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C. Allen Watts <br />, Esquire, briefly summarized how county government evolved over <br />the years. He also talked about duties of the Clerk of the Court and responsibilities of county <br />government in the early years before growth became an issue. <br /> <br />Attorney Watts <br /> talked briefly about Charter government in Florida, pointing out <br />that about 80-85% of Florida’s population is under Charter government. He felt the one thing <br />pertinent to today’s discussion was that under the Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act <br />of 1985 every city and county has to have a Comprehensive Plan. He advised that the Board of <br />County Commissioners could not adopt a Charter they could only propose one. He said the <br />Constitution is very specific that only by a vote of the people could they adopt, amend or repeal a <br />Charter. A Charter can be proposed by the Legislature, by Charter Commission or an Ordinance of <br />the Board of County Commissioners. <br /> <br /> <br />Attorney Watts <br /> stated that the Draft Charter for review is being presented in the <br />form of a proposed ordinance complete with a ballot summary and questions. He pointed out that <br />the main rule for the Ballot Question is, it needs to be clear, not misleading, and has to be 75 words <br />or less. <br /> <br />Attorney Watts <br />presented the Draft Charter providing detailed explanations of all <br />additions and deletions to the draft document. <br /> <br />The Chairman called a break at 10:39 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 10:56 a.m. <br />with all members present. <br /> <br />(Clerk’s Note: Chairman Wheeler announced that they would approve the Consent <br />Agenda, move to Item 13.A.1 discuss whether or not there would be a public hearing for Charter <br />government and come back to this item). <br /> <br />May 1, 2007 32 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />