The city of Bryan, at the request of WTAW News, has issued a statement about a citizen’s group effort to have a charter election this November to remove the median on Texas Avenue.
The city statement says there cannot be a direct comment about the petition drive at this time (May 4) because the city has not received signatures.
A city spokesman tells WTAW News that 2,492 signatures are needed. The deadline for city staff to order an election is August 17. There is not a definitive deadline for receiving the petition, but staff would need to receive it with enough time to verify all signatures before August 17.
A news release from petition organizers says the goal is to submit signatures by the end of June.
The city statement says if the election is held and the charter amendment passes, then the city will have a judge evaluate the amendment to determine if it is valid.
The city statement defines the charter as the local version of a constitution. Petition organizers want to add a section to the charter to remove the Texas Avenue median from Rosemary to south of Highway 21.
Statement from the city of Bryan as requested by WTAW News:
The City of Bryan has not received a petition for a charter amendment and as such cannot comment directly on specific petitions.
A city charter is the fundamental governing document of a city, like a local constitution. It establishes the city and defines its function, setting out the authority and powers of the city, structure of the government, and process by which the government exercises its authority. The charter cannot conflict with state or federal constitutions and laws, nor obligate the state or federal government.
Regular operations of the city and financial decisions are not included in charters. Rather, city ordinances are used to regulate budgets, administrative matters, safety and specific public conduct.
If a valid petition for a charter amendment is filed, a city will be required to hold an election, incurring the expense associated with holding the election, even if the petition proposes something to be included in a charter that the city has no authority to regulate. If such an amendment passes in the election, the city will need to expend additional funds for a court to evaluate the proposed amendment and determine whether it is valid.