Vote may bring election of 13-person commission to draw up charter for new city government

By Jessica Breger Special to the Monett Monthly

The Monett City Council took the next steps in re-organizing the city government during its Nov. 13 meeting.

The city approved an ordinance calling for the April election asking the question “Shall a Commission be Chosen to Frame a Charter” and if passed, elect 13 commissioners to draw up the charter. 

“This is about changing the form of government from what we have now,” said Mayor Randy Burke. “A month ago, we all unanimously agreed that we needed to do that and we passed an ordinance. And what will happen is it will be on the ballot for the April election.

“What the citizens will be voting on is whether or not they want a commission of thirteen people to write a constitution for the city of Monett.”

The mayor reiterated that the council will not be choosing the commission members, as they will be voted on by the citizens. 

After being selected, the commission will have approximately one year to write the new charter. The charter itself will then go on the ballot to be approved by the voters.

Burke said the ordinance passed in the November meeting provides all the rules for candidates so they can be on the ballot.

The packets opened to the public Nov. 14. Potential candidates must visit City Hall, where they can pick up a packet from the city clerk.

The packets include the ordinances that have passed in October and November pertaining to the restructure. 

It will also include a petition, the number of signatures needed, a notice to candidates for filing and the rules and requirements for filing. Candidates were able to file with the city beginning Dec. 9. 

“What you’re seeing in front of you everyone is the last commission form of government in the state of Missouri, us three,” said Commissioner Darren Indovina. “And, what we’ve brought upon you as a city is a question, will you allow us and yourselves to change city government? Would you like to see a charter form of government in your town?” 

Indovina said there will be many steps along the way for voters and potential commission members. 

“Welcome to city government,” he said directly to attendees. “We’re all in this, in a way, together.”

The council also addressed the role of city officials in the Monett Main Street program. When the program began, the city was very involved, holding two voting seats on the board of directors. 

The ordinance passed at the November meeting retains the two seats, however, it changes them to non-voting positions. 

The change is meant to give the city a voice and involvement without compromising the independence of the Main Street program by removing city power within the decision making processes.

The council made a right-of-way motion that would progress the recently announced addition of an Amazon facility in Monett, as well. 

“This is a $22 million dollar facility and would hire about 100 people,” Burke said.

Regular City Council Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Monett School District Board Room, with video available on the city’s website the following day.