The Davidson Town Board on Tuesday took the first step toward a charter change that would lengthen mayoral and commissioner terms from 2 to 4 years and stagger seats so not all commissioners are elected at once. The board also approved the nomination of two new directors to the MI-Connection Communications System board.

Commissioners also:

• Tabled a proposal to end a three-year-old ban on front-yard fences in the old part of town, known as the Village Infill planning area.
• Took no action on a proposed letter of agreement with Community One Bank that would have delayed a rezoning for the bank-owned former Davidson East project, off N.C. 73. (Download a copy of the agreement letter (PDF), CLICK HERE » )
• Accepted Cotton Gin Alley, off Catawba Avenue behind South Main Square, as a town street.
• Adopted a resolution in support of the proposed Mecklenburg County Joint Capital Master Plan.
• Heard a presentation from Police Chief Jeanne Miller on an upcoming review as the town seeks accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement.
• Observed a presentation that designated the Woodlands at Davidson development, off N.C. 73 and Mayes Road, as the nation’s first certified “Wildlife Friendly Development.” The award was given by the N.C. Wildlife Federation, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commssion, and the N.C. chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

CHARTER CHANGE ON THE WAY?

The board voted 5-0 in favor of a resolution signaling that it plans to change the town charter to allow four-year terms for the mayor and commissioners, instead of two-year terms. The change also would stagger commissioners’ terms by splitting the seats into three and two elected in alternate elections every two years. (Download a PDF copy of Tuesday’s resolution here)

Commissioner Connie Wessner asks the town manager a question during Tuesday's meeting as Commissioner Tim Dreffer listens. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Town Manager Leamon Brice said in a presentation Tuesday night that the rules can be changed simply through a vote of the Town Board. He proposed a timetable that could lead to adoption of the change in June, which means it could take effect for this November’s election.

Currently all five commissioners and the mayor are elected every two years. A charter change this June would not alter the terms for the current board, since all their seats are up for election again this fall. But it would affect the length of any additional terms incumbents win: The mayor and commissioner candidates who get the most votes on Nov. 1 would get 4 year terms. Candidates who finished third through fifth would get two-year terms, and their seats would be up for grabs again in two years. After that, those seats would be four-year terms.

As word of the proposed charter change spread this week, some Davidson residents have raised concerns. Some worry that four-year terms would reduce commissioners’ accountability. Others think citizens should have a chance to vote on the change.

Mr. Brice said North Carolina does not require a referendum for charter changes like this one, though it does allow such a vote. That could happen either by the board’s own choice, or if 10 percent of registered voters in town sign a petition seeking a vote. (Davidson had 8,046 registered voters as of the last election, so a petition would need more than 800 signatures.)

In a citizen comment period early in Tuesday’s meeting, resident Bobby Cashion told commissioners he thinks voters should decide on any change in terms. “I would ask that you consider doing a referendum. You’re changing the charter of the town. I think this optically will do everybody good – having everybody decide versus having five people decide,” Mr. Cashion said.

One other speaker, resident Rodney Graham, said he agrees. He did not say more at Tuesday’s meeting, but in a comment on DavidsonNews.net earlier Tuesday, he said: “If commissioners want longer terms, then just do a good job and get re-elected to multiple two-year terms. … There is a referendum process and I am quite sure a number of concerned citizens will be joining forces to make sure this change is put to the voters.”

When the board took up the resolution later in the meeting, Mayor John Woods said the idea of longer terms actually grew out of the citizens committees that helped develop the town’s Comprehensive Plan two years ago. “This has been discussed and kicked around, and we’re now at a point where we can consider action on that issue,” Mayor Woods said.

Mr. Brice said longer terms would make sure the board had experienced members at all times. It also would reduce campaign costs for commissioners, reduce staff devoted to orientation, and give board members more time to lead and complete long-range projects.

Longer terms would create “more stability,” give commissioners more time to learn the issues, and boost the experience and effectiveness of an elected body, Mr. Brice said. Meanwhile, some potential candidates may shy from public service because of the cost and energy required to run every two years. Four-year terms could reduce that barrier, he said.

Mr. Brice showed a series of charts comparing the governance practices of N.C. towns similar in size to Davidson. A use 4-year staggered terms for their elected officials, Mr. Brice said.

Arguments against changing, Mr. Brice said, are that it still would create the possibility for a change in the majority, that the town might have trouble finding candidates willing to commit to a 4-year term, and the potential for a public outcry over the perception that longer terms would reduce accountability.

Four-year terms also could mean that voters would have to wait four years to replace ineffective candidates, Mr. Brice said.

The resolution approved Tuesday sets a public hearing on the proposed ordinance for Tuesday, May 10, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. The Town Board would consider approval at its June 14 meeting, also at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.

Citizens at any time could initiate a petition to call for a referendum, Mr. Brice said. If the board or petition requires a vote, it could be held simultaneously with the Nov. 1 election. Several commissioners observed that could make it a bit confusing for candidates: They would not know until the results are in on election night whether they’ll serve two years or four.

Charter change schedule

This a timeline of past events and the schedule the board would follow if it decides to amend the town charter by only a board vote, according to Town Manager Leamon Brice’s presentation Tuesday.

Nov. 23, 2010 – Board hears presentation and begins discussion of concept

April 12, 2011 – Adopt resolution of intent

April 27 – Publish public hearing notice

May 10 – Public hearing

June 14 – The Town Board would vote to adopt the charter change.

July 1-15 – Candidate filing period for Nov. 2011 town board election

Nov. 1 – Election

Dec. 13 – Top 2 vote getters and mayor take oaths for 4-year terms, 3 members take oath for 2 year terms. All future terms 4 years.

MI-CONNECTION BOARD

Tuesday’s Davidson Town Board vote confirmed as MI-Connection board members  D. Brett Ellis of Huntersville and Steve Miller of Cornelius. They will replace current chair John Kasberger and Rick Howard, both of Mooresville, who announced last week they are stepping down from the board.

The vote cleared the way a Wednesday night MI-Connection board meeting, where the new members will be seated alongside returning directors John Venzon (treasurer), Ken Essex (secretary) and Dawn Huston.

Mr. Miller currently holds a non-voting seat on the board, but now gets a voting seat under changes to the board structure the two towns approved last month.

MI-Connection’s board also will expand by two more voting members – to include the town managers from Davidson  and Mooresville.

RELATED COVERAGE

April 11, 2011, “MI-Connection board to seat new members Wed.

April 11, 2011, “Town Board to take 1st step toward 4-year terms.”