Willow Park commission confirms submission schedule, asks attorney for quick review ahead of Jan. 27 council deadline

The Willow Park Home Rule Charter Commission on Jan. 14 confirmed its plan to submit a clean charter package to the city council on Jan. 27 and discussed the steps required to meet election and publication deadlines.

Chair told the group a state deadline of Feb. 13 is the final date to add items to the May 2 ballot, and that the commission intends to print and mail a copy of the charter to every registered voter in advance of the election. The commission discussed whether mailed copies must be translated into Spanish; the Chair said his research did not identify a general legal requirement to mail bilingual copies unless the city is predominantly bilingual.

Commissioners pressed for prompt legal review after several members flagged 14 provisions they considered to carry heightened statutory or litigation risk. The Chair said the full package has been sent to the city attorney and asked for a timely response; commissioners requested a turnaround by Friday or Monday so they would have time to incorporate any last edits before a planned Jan. 21 final meeting. The Chair committed to post a clean, un‑redlined draft online and circulate it to members and the city attorney.

Earlier in the meeting the commission approved draft minutes from Jan. 7 by voice vote. The commission also reviewed other charter sections — including council size, the mayor’s voting role, and the definition of "qualified voter" (proposed as a permanent resident within city limits who is registered to vote in Parker County) — but deferred most procedural specifics to implementing ordinances and city council action.

Next steps include posting the cleaned draft, sending it to the city attorney for review, requesting confirmation that flagged items are resolved, and reconvening Jan. 21 if attorney comments require additional edits. The Chair said the city’s general fund will cover the cost of mailed copies of the charter.