The purpose of this Article is to establish an orderly procedure
for the transition to the new form of government provided by this
Charter. The provisions of this Article address the transition from
the existing form of government to the form of government established
by this Charter. Where inconsistent with the preceding articles of
this Charter, the provisions of this Article shall constitute temporary
exceptions.
This Charter shall be submitted to the voters at the primary
election of 1996, and if adopted, shall take effect on the first Monday
of January 1997. However, to the extent necessary to comply with the
other provisions of this Article governing the period between the
date of adoption and the effective date of this Charter, this Charter
shall be implemented upon the date of adoption.
The Members of City Council elected at the municipal election of 1997 shall be initially compensated at the annual salaries set forth in Article
II. These salaries of elected officials shall continue until changed in accordance with this Charter.
All board and commissions established for or under the authority
of the City before the effective date of this Charter shall continue
to exist and operate unless abolished by this Charter or by ordinance
of City Council. Members of the boards and commissions existing on
the effective date of this Charter and not abolished by its provisions
shall remain in office for as long as their respective terms continue
or until the status of their respective boards or commission shall
be altered by City Council. Vacancies in the membership of such boards
and commissions shall be filled in accordance with this Charter.
The duties, functions and powers assigned by law and not inconsistent
with this Charter are hereby transferred to City Council or to the
Mayor in accordance with this Charter. If a department, office or
agency is abolished by this Charter, its functions, powers and duties
shall be transferred to the department, office or agency designated
by the Charter or, if the Charter makes no such provision, as designated
by ordinance. All departments, offices and agencies shall continue
until abolished or modified.
The City Council in office in 1996 shall prepare and adopt in
1996, the budget for 1997, complying insofar as possible with the
provisions of this Charter. This shall in no way limit the power of
City Council taking office on the first Monday of January 1997 to
revise the 1997 Budget as authorized by law and by this Charter.
In order to effect the transition of government under this Charter,
City Council shall have the power to enact temporary ordinances. A
temporary ordinance may be introduced and passed at any regular meeting
of City Council during the three-month period following the effective
date of this Charter. It shall become effective immediately after
passage and shall automatically stand repealed at the end of six months
after the effective date of this Charter. A temporary ordinance shall
not be renewed or otherwise continued except as in the manner prescribed
by this Charter for the regular consideration and adoption of ordinances.
Within six months after the effective date of this Charter,
City Council and the Mayor shall adopt or enact the codes mandated
by this Charter.