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Between 65 and 70 persons braved zero cold Wednesday night to attend a public hearing on a proposed home rule charter for Jefferson City that will be the subject for a special election on Feb. 10. Ralph Kalberloh, chairman of the 13-member commission that has drafted the charter, opened the meeting by outlining some of the important features of the document. ~ Provision for a director of administration, a professional city administrator to be ap pointed by the mayor and to have authority to appoint most department heads. Election of five members of the city council at large, though all 10 members would be nominated from within their respective wards. Councilmen would serve without salary. Provision for framework to establish eight administrative departments to allow for future city growth, : Four-year terms for elected officials instead of two-year terms, except for the city at torney, City elections every two years, instead of annually, Provision to accomplish annexation by amendment to the charter, obviating the necessity for filing suit in cir cuit court. Establishment of a revolving fund to finance public improvements to avoid bond issues. —Authority for the Planning and Zoning Commission to establish a system of mapped streets, prohibiting any type of construction in areas designated for future street development. Provisions for iniiative, referendum and recall. Establishment of a merit system for practically all city employes except department heads. Election of city officials on a non-partisan basis, , with nomination by petition rather than political party primary election. — Retention of the Park Board ‘exactly as it is now constituted. Authority for the city council to license any businesses within the city, not just those spelled out in the state constitution for third class cities. Council authority over salaries and city budget as well as taxing power as provided by state statutes. Kalberloh seemed to sound a keynote for the meeting when he noted, “I can’t tell you that I'm totally in favor of every aspect of this charter. However, every ‘provision in the charter has been approved by ‘at least nine of the commission mem bers, and we feel It is workable document. remember, once It is adopted, the charter can be amended at any time by vote of the people.’ As discussion developed, it appeared that Kalberloh's comments represented a con sensus of the group. Several questions were asked as to why the commission had decided on a director of s ad ministration appointed by the mayor, rather than a city manager appointed by the city council. There was repeated reference to a poll conducted by the News Tribune which showed considerably more support for a city manager.” Bee CHARTER, page 5:
Newspaper Details
Jefferson City Post Tribune
Jefferson City, Missouri, US
Thu, Jan 08, 1970
Page 9
Full Page
Clipped by
Charity W.
USA 27 Jun 2026
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