GALENA PARK – After months of contentious meetings, since Mayor Moya took office in July, the City Council held two orderly meetings in the last week to conduct the city’s business.
Last Thursday’s meeting was a special called meeting, to receive and discuss a report from the Charter Review Committee on recommendations for Amendments to the City Charter. This Tuesday’s meeting was only normal business.
The committee presented 22 amendments, of which the council decided to approve and forward 18 for inclusion on the ballot in the May 9th general municipal election. No office holders are up for re-election this term, so this will be the only item on the ballot.
The 22 Amendments follow, briefly stated. All were approved except as noted:
1. Change the Commission’s name to City Council.
2. Establish a Department of Community Development to oversee development, planning, and building code enforcement.
3. Establish a Fire Department, with a Fire Chief and Fire Marshal and prescribe duties.
4. Establish a Police Department with a Police Chief, and prescribe duties.
5. Provide for conflict resolution between charter provisions.
6. Change the term of office for Mayor and Council to 3 years instead of 2, stagger terms, and have term limits.
Ernesto Paredes was appointed the new Galena Park director of Parks and Recreation, by City Council at their meeting last Tuesday.