treasurer no later than the same date and time required for prospective candidates for elective office to file their nominating petitions…
